Transportation Specialist

Position Purpose

This position is responsible for planning and coordinating Transportation Training programs for CDL compliant School bus drivers and other designated staff. This includes responsibility for compliance with various federal and state regulations, including, but not limited to the Head Start Act, Department of Transportation Regulations, and Washington Administrative Code.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Inspire Development Centers provides Early Childhood Education (ECE) and social services to more than 4000 children, in center based and home based setting, at more than 27 Child Development Centers (CDC) throughout the State of Washington. Inspire provides services under various federal and state funded programs with differing regulations and stipulations, which must be coordinated and adhered to, including, but not limited to: Regional Head Start (RHS), Migrant Seasonal Head Start (MSHS), Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) and Early Head Start (EHS). The agency is required to meet an annual quota of non-federal share (in-kind) funds. A large majority of children’s first language is Spanish.

Supervisory and Other Relationships

The Transportation Specialist reports to the Transportation & Facilities Coordinator (TFC) and works closely with Center Managers, Bus Drivers and other personnel. Although supervision is not a regular part of the job, incumbent will provide training and instruction to employees and supervisors.

Examples of Essential Duties and Accountabilities

The following examples of duties and accountabilities illustrate the general range of tasks assigned to the position but are not intended to define the limits of required duties. Other essential duties may be assigned consistent with the general scope of the position.

1. Coordinates all transportation trainings, including, but not limited to: classroom and behind the wheel trainings for IDC Bus Drivers, classroom trainings for Bus Monitors, Pedestrian Trainings for families and children enrolled in IDC programs.
2. In coordination with TFC, conduct required trainings as needed and scheduled and complete follow up as needed.
3. Development of training curricula for required DOT Bus Driver Trainings and Bus Monitor Trainings.
4. Development and maintenance of a tracking system to ensure trainings are complete in compliance with required timelines.
5. Responsible to maintain fleet tracking system to track vehicle maintenance and repairs, required inspections, and driver records and trainings.
6. Responsible to coordinate the safety, maintenance, and equipment needs of program owned and leased vehicles in which Early Childhood Education services are provided. (Winterizing, inspections, storage, etc.)
7. Secure repair cost estimates for review, selection, and approval to initiate purchase order. Identify, prioritize, and schedule maintenance concerns/problems of buses/vans.
8. Performs route checks for hazards and checks bus stops for safety and special needs accessibility for children.
9. Show interest in furthering professional growth by attending staff meetings, workshops, trainings, and seminars.
10. Maintain confidentiality of program and client related information at all times.
11. Perform all other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications

Incumbents are required to demonstrate knowledge and abilities in these areas:

• High School Diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate, and one (1) to three (3) years experience in automotive shop, fleet manager, or dispatcher;
• Strong proficiency with personal computer, including Microsoft Windows, Office, Powerpoint, Excel, etc.
• Knowledge of Washington State Patrol bus inspection protocol;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills;
• Experience in Risk Management;
• Knowledgeable in various training techniques and ability to conduct training for various learning/communication styles in small and large group settings;
• Understanding of the interrelationships between services and systems;
• Ability to learn new tasks quickly and efficiently;
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines;
• Ability to gather and analyze data for reports via multiple modes;
• Ability to read, write and interpret documentation;
• Strong customer service focus;
• Ability to work with culturally diverse employee population;
• Accurate data management, documentation and recordkeeping skills.

These skills and abilities are typically acquired through a combination of education, experience and training. This combination will provide the competence to perform the work of the position.

Preferred Qualifications

• AA Degree in Management, Administration or related field.
• Have working knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards, HHS regulations, federal, state, and local child development requirements.
• Knowledge of Easybus Fleet Management System
• English/Spanish Bi-lingual fluency.
Position Requirements

Incumbents are required to have the following:

• Must be at least 25 years of age;
• Valid Washington State Commercial Driver License (CDL) Class B or C with passenger (P1) (P2), and school bus (S) endorsements;
• Must have and maintain OSPI School Bus Driver Instructor Certification*;
• Medical Examiners Certificate;
• Must provide a yearly driving abstract;
• Must maintain acceptable driving history;
• Proof of automobile insurance;
• Ability to travel to perform job duties and responsibilities;
• Must pass initial and periodic criminal and background check;
• Must pass initial and periodic Department of Early Learning (DEL) background check;
• Must pass initial and periodic employee health clearance; (present it within forty-five (45) days of employment);
• Current Food Handler card; (obtain the training within thirty (30) days of employment);
• Current First Aid / CPR cards, (obtain the training within thirty (30) days of employment);
• Subject to initial and periodic TB screen;
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV / AIDS) training, (obtain the training within thirty (30) days of employment);
• Blood Borne Pathogen training, (obtain the training within thirty (30) days of employment);
• Subject to random drug screen;
• Must sign a Confidentiality Agreement; and
• Must complete and sign a Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement on an annual basis.

* Candidates who do not hold OSPI School Bus Driver Instructor Certification must obtain this within one year of hire in role.