Safety Manager

First Student•Newark, NJ

40d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is being recruited in support of a pending Essex County paratransit contract opportunity. Employment is contingent upon First Student being awarded the contract. Candidates may be contacted and interviewed prior to the contract award; however, an employment start date will not be confirmed until the award and implementation timeline are finalized. At First Student, safety is the foundation of everything we do. Our Safety Managers work directly with drivers, operations leaders, and employees to strengthen safety performance, improve training, and ensure our transportation services meet regulatory and company standards. This position will support the Essex County Paratransit operation, a 47-vehicle community transportation program serving passengers throughout the area. The Safety Manager is responsible for overseeing driver safety, training, regulatory compliance, accident investigation, and ongoing employee development for the Essex County Paratransit operation. This role provides hands-on safety leadership and driver instruction while supporting safe, compliant, and professional transportation service. The successful candidate will bring significant experience in transportation safety and driver training, along with a strong understanding of paratransit operations, defensive driving, ADA transportation requirements, and passenger assistance.

Requirements

Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in one or more of the following: Transportation safety, Driver training, Community transportation, Paratransit operations, Public transportation, Commercial vehicle operations or a closely related transportation field
Demonstrated experience with: Driver instruction, Accident investigation, Safety management, Regulatory compliance, Defensive driving, Passenger assistance techniques, ADA transportation requirements, Employee training
Strong communication and presentation skills.
Ability to effectively coach and train employees with varying levels of experience.
Strong organizational and documentation skills.
Ability to identify safety concerns and implement appropriate corrective action.
Ability to work collaboratively with drivers, operations leadership, customers, and regulatory partners.
Must possess and maintain a valid New Jersey Commercial Driver License (CDL).
Must maintain an acceptable driving record and remain qualified to operate applicable company vehicles.
English proficiency.

Responsibilities

Lead and support the location’s safety and driver training programs.
Provide initial, refresher, remedial, and ongoing training to drivers and transportation employees.
Conduct behind-the-wheel driver instruction and safety evaluations.
Train employees on defensive driving techniques and safe vehicle operation.
Provide instruction on passenger assistance techniques and proper passenger securement procedures.
Train employees on ADA transportation requirements and accessibility standards.
Conduct accident and safety-event investigations and maintain appropriate documentation.
Identify safety trends and recommend corrective actions to reduce risk and improve performance.
Coach drivers and employees following safety events, observations, or performance concerns.
Monitor driver performance and compliance with established safety standards.
Support employee qualification and regulatory compliance requirements.
Maintain required safety, training, and driver documentation.
Assist with safety meetings, employee development, and ongoing safety initiatives.
Work closely with operations leadership to address safety concerns and improve overall performance.
Promote a strong safety culture throughout the Essex County Paratransit operation.
Perform additional safety, training, and operational responsibilities as required.