Bus Driver Instructor

Queen Anne's County Public Schools•Centreville, MD

About The Position

Under limited supervision of the Supervisor of Transportation, the Bus Driver Trainer will prepare candidates through instruction and ongoing training to obtain and maintain the QACPS certification as a school bus driver and/or school bus attendant, as required by COMAR 13A.06.07. The incumbent develops and delivers safety presentations and instruction for in-service and pre-service meetings and conducts behind-the-wheel training. The Bus Driver Trainer manages all departmental activities associated with the certification, employment and induction process for QACPS and contractor bus staff in accordance with all federal, state and local requirements. The Bus Driver Trainer utilizes the QACPS evaluation process to ensure safety standards are met by bus personnel and provides corrective action as needed. This position responds to emergency situations and works collaboratively with school administration to provide safe transportation and excellent service. In addition, the Bus Driver Trainer provides training for and oversight of driving performance for all system-owned vehicles. Coordinates the receiving, inspecting, processing and storing of materials, supplies and equipment in the Operations Center.

Requirements

High school graduate or GED
Five (5) years of satisfactory experience as a school bus driver in Maryland.
Must possess and maintain a valid Maryland CDL, class "B" with a "P" endorsement along with a "S" endorsement driver's license.
Must possess an acceptable Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) driving record.
Must possess a current classroom instructor's School Bus Trainer certification issued by the MSDE and Transportation Service Branch or pledges to complete the MSDE School Bus Driver Instructor Workshop and the required behind-the-wheel program as soon as the class is made available to be taken.
Must annually pass any required physical exams, including but not limited to, an annual USDOT driver's physical; meet all Federal, State and local school bus driver requirements.
Possess thorough knowledge of the operation and mechanical functioning of school buses.
Possess thorough knowledge of laws, rules and regulations pertaining to the operation of school buses.
Must have extensive experience in driving various school buses.
Must have and maintain all required special needs certifications.
Must have extensive experience in driving various school buses.
Possess excellent communication and human relations skills; conforms to confidentiality ethics.
Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Word, Access, Excel and PowerPoint.
Demonstrated ability to direct and supervise employees.
Strength and health adequate for lifting packages and other heavy items at a minimum of 50 pounds.
Ability to maintain and organize an inventory system.
Pleasant and professional manner.
Have a current above average performance rating and supervisor's recommendation.

Responsibilities

Trains, evaluates, and certifies drivers and bus attendants to transport QACPS students and authorized personnel.
Develops and conducts classroom and behind-the-wheel training for new applicants as per COMAR and QACPS requirements.
Develops and conducts pre-service and in-service safety meetings in compliance with MSDE/COMAR requirements.
Maintains all records for compliance with all federal, state and local requirements.
Instructs and supervises driver trainees to drive school buses leading to the successful passing of the Maryland Commercial Driver's licensing examination to include air brake, passenger and school bus endorsements.
Plans and provides in-service training experiences to Operation Center personnel and contracted/county bus drivers.
Prepares training materials on safety, customer service and student management for students with and/or without intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Presents information in a variety of instructional formats e.g., role playing, group discussions, videos and lectures.
Supervises and evaluates driver performance through an on-board school bus evaluation process in alignment with COMAR and QACPS requirements.
Explains and expertly demonstrates standard driving skills and safe driving practices.
Trains divers in safety procedures related to the transportation of school children including use of safety devices, approaching stops, loading and unloading and the use of emergency equipment.
Reports on routes, equipment, schedules and conditions which face the drivers.
Maintains training records and evaluates drivers at the end of the training period.
Plans, organizes and records work in an orderly written manner.
Assists in evaluating road conditions during inclement weather.
Serves as a substitute bus driver/attendant as necessary.
Assists in maintaining the County fleet of vehicles for staff use and ensuring that vehicles are clean and safe to operate at all times.
Coordinates inspections of all school vehicles in accordance with COMAR.
Individual must be eligible for certification as a bus driver instructor by the MSDE in accordance with COMAR.
Audits route performance of school vehicle drivers and recommends safe bus stops and bus locations.
Responds to accident scenes and investigates school vehicle accidents.
Complies information to complete accident reports for submission to appropriate agencies.
Ability to handle stressful situations and make appropriate decisions in emergency situations.
Assists supervisory staff of Student Transportation in school bus routing and scheduling.
Assists in the planning of the inventory standardization program for equipment and supplies housed at the Operations Center.
Plans and directs the distribution of equipment and supplies for the Operations Center.
Prepares reports on the activities of the Operations Center.
Represents the Operations Center on appropriate Board of Education committees.
Evaluates complaints on Operational Center services and takes appropriate action.
Assists in the recruiting, screening, recommending for hiring and training of all Operation Center staff.
Assists in evaluations of staff members.
Performs other duties as assigned.