Lead Trainer/Driver - Transportation 2026/2027 SY

Lead Trainer/Driver

The Lead Trainer/Driver is responsible for all aspects of the student transportation training program including initial onboarding, annual and as needed refresher training and maintaining all training and certification records.

Qualifications:

• Must have a High School diploma/GED.
• Background clearance (upon employment).
• Must possess/maintain a valid Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card (upon employment).
• Must possess and maintain a valid Arizona commercial driver's license with passenger and air brake endorsements.
• Must possess at least one year experience in the operation of a school bus and school bus equipment.
• Must understand and comply with all traffic laws.
• Must have an exemplary driving record and proof must be obtained from the Motor Vehicle Records annually.
• Must maintain an exceptionally clean, accident-free driving history.
• Must possess First Aid certification and CPR training.
• Must pass a physical examination annually and possess a Department of Transportation health card.
• Must successfully pass a drug screen urinalysis annually or as requested.
• Must possess and maintain an Arizona School Bus Driver Certificate by meeting state requirements and standards.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Arizona commercial driver's license with passenger and air brake endorsements.
• Must be able to pass all bus driver agility tests in addition to the ability to push, pull or lift weights up to 50 pounds.
• Must have working knowledge and experience with working with computers and other office equipment.
• Preferred: Experience in school transportation, logistics, or fleet operations. Supervisory experience is strongly preferred. Bilingual in English and Spanish (preferred).

Skills & Abilities:

• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of transportation safety regulations and best practices.
• Ability to read and interpret general documents such as employee handbook and safety/training manuals.
• Ability to write general correspondence and speak effectively with others.
• Ability to prioritize projects to meet deadlines.
• Ability to apply reason to research and solve moderately complex issues with little or no assistance.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Backup School Bus Driver:

• Drives school bus as a backup driver as needed for scheduled routes to and from school, educational field trips and sporting events.
• Maintains order among the passengers, supervises their behavior and enforces district standards of conduct on buses.
• Administers first-aid when necessary.
• Maintains interior and exterior of the bus clean and neat.
• Performs pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections as specified in the Department of Transportation regulations.
• Keeps record of mileage, and the number of students transported as required.
• Attends monthly safety meetings.
• Must be able to react professionally for the safety of the students in the event of an emergency.

Lead Trainer:

• Assists the Transportation Supervisor and Assistant Director in the management of the transportation department.
• Maintains an excellent working knowledge and application of bus routes, field trip requirements, schedules and vehicle reservation requirements.
• Works with the Transportation Supervisor and Assistant Director to schedule monthly safety meetings and trainings.
• Creates and maintains compliant and effective standardized lesson plans, assessments and training modules.
• Manages and schedules training for all transportation staff according to local, state, and/or federal regulations.
• Conducts training for all new bus drivers and refresher training as needed for bus drivers and other transportation staff including classroom instruction, behind the wheel training, safety protocols and policy review.
• Provides training on student management, defensive driving, emergency procedures, ADA requirements; identifies skill gaps and provides targeted training.
• Plans and delivers refresher courses, annual safety meetings and continuing education to ensure staff remain current on best practices and regulatory changes.
• Provides additional support to drivers as needed through structured coaching plans.
• Guides drivers through CDL requirements, testing preparation, medical card compliance and renewal timelines.
• Evaluates driver performance through road tests, ride-alongs and periodic assessments; identifies skill gaps and provides targeted training.
• Documents training as required into the Training Provider Registry.
• Coordinates and attends bus evacuation drills. Communicates drill schedule to school sites and debriefs with site administrator and Assistant Director of Transportation post drill. Documents drill as required.
• Maintains training records and materials for driver certifications and health/safety training in compliance with state, federal and local requirements and communicates with drivers to schedule additional tests as needed.
• Performs annual review of driver eligibility in clearing house as required by regulation and as needed for new hires.
• Oversees driver certification expirations and renewals to avoid any lapse in certifications.
• Responds to DPS requests for driver audits and uploads any required driver activity reports.
• Completes and submits DPS Accident/Incident reports as required.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee may be required to push, pull, or lift up to 50 pounds in various directions. Must be able to pass all bus driver agility tests which includes pulling 125 pounds a distance of 30 feet in 30 seconds. Ability to sit, stand, and move throughout the workday.

Environmental Conditions:

The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. The employee may frequently work in outside weather conditions. Office and field environment with frequent interaction at bus yards. May require early mornings, afternoons, and occasional evening or weekend work. Ability to respond to emergencies and changing conditions as needed.

Application Requirements:

All applicants must complete an online application, which requires 3 professional letters of recommendation, 3 professional references, valid Certificate/Credentials, a valid Fingerprint Clearance card, Transcripts, Cover Letter, and Resume.

An Equal Opportunity Organization:

The Avondale Elementary School District is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Civil Rights Act Title VII of 1972, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. Avondale Elementary School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex or gender, sexual orientation, disability, age or marital status in employment or in any of its educational programs or in the provisions of benefits and services to students.