Transportation Van Driver

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.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
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. These include, but are not limited to, knowledge of baseline requirements for transportation accessibility; traffic laws, basic motor vehicle operation regulations and the rules of the road; operator-level equipment checks and services; and emergency procedures, altogether in sufficient breadth and depth to operate a specialized, non-commercial school transportation vehicle in adherence to core requirements, standards, policies and procedures for safe, timely, effective and efficient student transport.
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, altogether in sufficient breadth and depth to operate a specialized, non-commercial school transportation vehicle in adherence to core requirements, standards, policies and procedures for safe, timely, effective and efficient student transport.
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. Examples include safely and effectively operating a specialized, non-commercial school transportation vehicle in consideration of timelines, weather, traffic and other factors; conducting effective pre-and post-trip operator level checks and services on the vehicle; and maintaining safety and order on the vehicle.
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. Examples include reading operator manuals, route schedules, maps and SOPs and writing brief accident/incident reports.
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. Examples include giving clear, complete, and concise instructions to student passengers, and speaking factually with parents and school personnel about vehicle service provided.
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.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
1. A high school diploma, a Certificate of General Educational Development (GED) or an equivalent combination of education, experience and training.
2. Two years of driving experience.
3. A driving record without multiple violations (see LICENSE/CERTIFICATION below).
4. 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).

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION
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. These requirements are subject to change by Transportation Services, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, or other authority, and are immediately effective upon change. Related requirements include but are not limited to:

o Having and maintaining negative test results for alcohol and controlled substance use; and
o Possession of a satisfactory driving record showing:
o Within the preceding five (5) years, the driver has not been convicted of a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances (or a comparable or stronger infraction, such as driving while intoxicated);
o Has not been convicted of a felony, or has not been assigned to any alcohol safety action program or driver alcohol rehabilitation program, and
o Within the preceding twelve (12) months, the driver has not been convicted of two (2) or more moving traffic violations or has not been required to attend a driver improvement clinic by the Commissioner, Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, or any other authority in the Commonwealth, or to attend a comparable regimen by comparable authority in another licensing jurisdiction

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.
Special note: Bus Drivers (of all classes of work) who are disqualified or ineligible (temporarily or permanently) to operate a bus due to medical conditions, accidents, moving violations, substance abuse or any other reason are ineligible for a position (on a regularly, recurring, occasional or incidental basis) as a Transportation Van Driver.

Salary: Based on 25/26 Pay Plan. 

Arlington Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer

It is the policy of the Arlington School Board, as stated in Policy G-2.30, Employee Relations – Equal Employment Opportunity - that “Employment opportunities shall not be restricted, abridged or otherwise adversely affected on the basis of race, national origin, creed, color, religion, gender, age, economic status, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, genetic information, gender identity or expression, and/or disability.”