Assists the Area Manager in the planning and daily operations of school transportation programs; performs complex work within specific departmental objectives and policies; works independently and coordinates with others as necessary; makes regular and frequent contacts at all organizational levels within and outside the school system to coordinate programs and policies; makes decisions that impact the entire system, especially at the school level; exhibits extensive judgment and effective skills in conflict resolution and investigation; requires good communication and interpersonal skills; requires responding to situations outside the normal working day. Job Description:PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR FY 27 RATES. Essential Job Functions. Provides leadership in the development and implementation of efficient school bus service, to include establishing bus routes and scheduling students and drivers for buses; evaluating routes and bus stops; approving revisions to accommodate newly developed areas and overcrowded buses; Uses effective skills in conflict resolution, investigation and problem solving necessary to resolve problems related to parent/community concerns and requests for route/stop changes, bus breakdowns, safety problems and routes, schedules and drivers; Investigates accidents involving school buses according to established policies, practices, and procedures; resolves safety problems concerning drivers and bus stops; assists with the driver safety awards program; Manages, counsels, and assists in the evaluation of drivers; assists in the creation of performance improvement programs for drivers who have competency challenges and provides training and in-service to meet local and state requirements and needs; Assists with acquisitions related to the needs of the Student Transportation Department and the preparation of various reports and studies; Represents the Area transportation department in meetings, councils, task forces, and committees at all levels in the absence of the Area Manager; Performs other related duties as assigned on an as-needed basis. Budgetary Responsibility: Assists with the management of the office budget. Report Preparation: Assists with the preparation of reports at the request from all organizational levels, or as needed. Equipment Operation: Office equipment such as computer, keyboard, printers, copiers, facsimile machines, multi-line telephone systems, cellular phones, Tyler Tablets, and radio communications. Contacts: Frequent and regular contact with Director/ Assistant Director of Student Transportation, Student Transportation Safety and Training Department, and Area Managers– operational, training, or accident investigation issues; Fleet Maintenance – preventive maintenance, breakdowns, resources; Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) resident engineer – condition of roads or closures; Office of Risk Management, local police dispatch or officers – accident/incidents, Human Resources – personnel issues, benefits. Periodic contact with VA Department of Education – training, accident reporting, preventive maintenance, Department of Motor Vehicles – licensing. Work Direction: N/ A Supervision: Recommends hiring, termination, transfer, and suspension of full-time employees in the area transportation office; assists in the evaluations of the full-time office manager, transportation coordinators, school bus drivers, trip drivers, bus attendants, and driver/food service employees in an area office. Decision Making: Decisions related to revisions to school bus stops, routes, drivers, vehicles or discipline of employees may be made independently or in consultation with the manager. Formal Policy-Setting Responsibilities: N/ A