Cluster Lead Driver

Arlington Public Schools•Arlington, VA

About The Position

JOB DESCRIPTION: Human Resources announces an opening for 1.0 Cluster Lead Driver; 12-months, Grade E-08 position located at the Transportation Services Office. Cluster Lead Driver supervises all Bus Drivers, Bus Attendants and other personnel regularly assigned to the cluster, as well as temporarily assigned on-road personnel, to ensure that all routes and runs of the cluster are made safely, timely, effectively and efficiently. RESPONSIBILITIES: (May not include all duties performed): Recommends hiring of, and other personnel actions concerning, the Bus Drivers and Bus Attendants assigned to the cluster; trains, assigns, reviews and evaluates the work of employee(s), and performs related supervisory functions; Uses pertinent modules of planning/scheduling software (currently edulog) to ensure complete coverage of cluster by appropriate vehicles and proper vehicle staffing. Ensures cluster operations at the bus lot adhere to pre-trip and post-trip procedures of all types – operator level checks and services, ‘bus-keeping’, etc. Maintains radio contact with assigned Bus Drivers, Dispatch and schools served; updates drivers on ‘environmental conditions’ (such as weather, traffic, etc.), special requirements, etc.; provides written and/or oral instructions to temporarily assigned personnel; provides special instructions; and performs related communication-information functions, all as deemed necessary or as required by established procedures. Prepares or collects and maintains or forwards associated documentation, such as attendance sheets and training logs. Keeps abreast of driving and training records of personnel assigned to the cluster. Observes Bus Driver and Bus Attendant performance in the field, aboard bus and from fix ground locations. Conducts ride-along check-ups. Notes compliance with safety and vehicle operation requirements/standards, the rules of the road, driving habits, defensive driving techniques, special equipment operation, student service orientation, Bus Driver-Bus Attendant teamwork, etc. Identifies group and individual training needs and coordinates response with Driver Training. Conducts behind-the-wheel training of Bus Drivers and in-bus training of Bus Attendants as opportunities or individual needs arise – demonstrates proper techniques, critiques driver/attendant performance in terms of knowledge/skills exhibited, etc. Stays abreast of developments directly affecting APS school bus transportation operations of the cluster, including but not limited to driver/attendant licensing or training requirements; basic vehicle/fleet data; basic road network data; and standards and issues emanating from APS principals at the schools served; and other sources and issues (such as complaints). Notes impact and takes appropriate action. Responds to traffic accidents and serious incidents (known or alleged misbehavior by subordinates, passengers, parents, etc.); assesses situation; coordinates on-scene and by radio; takes immediate action, as appropriate to procedures and the situation; and reports (to Transportation Services). Collects or forwards traffic accident report forms and bus incident report forms, and maintains associated records. Drives a school bus to transport students, as needed, during driver shortages, to maintain own skills, in emergencies, etc. May operate a sedan or pick-up truck to get to field locations to board a bus, observe a bus in operation from the road, a bus stop or other fixed location, etc. Uses a computer, radio and telecommunications devices for various operational functions – planning, scheduling, communicating, (light) word processing, researching (Internet), etc. Uses authorized modules of route planning and scheduling software (currently edulog) to obtain information about routes/runs, enter and access performance data, etc.; software usage is mostly in the forms of straightforward look-ups and data entry. May act as, or for, the Transportation Operations Manager, as assigned. Performs related duties, as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge of, and skill in, supervising people and resources in the effective provision of student transport (bus routes and runs) in support of instructional operations, cluster-wide; or ability to rapidly acquire such knowledge/skill. This includes knowledge of/skill in supervision at the first-level of supervision to supervise subordinates.
Knowledge of school bus transportation needs of students (including students with special transport needs) and bus transportation operations (such as routing, dispatching, operator level checks and services, safe bus operation and student safety) to supervise day-to-day K-12 student transport operations of the cluster of assignment.
Knowledge of, or ability to rapidly acquire knowledge of, baseline aspects of key Federal and State regulations, Arlington School Board policies, and APS PIPs, initiatives, guidelines and standards applying to K-12 student transport as they pertain to daily work of Bus Drivers and Bus Attendants. These include but are not limited to knowledge of baseline Federal requirements and standards governing transportation accessibility, APS PIP 50.5-1 (Pupil Transportation), transportation issues related to support of students with special needs under APS PIP 25-4.4 (Special Education Programs and Services), applicable CDL permit requirements, traffic laws, basic motor vehicle operation regulations and the rules of the road, State/local bus driver/attendant training requirements/objectives, school bus operator level checks (such as pre-trip and post-trip inspections) and services, and emergency procedures for Bus Drivers/Bus Attendants, altogether, in sufficient breadth and depth to ensure that student transport operations of the cluster adhere to core Federal and Virginia requirements and standards and specific APS and Transportation Services policies and procedures for safe, timely, effective and efficient student transport.
Knowledge of, or ability to rapidly acquire knowledge of, road networks, traffic patterns, locations of schools (and key transport-related factors linked to them) and related geographic and demographic information pertinent to transport of K-12 (and younger) students in Arlington County, altogether, in sufficient breadth and depth to supervise daily cluster transport operations.
Journey level skill in operation of passenger buses exceeding 15 occupants (including the driver), with air brakes, and in operation of appurtenances (including but not limited to those designed for disabled passengers), to assess driving of Bus Drivers, assess driver training needs, coordinate training with Driver Training, provide performance improvement and ‘opportunity’ training, serve as a Bus Driver and perform related functions.
Skill in problem solving to select, organize and logically process relevant information (verbal, numerical or abstract) to solve a problem. This includes ability to recognize subtle aspects of problems, identify relevant information and make balanced recommendations and decisions. Examples include ensuring complete coverage of cluster operations daily; assessing adherence of cluster personnel to on-road and off-road procedures and requirements (such as operator checks and services and ‘bus-keeping’); assessing individual training needs; coordinating or providing appropriate training in response; resolving principal/parent complaints about student transport operations of the cluster or referring them to higher echelons, with input, for resolution; and coaching and counseling subordinates.
Skill in written communication to understand written information (including instructions, descriptions and ideas), and to express such information in writing so that others will understand. Examples include reading technical manuals, administrative program materials (such HR and EEO publications), accident/incident reports, and routine correspondence; and writing accident/incident reports, personnel management information (such as performance evaluation comments), routine correspondence, etc.
Skill in oral communication to understand verbal information (including instructions, descriptions and ideas), and to express such information verbally to diverse audiences so they will understand. This includes skill in giving clear, complete and concise instructions to subordinates, conducting training by using various verbal and non-verbal communication techniques to facilitate understanding and learning; and the ability to listen ‘actively’ and encourage effective oral communication by others, such as complainants and subordinates.
Interpersonal skills to interact with contacts in a businesslike, customer service-oriented manner by establishing and maintaining effective working relationships and working in harmony with supervisors, staff, students and the general public.
Skill in using a computer, modern office suite software (such as MS Office), and radio and telecommunications devices to plan, schedule, communicate, word process (light word processing only), research (Internet), etc. This includes basic skill in using transportation routing/planning/scheduling software for straightforward operational purposes, such as information look-ups and data entry.
Ability and willingness to work as a Bus Driver, as needed, which may include split shifts and evenings/nights.
A high school diploma or Certificate of General Educational Development (GED) or an equivalent combination of education, experience and training, and four years of progressively responsible experience in bus transport operations, including two years as a journey level driver of passenger buses requiring a Class B CDL with air brake endorsement and substantive experience in leading journey level bus drivers (or equivalent education, experience or training demonstrating ability to serve as Cluster Lead Driver with first- level supervisory responsibilities) are required.
Experience working with people of diverse backgrounds and tailoring and delivering work products and services to meet the needs of diverse groups is required.
A Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL), with passenger bus endorsement, air brake endorsement and school bus endorsement is required after placement in the position in accordance with established procedures.
Having and maintaining negative test results for alcohol and controlled substance use; and Possession of a satisfactory driving record that shows that: Within the preceding five (5) years, the driver has not been convicted of a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances (or a comparable or stronger infraction, such as driving while intoxicated); Has not been convicted of a felony, or has not been assigned to any alcohol safety action program or driver alcohol rehabilitation program, and Within the preceding twelve (12) months, the driver has not been convicted of two (2) or more moving traffic violations or has not been required to attend a driver improvement clinic by the Commissioner, Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, or any other authority in the Commonwealth, or to attend a comparable regimen by comparable authority in another licensing jurisdiction.

Nice To Haves

Experience using knowledge of Arlington County road networks, neighborhoods, school boundaries and other local information directly related to effective transport of K-12 students is desired at the time of placement into this position.

Responsibilities

Recommends hiring of, and other personnel actions concerning, the Bus Drivers and Bus Attendants assigned to the cluster; trains, assigns, reviews and evaluates the work of employee(s), and performs related supervisory functions
Uses pertinent modules of planning/scheduling software (currently edulog) to ensure complete coverage of cluster by appropriate vehicles and proper vehicle staffing.
Ensures cluster operations at the bus lot adhere to pre-trip and post-trip procedures of all types – operator level checks and services, ‘bus-keeping’, etc.
Maintains radio contact with assigned Bus Drivers, Dispatch and schools served; updates drivers on ‘environmental conditions’ (such as weather, traffic, etc.), special requirements, etc.; provides written and/or oral instructions to temporarily assigned personnel; provides special instructions; and performs related communication-information functions, all as deemed necessary or as required by established procedures.
Prepares or collects and maintains or forwards associated documentation, such as attendance sheets and training logs.
Keeps abreast of driving and training records of personnel assigned to the cluster.
Observes Bus Driver and Bus Attendant performance in the field, aboard bus and from fix ground locations.
Conducts ride-along check-ups.
Notes compliance with safety and vehicle operation requirements/standards, the rules of the road, driving habits, defensive driving techniques, special equipment operation, student service orientation, Bus Driver-Bus Attendant teamwork, etc.
Identifies group and individual training needs and coordinates response with Driver Training.
Conducts behind-the-wheel training of Bus Drivers and in-bus training of Bus Attendants as opportunities or individual needs arise – demonstrates proper techniques, critiques driver/attendant performance in terms of knowledge/skills exhibited, etc.
Stays abreast of developments directly affecting APS school bus transportation operations of the cluster, including but not limited to driver/attendant licensing or training requirements; basic vehicle/fleet data; basic road network data; and standards and issues emanating from APS principals at the schools served; and other sources and issues (such as complaints). Notes impact and takes appropriate action.
Responds to traffic accidents and serious incidents (known or alleged misbehavior by subordinates, passengers, parents, etc.); assesses situation; coordinates on-scene and by radio; takes immediate action, as appropriate to procedures and the situation; and reports (to Transportation Services).
Collects or forwards traffic accident report forms and bus incident report forms, and maintains associated records.
Drives a school bus to transport students, as needed, during driver shortages, to maintain own skills, in emergencies, etc.
May operate a sedan or pick-up truck to get to field locations to board a bus, observe a bus in operation from the road, a bus stop or other fixed location, etc.
Uses a computer, radio and telecommunications devices for various operational functions – planning, scheduling, communicating, (light) word processing, researching (Internet), etc.
Uses authorized modules of route planning and scheduling software (currently edulog) to obtain information about routes/runs, enter and access performance data, etc.; software usage is mostly in the forms of straightforward look-ups and data entry.
May act as, or for, the Transportation Operations Manager, as assigned.
Performs related duties, as assigned.