Driver Trainer (One Or More) @ Transportation, 8 Hrs, Cont.

Spokane Public Schools • Maintenance, WA

9h • Onsite

About The Position

The Driver Trainer conducts new and ongoing training for school bus drivers and operates school buses or other district vehicles on designated routes and special trips to transport students safely and efficiently. The role promotes legal, non-aggressive defensive driving, conducts safety inspections, and ensures students’ safety during transport, loading, and unloading. The position reports to Transportation Supervisors and Managers.

This is a continuing, 12-month school-year position scheduled for 8 hours per day (260 days). Daily start and end times are to be determined and may vary with program and district needs. The position includes classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction, trainee evaluations, and support for driver certification and compliance with applicable state requirements. It may also substitute for regular drivers and assist with transportation operations, incident response, and long-range planning.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid Washington State Class B Commercial Driver’s License with applicable P and S endorsements.
• Current Washington State School Bus Driver Authorization (OSPI).
• Ability to maintain valid school bus driver certification in accordance with state regulations.
• Knowledge of district policies and procedures; federal and state pupil-transportation laws; school bus operations; fleet maintenance principles; and safety standards.
• Knowledge of basic first aid practices, procedures, and techniques.
• Knowledge of emergency management and crisis response procedures.
• Knowledge of safe driving practices.
• Ability to read and write at a level necessary to perform the required duties.
• Ability to understand and independently carry out oral and written instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain proper student conduct on school vehicles.
• Ability to drive a school bus safely and efficiently and exercise good judgment and extreme caution while driving.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively perform the duties.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people contacted while performing the duties.
• Ability to perform frequent sitting, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, handling, and repetitive fine motor activities; communicate by hearing and speaking in person or over telephone/radio; monitor passengers and operate a vehicle; and lift, carry, push, or pull adaptive equipment and students.
• Ability to remain seated and maintain concentration for extended periods while operating buses, and to bend, kneel, or crouch to inspect and wash buses.
• Ability to exert up to 10–25 pounds occasionally, 10 pounds frequently, and negligible force constantly.
• Fingerprint background check required.

Nice To Haves

• Three years of experience as a school bus driver or in transportation, logistics, fleet, or related operations preferred.
• Washington State Driver Trainer Certification and Third-Party Examiner certification preferred or required as determined by the district; may be obtained within two years of employment.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate trainees’ behind-the-wheel performance to confirm required skill levels and compliance with state school bus driver authorization.
• Organize annual bus driver in-service training and assist the Director of Transportation with monthly staff training meetings.
• Provide classroom and behind-the-wheel training during trainee events and employee in-services.
• Train drivers on pre-trip and post-trip inspections, including checking fluid levels, tire pressure, and vehicle exterior condition.
• Substitute as a school bus driver or operate other transportation vehicles when regular drivers are unavailable.
• Attend meetings, training, and in-services to maintain skills, meet authorization requirements, and convey information.
• Monitor bus electronic equipment, including video, GPS, route compliance, and ridership systems, to investigate incidents, complaints, or accidents and resolve or recommend resolutions.
• Assist the Transportation Department in developing extended-range goals aligned with district priorities and operational goals.
• Respond to calls and emergency situations, ensuring an appropriate response and requesting assistance as needed.
• Perform reasonable-suspicion assessments of drivers reporting to work.
• Assist with driver evaluations and provide job knowledge to help ensure drivers meet basic skill and state certification requirements.
• Assist other personnel and perform other assigned duties to support an efficient and effective work environment.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage through SEBB for eligible employees.
• Vacation, sick leave, personal days, and paid holidays may be available in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement.
• Multiple medical plan options from providers such as Kaiser Permanente WA, Premera Blue Cross, and the Uniform Medical Plan.
• Vision and dental plan options.
• Standard life and AD&D insurance at no cost to the employee.
• Optional employee-paid Dependent Care Assistance Program, supplemental life and AD&D insurance, long-term disability insurance, and Medical Flexible Spending Arrangement.
• Free, confidential counseling, consultation, and referral services through the Employee Assistance Program for eligible employees and dependent family members.
• Participation in the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems public pension plan, with a lifetime pension or a hybrid pension and investment option.
• Optional retirement savings through the DRS Deferred Compensation Program or a 403(b) plan.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED