Driver and Training Specialist

Job Summary:  Under the supervision of the Transportation Coordinator, this position is responsible for assisting the Transportation Department with training needs, performing daily inspections of the bus fleet for exterior damage or mechanical failure, transporting children to and from assigned locations, assisting in transporting the fleet to and from service locations, and minor maintenance of buses, as needed.

Essential Functions (Not All Inclusive):

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support, training, and orientation to new driving staff & Bus Monitors.

• Conduct a comprehensive new employee orientation to ensure new staff are welcomed and properly oriented to the position's responsibilities and requirements.
• Train new staff on core functions of the job, including. 
• Conducting required pre and post-trip inspections and completing reports, bus maintenance reporting, completing all other driver-required paperwork, data entry procedures, procedures for required radio communications to the transportation base, routing changes, and procedures related to chain of custody requirements associated with transporting children.
• Provide on-the-bus instruction to assist new staff in driving and routing techniques. Observe new staff following their orientation, including contracted routes. Complete a 90-day ride-along of each new hire to ensure they follow the proper procedures, and then submit a report to the Transportation Coordinator for review. 

• Inspect and identify reported and unreported damage or mechanical failure of buses within the fleet daily and report all findings to the Transportation Coordinator. Look over the weekly pre-trip reports turned in to the Transportation Administration Specialist. 
• Perform weekly pre-trip evaluations and Blue Stick finders on each bus twice monthly and report findings to the Transportation Coordinator. 
• Assist the Transportation Department with daily needs, including but not limited to bus maintenance procedures, moving buses, and clerical duties, as needed.

• Transport children to and from the Head Start center. Maintain and update daily routes, student rosters, authorized escorts, student attendance, chain of custody log, and emergency information on each student assigned to the bus route.
• Cross-train with the Dispatcher/Routing Specialist and the Transportation Administration Specialist to ensure adequate coverage of all administrative duties.
• Other duties as assigned.

Safety: Responsible for safely conducting all duties.

Affirmative Action: This person is Responsible for following the affirmative action plan set forth and signed by the Board of Directors.

Requirements

Education & Experience: At least two years of experience as a professional driver or other related experience driving a larger vehicle that transports passengers is required. Experience transporting young children in a school setting or working in a social service agency is preferred.

Licensing Requirements:  Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a passenger endorsement with no passenger restrictions. There have been no major or two minor violations in the last five years.  Clean driving records are preferred.  Must be able to meet other requirements of the Minnesota Motor Vehicle Department.  Reliable daily transportation is required because of the multiple locations of centers throughout Ramsey County.

Abilities and Skills: To be successful in this position, the person will, at minimum, need to be able to have patience training other adults of the same or different backgrounds or individuals with English as their second language. Must have basic computer skills and be able to speak to a group of people. Must be able to learn and administer the training to the CDL training program.

Core Technology Competency:  Level 1 – Basic

Certifications: Must obtain CPR/First Aid Certification within 90 days of hire; must maintain certifications

Work Knowledge: Knowledge of the St. Paul metro area and ability to read a street map. Ability to use email as a form of communication. Ability to use a computer to complete electronic timecards.

Physical Requirements:  Must successfully pass Head Start pre-placement physical and Department of Transportation (DOT) medical examination (including ongoing random drug and alcohol screening).  Must be able to lift 55 pounds safely; must be able to assist in an emergency evacuation of children from the bus; must be able to tolerate sitting for extended periods; must be physically able to perform routine servicing, minor maintenance, and repair of vehicles, and assemble classroom equipment.

Working Conditions:  May be exposed to fluctuating temperatures, gas fumes, and vapors. Must be able to work split shifts and occasional evening and Friday hours. This position requires regular in-person duties and is not eligible for remote work options.

Mental Requirements: This position requires handling and prioritizing multiple tasks and functioning independently and as a team member at the center. The candidate must also possess good mechanical aptitude, personal initiative, and sound judgment. The candidate must also be able to work with children and individuals of various ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.

Benefits

Department: Head Start Transportation

Schedule: 40 Hours/Week, Monday-Friday, Full Year, Float

Starting Salary Range: $22.75/hr - $25.59/hr

Remote Capability: This position has 0% remote capability.

Posting Dates: 5/24/2024 - 6/7/2024

This position will be reposted until filled.

Benefits: Community Action offers excellent benefits including generous paid time off (PTO), paid holidays (14), health, dental & life insurance, retirement, employee discount programs and more.

Background Checks: Community Action conducts criminal background checks at the time of hire. Some positions require additional fingerprint and photo verification. Not all backgrounds are a barrier to employment.

Community Action is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will not discriminate against or harass any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, familial status, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or status with regard to public assistance.