Ref. 10246

Due to union restrictions, this position is only available to current employees of this school district for the first 5 days following the posted date. Applications submitted by job seekers not currently employed by the school district will not be considered during this specific time period. EXTERNAL CANDIDATES ARE WELCOME TO APPLY.

BASIC FUNCTION: Under the supervision of the Director of Transportation and Logistics, the Transportation Specialist communicates with school administrators, parents, other District departments, transportation personnel within Oakland Unified School District and applicable external transportation agencies for establishing bus routes and stops; resolves District transportation issues; arrange transportation for special events; issue transportation passes and routes for students and maintain and operate a variety of computer software programs in support of the District's student transportation system.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES: (Incumbents may perform any combination of the essential functions shown below. This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, knowledge, or abilities associated with this classification, but is intended to reflect the principal job elements accurately.)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Administer transportation system (e.g., answers inquiries, refers problems to data processing or vendor, installs new software, beta tests, etc.) to provide system support to the Transportation Department.
• Assist with assigning bus routes for overflow and special education students to coordinate home to school transportation for students; advise and communicate logistical concerns with school site and parents on special education students’ transportation.
• Communicate with vendors/drivers, OUSD personnel, special education department, school staff, parents and others (e.g., reviewing route maps, responding to inquiries, etc.) to assist with route related problems.
• Evaluate routes in coordination with OUSD and District departments (e.g., bus stops, clock schedules, etc.) to determine bus routes in conformance with school policies while complying with mandated guidelines.
• Input data into computerized transportation system to assist with creating route maps.
• Maintain class size reduction calculations and J7-CSR report to evaluate overflow needs and arranging transportation.
• Maintain data in scheduling system (e.g., school and employee data, driver and bus mechanic schedules, etc.) ensure accurate and complete information is available.
• Participate in a variety of activities (e.g., meetings, training, etc.) to convey and/or gather information required to perform functions.
• Recommend route additions and changes.
• Respond to inquiries from students, parents, and staff (e.g., stop locations, schedule, state regulated policies, etc.) to provide the necessary information regarding busing issues.
• Perform other related duties as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The District determines whether a candidate is qualified based on fulfillment of prerequisites, relevant work experience, ability to perform the essential functions, reference checks, effective interpersonal and communication skills demonstrated by interview performance and/or writing samples, and achievement on performance-based assessments (if applicable) that demonstrate the candidate possesses the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities.  Meeting prerequisites only satisfies the initial screening process and does not indicate the candidate is qualified to perform the essential functions of the position.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Methods, procedures, materials, and equipment required to provide an effective student transportation program
• Laws and regulations of applicable state and education code sections and traffic laws that govern the transportation of students by school buses
• Geography of the District, including school and facility locations
• District transportation policy, procedures and regulations
• State laws and regulations pertaining to student transportation
• Safe driving methods and techniques and basic knowledge of various mechanical characteristics of buses
• Record-keeping techniques
• English usage, spelling, grammar, vocabulary and punctuation
• Basic math and advanced record keeping
• Health and safety regulations
• Methods and procedures of operating electronic computers and office equipment

ABILITY TO:

• Understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Safely work in situations of exposure to blood borne pathogens which may be require specialized personal protective equipment
• Effectively present information and respond to questions from administrators, staff, teachers, students, parents and the general public
• Use communication by means of spoken word to express or exchange ideas
• Schedule and coordinate all driver training programs, maintain records, prepare oral and written reports
• Exercise sound judgment
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions
• Meet deadlines with severe time constraints
• Adjust to changes in work load, assignments, priorities and policies
• Work independently
• Work cooperatively with others
• Maintain routine records
• Make final and effective decisions including situations which may be critical or sensitive

PREREQUISITES

• AA Degree or its equivalency required (2 years of similar and relevant work level experience = 1 year of college).  A combination of experience and education may be used to meet the AA Degree requirement; however, the work experience years used to qualify for the AA Degree requirement cannot be used to meet the work requirement. 
• 5 years prior related experience in transportation
• Scheduling experience of bus or delivery routes is preferred
• School district experience preferred
• Valid California Driver’s License, if applicable

PRE-EMPLOYMENT PROCESS:

Employment eligibility will include fingerprints, tuberculosis and/or other employment clearance

WORKING CONDITIONS

ENVIRONMENT:

Office and diverse school site environments; driving a vehicle to conduct work; fast-paced work; constant interruptions; work in various inside and outside environments being subjected to weather changes, noise, vibrations, job hazards and atmospheric conditions

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Consistent mental alertness; sitting or standing for extended periods of time; lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling objects up to 30 pounds, occasionally 30+ pounds; bending and twisting at the waist, reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally; dexterity of both hands and fingers while performing duties; seeing to read, write and use the computer; hearing and speaking to exchange information, in person or on the telephone, and make presentations.

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY:

The Oakland Unified School District does not discriminate in any program, activity, or in employment on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, gender, sex, or sexual orientation.