About this role
JOB GOAL: To promote the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of the Little Rock School District's transportation program by providing comprehensive driver training, evaluating driver performance, coordinating transportation operations, conducting safety and compliance audits, maintaining required transportation records, and supporting the Department of Transportation in meeting all applicable District, state, and federal requirements. The Driver/Trainer/Auditor serves as a critical link between driver training, transportation operations, safety, and regulatory compliance and is responsible for ensuring that District drivers possess the knowledge, skills, certifications, and professional standards necessary to safely transport students. TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Twelve (12) month, 240-day contract, plus a benefits package. Salary Range 113 $40,533 - $70,461 NOTE: Precise placement within the salary range will be determined based on experience and education. FLSA: Exempt QUALIFICATIONS: Education
• High school diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor's Degree preferred.
• Additional coursework, training, or education in transportation, safety, supervision, education, or a related field is preferred.
Experience
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience holding a valid CDL, preferably with school bus experience.
• Successful experience operating a school bus or other commercial motor vehicle.
• Experience in driver training, transportation operations, dispatching, route coordination, safety, or compliance is strongly preferred.
• Experience conducting driver evaluations, road tests, accident investigations, or safety audits is preferred.
• Must have satisfactory employment references covering the previous five (5) years.
Licensure/Certification
• Must possess and maintain a valid Commercial Driver License (CDL) with the appropriate endorsements and qualifications required to operate District school buses.
• Must maintain all required state and federal certifications applicable to the position.
• Must maintain an acceptable driving record.
• Must meet all applicable requirements for school bus drivers and transportation personnel established by the State of Arkansas and the Little Rock School District.
• Must successfully complete required District, state, and federal training.
Such alternatives and additions to the above qualifications may be deemed appropriate by the Superintendent. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may require. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: The following statements of duties and responsibilities are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. These statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required of all personnel within this position.
• Driver Training and Professional Development
• Develop, coordinate, and deliver comprehensive classroom and behind-the-wheel training for new and experienced school bus drivers.
• Prepare and present training for employees seeking or maintaining a Commercial Driver License (CDL) and applicable school bus qualifications.
• Provide orientation and initial training to newly hired transportation employees.
• Conduct refresher, remedial, and corrective training for drivers as required.
• Coordinate annual and periodic driver training and professional development activities.
• Develop training materials, presentations, demonstrations, assessments, and hands-on activities.
• Provide field-based training addressing safe vehicle operation, student loading and unloading, emergency procedures, defensive driving, railroad crossings, passenger management, and other transportation safety requirements.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of training programs and recommend improvements.
• Maintain training records and identify areas requiring additional emphasis or individual retraining.
• Driver Assessment and Evaluation
• Conduct driver assessments and annual evaluations in accordance with District requirements.
• Evaluate driver knowledge, skills, judgment, safety practices, and compliance with applicable certification requirements.
• Conduct road tests and behind-the-wheel evaluations for prospective and current drivers.
• Determine driver readiness to independently operate District vehicles.
• Provide constructive feedback and develop individualized retraining recommendations when deficiencies are identified.
• Monitor driver performance and recommend appropriate corrective or remedial training.
• Assist with the recruitment, screening, orientation, and training of new drivers and transportation aides/monitors.
• Safety and Compliance Auditing
• Conduct transportation safety and compliance audits to ensure adherence to District policies and applicable state and federal regulations.
• Maintain documentation necessary for internal reviews and state or federal transportation audits.
• Review driver qualifications, certifications, training records, physical examination documentation, driving records, accident records, and other required transportation records.
• Monitor compliance with CDL, student transportation, vehicle safety, and driver qualification requirements.
• Identify deficiencies and develop recommendations for corrective action.
• Assist the Director of Transportation in preparing for state, federal, and other regulatory audits.
• Monitor vehicle safety conditions and report concerns involving brakes, tires, lights, fluids, emergency equipment, and other safety-related components to appropriate transportation personnel.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and regulatory compliance throughout the Transportation Department.
• Transportation Operations and Route Coordination
• Coordinate bus routes, special transportation assignments, field trips, noon runs, evening runs, and other transportation services.
• Maintain and monitor trip logs and transportation assignments.
• Assign field trips and other special transportation requests in accordance with established procedures.
• Assist with route planning and adjustments when transportation needs change.
• Serve as a dispatcher when needed, including during the absence of transportation dispatch personnel.
• Answer transportation-related telephone calls and provide assistance to drivers, aides, monitors, schools, and other District personnel.
• Operate the transportation base station and mobile radio system when performing dispatch responsibilities.
• Communicate transportation changes, emergencies, delays, and operational information to appropriate personnel.
• Driver Records and Documentation
• Prepare, maintain, review, and distribute required forms and reports concerning employee driving records.
• Maintain accurate records of driver training, testing, evaluations, certifications, physical examinations, accidents, complaints, and remedial training.
• Prepare documentation required for state and federal transportation audits.
• Analyze driver records to identify trends, deficiencies, training needs, and areas requiring additional emphasis.
• Ensure transportation records are accurate, current, organized, and maintained in accordance with District procedures and applicable retention requirements.
• Accident and Incident Investigation
• Assist with or conduct investigations of transportation accidents, incidents, safety complaints, and other reported concerns.
• Review accident reports and related documentation to identify contributing factors and potential corrective actions.
• Evaluate driver performance following an accident or safety-related incident.
• Recommend remedial or additional training when appropriate.
• Prepare reports and provide findings to the Director of Transportation and other appropriate administrators.
• Assist with emergency response and transportation-related safety situations.
• Vehicle and Passenger Safety
• Promote safe student transportation practices and ensure drivers understand District safety expectations.
• Monitor compliance with safe loading and unloading procedures.
• Assist with identifying potential transportation hazards.
• Respond appropriately to emergency situations involving District vehicles or passengers.
• Assist drivers with resolving student behavior and safety issues when necessary.
• Promote safe ingress and egress of students and passengers.
• Report vehicle safety concerns to appropriate maintenance or transportation personnel.
• Dispatch and Communication Support
• Provide dispatch services when needed.
• Monitor and communicate through transportation radio systems.
• Maintain communication with drivers, aides, monitors, schools, administrators, and transportation personnel.
• Coordinate transportation responses to breakdowns, accidents, route changes, emergencies, and unexpected operational issues.
• Provide accurate and timely information to Transportation Department leadership.
• Program Improvement and Team Support
• Work collaboratively with Transportation Department personnel to improve driver training and transportation operations.
• Identify innovative strategies to increase driver engagement, retention, safety awareness, and effectiveness.
• Evaluate training practices and recommend improvements based on driver performance, audit findings, accidents, complaints, and operational data.
• Participate in Transportation Department meetings and planning activities.
• Assist with resolving transportation problems and operational challenges.
• Provide backup driving services when needed and appropriately qualified.
• Perform other transportation-related duties as assigned by the Director of Transportation.
Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent will possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Mental Functions, Physical Requirements, and Working Conditions: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, go up and down stairs, operate foot and hand controls, use a telephone and write. Occasionally, the employee must lift and/or move up to twenty (20) or more pounds. This position requires accurate perception of sound, near and far vision, depth perception, handling and working with educational materials and/or objects, and providing oral information. Must have the ability to work for the duration of the daily contracted time period, and to be physically present and at assigned work, with only infrequent unexcused absences, during the contract year. Additional technical skills, knowledge, and abilities may be recommended by the immediate supervisor and approved by the Human Resources Director.