Transportation Inspector SY2026-27 (NBOE)

Newark Board of Education•Newark, NJ

10d

About The Position

The Newark Board of Education is seeking a Transportation Inspector for its Office of Pupil Transportation. The position is governed by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission, and a new hire will initially be placed as a provisional employee. The employee must complete a 120-day working test period and successfully complete the designated probation period to remain in the position permanently. The position is for twelve months, pending availability of funds and Board of Education approval. Under direction, the Transportation Inspector conducts inspections and investigations to ensure that passenger vehicles, transportation services, and related operations comply with applicable codes, regulations, and safety requirements. Duties include monitoring school bus routes and stops, reviewing vehicle and personnel compliance, investigating complaints and accidents, documenting findings, and recommending improvements to transportation services. The role also prepares reports, may issue summonses and testify at hearings, and may assist with safety training and vehicle repair coordination.

Requirements

Graduation from high school or vocational school, or possession of an approved high school equivalency certificate.
Ability to prepare clear and accurate reports and learn from oral and written explanations and demonstrations.
Ability to use electronic and manual recording and information systems.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the job; American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered acceptable forms of communication.
Knowledge of the State Motor Vehicle Code and applicable laws governing student transportation and school bus driver training.
Knowledge of NJDOE and NJDOT laws, rules, and regulations related to assigned activities and contracting pupil transportation services.
Interpersonal skills, including tact, patience, and courtesy; ability to interact professionally with students, the public, school bus personnel, and district and Commission employees.
Ability to observe and communicate safe driving practices and methods, review routes for efficiency, investigate complaints, solve problems, and suggest solutions.
Ability to professionally defuse potentially hostile situations.
A New Jersey-valid driver's license is required only if operating a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties.
A valid Commercial Driver's License and applicable endorsements may be required for the class and type of vehicle operated.

Nice To Haves

Five or more years of school bus driving experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Inspect taxicabs, buses, limousines, and other passenger vehicles in the field for compliance with applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations.
Register or license applicants as needed, including taking background and driving histories.
Inspect parking lots for compliance with operating hours, rates, and other applicable regulations.
Physically inspect passenger vehicles for cleanliness and general safety, and report needed repairs.
Investigate public complaints about drivers and determine whether complaints warrant legal action or a warning.
Maintain complaint records and copies of reports and summonses; issue summonses and testify in court or at related hearings as needed.
Prepare clear, accurate, and informative reports concerning vehicle inspections.
Observe vehicles along routes to check that service is provided according to schedule and recommend service improvements, including additional buses, route changes, or revised schedules.
Learn and use electronic and manual recording and information systems used by the agency or related units.
Visit routes to monitor the loading and unloading of children on vendor and district school buses.
Ensure vendor school buses meet state and federal safety standards and vendor personnel meet state and federal driving and training requirements.
Conduct scheduled and unscheduled route and drop-off location visits and submit monthly reports of findings.
Conduct safety checks of bus stops to identify hazardous conditions.
Document deficiencies and non-compliance and notify a supervisor so that investigations or enforcement action can be undertaken.
Assist the supervisor with safety-related training for Omnibus Operators and train assigned personnel.
Help coordinate repairs to district vehicles with the maintenance vendor.
Respond to school bus accident scenes and conduct field investigations of vehicular accidents involving school buses.
Conduct field investigations of complaints against contracted school bus companies serving district students.
Perform other duties and tasks assigned by the supervisor.