TRANSPORTATION VAN DRIVER

Arlington Public Schools•Arlington, VA

About The Position

Human Resources announces an opening for a 1.0 FTE Transportation Van Driver. This is a 198-days, Grade D-07 position located within the Department of Transportation. GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES Operates a specialized, non-commercial student transportation vehicle (a van, an SUV or a similar vehicle) to pick-up, transport and discharge students (primarily) and other passengers for Arlington Public Schools (APS); typically, passengers have special needs. Obtains route/run trip assignment and instructions; checks out vehicle and prepares for run including performance of operator level pre-trip checks and services; effectively and safety operates vehicle by adhering to timelines, traffic laws, rules of the road, defensive driving techniques, etc.; maintains radio contact with the dispatch unit and the supervisor; monitors passenger behavior to ensure order and safety; completes logbook-type entries or provides data to others for data entry; performs operator level post-trip checks and services; and maintains the interior of the vehicle to established standards. Provides, or helps provide, assistance to passengers boarding and de-boarding the vehicle (including special needs passengers who use wheelchairs and other assistive equipment which require special securing measures), as requested or as required by circumstances. Takes immediate action to help passengers evacuate the vehicle during emergencies. Performs related functions.

Requirements

Knowledge of transportation operations (such as routing, dispatching, operator level checks and services, safe vehicle operation and student safety), or ability to rapidly acquire and effectively apply this body of information, and knowledge of student transportation and behavior management (including students with special transport needs), altogether in sufficient depth and breadth to serve as a Transportation Van Driver.
Knowledge of, or ability to rapidly acquire knowledge of, baseline parts of key Arlington School Board policies and APS PIPs, initiatives, guidelines and standards applying to PreK-12 student transport as they pertain to the daily work of the class.
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 PreK-12 students in Arlington County
Journey level skill in operation of passenger vehicles not exceeding 7 occupants (including the driver) and in operation of appurtenances including, but not limited to, those designed for passengers with disabilities.
Possession of sufficient strength and agility to move, lift and secure students in seats and assistive equipment, and to help students exit the vehicle in routine and emergency situations, by exerting the forces needed.
Skill in problem solving to select, organize and logically process relevant information (verbal, numerical or abstract) to solve a problem.
Skill in written communication to understand written information (including straightforward facts, descriptions and ideas), and to express such information in writing so that others will understand.
Skill in oral communication to understand verbal information (including straightforward facts, descriptions and ideas) and to express such information verbally so that others will understand.
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 (light data extraction/entry only) and a radio to exchange information with the dispatch unit, supervisor and others.
Ability and willingness to work as a Transportation Van Driver and/or Transportation Attendant, however needed, which may include working split shifts and evenings/nights.
A high school diploma, a Certificate of General Educational Development (GED) or an equivalent combination of education, experience and training.
Two years of driving experience.
A driving record without multiple violations (see LICENSE/CERTIFICATION below).
Completion of initial, in-service, and other training required by APS to serve in the position of assignment, and demonstration of associated knowledge/skills/abilities such as interpersonal skills (as defined above).
A valid driver’s license and completion of APS Transportation Van Driver training is required prior to placement in a position in this class in accordance with established procedures.
Having and maintaining negative test results for alcohol and controlled substance use
Possession of a satisfactory driving record

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 preferred at the time of placement into a position in this class.

Responsibilities

Operates a specialized, non-commercial student transportation vehicle (a van, an SUV or a similar vehicle) to pick-up, transport and discharge students (primarily) and other passengers for Arlington Public Schools (APS)
Obtains route/run trip assignment and instructions
Checks out vehicle and prepares for run including performance of operator level pre-trip checks and services
Effectively and safety operates vehicle by adhering to timelines, traffic laws, rules of the road, defensive driving techniques, etc.
Maintains radio contact with the dispatch unit and the supervisor
Monitors passenger behavior to ensure order and safety
Completes logbook-type entries or provides data to others for data entry
Performs operator level post-trip checks and services
Maintains the interior of the vehicle to established standards
Provides, or helps provide, assistance to passengers boarding and de-boarding the vehicle (including special needs passengers who use wheelchairs and other assistive equipment which require special securing measures), as requested or as required by circumstances
Takes immediate action to help passengers evacuate the vehicle during emergencies