School Bus Systems

Description

​​ ​​School Bus Systems Technician​

Mission: The School Bus Systems Technician provides specialized technical support for transportation technology systems to ensure safe and efficient student transportation across IDEA's yellow bus fleet. This role focuses on troubleshooting and maintaining tablets used for student ID scanning, pre/post trip inspections via Transfinder's RouteFinder and WayFinder applications, as well as maintaining camera systems for safety and security monitoring. Working with advanced telematics systems from Zonar, the Technology Technician coordinates with suppliers for warranty claims, maintains inventory of spare equipment and parts, ensures proper installation and cabling of technology systems, and supports training initiatives and safety audits. Under the general supervision of the Safety Manager or Regional Transportation Manager, this position is essential to maintaining operational excellence and supporting our mission of safely transporting students to achieve college for all.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

​​Location: RGV

Travel Expectations:

​​Up to 30%​

What We Offer

Compensation:

• Compensation for this role is set at an hourly rate ranging between $19.50 for 0 years of experience and $24.46.

• This role is also eligible for a performance bonus based on team performance and goal attainment.

Other Benefits:

We offer a comprehensive benefits plan, covering the majority of the employee premium for the base medical plan and subsidizing the majority of costs for a spouse/domestic partner and children. Some of the special benefits we offer at IDEA include:

• Paid Family Leave: Eligible staff may receive up to 8 weeks of paid leave for the birth or adoption of a child, based on their tenure with the organization and caregiver designation.

• Tuition Reimbursement: Staff members may apply for up to​ 50% of tuition paid toward a qualifying degree program, up to $5,250 maximum per year subject to manager discretion and budget availability.

• Employer-Paid Mental/Behavioral Health: 5 face-to-face counseling sessions within a year, unlimited 24/7 telephonic counseling, and other work-life services available at no cost.

Other benefits include dental and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, generous vacation time, referral bonuses and professional development. IDEA may offer a relocation allowance to defray the cost of moving for this role, if applicable.

What You’ll Do – Accountabilities

Essential Duties:

• ​​Monitor and analyze student ID scanning data through RouteFinder and WayFinder systems across all transportation campuses to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.​
  ​Troubleshoot tablet functionality issues and Transfinder application problems that may impact scanning performance and resolve technical barriers promptly​

• ​​Provide training and technical support to drivers and transportation staff on proper scanning procedures, tablet operation, and Transfinder software usage.​

• ​​Coordinate with Regional Transportation Managers and campus transportation staff to implement best practices and ensure consistent scanning protocols.​

• ​​Generate regular reports on scanning performance using RouteFinder analytics and provide data-driven recommendations for improvement.​

• ​​Maintain tablet software updates, application configurations, and Transfinder integrations to optimize scanning efficiency and system reliability.​

• ​​Conduct routine preventive maintenance on all tablets across the transportation fleet using industry-standard diagnostic tools and procedures.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

 • Respond promptly to tablet malfunctions, hardware failures, and software issues to restore functionality within service level agreements.
• Maintain adequate inventory of spare tablets, charging cables, mounting hardware, and replacement parts to support immediate repairs and minimize downtime.
• Coordinate with suppliers and vendors (including Transfinder) for warranty repairs, replacements, and technical support escalations as needed.
• Document all maintenance activities, track tablet performance metrics, and maintain comprehensive service records for fleet management reporting.
• Implement proactive monitoring systems and diagnostic protocols to identify potential issues before they cause operational downtime.
• Train transportation staff on basic tablet troubleshooting, proper handling procedures, and preventive care to reduce service calls.

• Support safety audit activities by ensuring all technology systems including tablets, cameras, and Zonar telematics are functioning properly during inspections.

• Provide technical expertise during audits to verify proper installation, operation, and compliance of tablets, cameras, and telematics systems with state and federal regulations.

• Assist in training programs for drivers and transportation staff on technology-related safety protocols, inspection procedures, and regulatory compliance requirements.

• Maintain comprehensive documentation of all technology installations, configurations, and compliance records for audit purposes and regulatory reporting.

• Collaborate with safety team and RTMs to address any technology-related audit findings promptly and implement corrective action plans.

• Ensure camera systems are operational and recording properly to support safety compliance requirements and incident documentation.

• Support electronic inspection processes through Zonar EVIR systems and maintain digital inspection records.

• Support route optimization by ensuring tablets are properly configured for RouteFinder and WayFinder routing functionality and GPS accuracy.

• Troubleshoot routing software issues, GPS connectivity problems, and telematics integration challenges that may impact efficient route planning and execution.

• Provide technical support for Zonar telematics systems that track bus utilization, route efficiency, and performance analytics.

• Collaborate with transportation managers to analyze utilization data from Zonar Ground Traffic Control platform and identify improvement opportunities through technology optimization.

• Ensure GPS tracking systems, route navigation, and telematics are accurately recording bus movements, stops, and operational data for utilization analysis.

• Maintain backup systems and redundancies to prevent technology failures that could impact route efficiency or utilization tracking accuracy.

• Support mobile device management (MDM) systems to ensure consistent software deployment and configuration across the tablet fleet.

• Establish and maintain an efficient digital ticketing system for all technology-related service requests with proper prioritization protocols.

• Prioritize service tickets based on operational urgency, safety impact, and effect on transportation services to ensure critical issues receive immediate attention.

• Communicate regularly with requestors regarding ticket status, expected resolution times, and progress updates through established communication channels.

• Maintain detailed digital records of all service activities, resolution methods, parts used, and time-to-resolution for performance analysis and improvement.

• Develop and implement preventive maintenance schedules for tablets, cameras, and associated hardware to reduce the frequency of reactive service requests.

• Coordinate with external vendors, Transfinder support, Zonar technical services, and suppliers when specialized repairs or advanced technical support are required.

• Continuously improve response processes, troubleshooting procedures, and resolution workflows to exceed the 3-day average resolution target while maintaining quality standards.

Knowledge and Skills – Competencies

• Make Strategic Decisions:

This individual is able to gather relevant information, consider various options, and make choices that are in line with their current responsibilities and the team’s goals.

• Manage Work and Teams:

This individual is responsible for managing their own work as well as supporting others. They focus on delegation, performance management, and coaching to help others achieve their work goals and develop professionally.

• Grow Self and Others:

This individual actively seeks feedback, embraces challenges as learning opportunities, and engages in professional development activities to enhance their own skills and performance.

• Build a Culture of Trust:

This individual focuses on awareness of their own emotional states and biases. They practice transparency and honesty in their interactions, contributing positively to team morale and trust.

• Communicate Deliberately:

This individual can express ideas clearly and listen actively. They have developing skills in empathetic listening and responsive speaking, with ability to tailor messages for individual direct reports or peers with the aim to build stronger, more effective relationships.

Additional Skills:

​​• Believes and is committed to our mission and being an agent of change: that all students are capable of getting to and through college
• Has demonstrated effective outcomes and results, and wants to be held accountable for them
• Has a propensity for action, willing to make mistakes by doing in order to learn and improve quickly
• Works with urgency and purpose to drive student outcomes​

Required experience:

​​• High School Diploma or GED minimum
• Valid driver's license with clean driving record and ability to travel between multiple campus locations
• Experience with tablet devices, mobile technology platforms, and troubleshooting consumer electronics
• Knowledge of GPS systems, telematics hardware, camera systems, and basic networking concepts
• Experience with mobile device management (MDM) platforms and enterprise software deployment
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, wiring diagrams, and installation specifications
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and ability to generate technical reports and documentation
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail and systematic troubleshooting approach
• Excellent communication and customer service skills with ability to train non-technical users
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and adapt to changing technology requirements
• Physical capability to work in various environments including bus maintenance facilities and outdoor conditions

Preferred Education and Experience:

​​• Associate's degree in Information Technology, Electronics, Computer Science, or related technical field preferred
• Industry certifications such as CompTIA A+, Network+, or mobile device management certifications preferred

• Two to three years of experience in technical support, electronics troubleshooting, or IT support role​
• Familiarity with fleet management software, transportation routing systems, or similar enterprise applications preferred
• Experience with mobile device management, tablet deployment, or consumer electronics support preferred
• Background in fleet management, transportation technology, or automotive electronics highly preferred
• Previous experience in educational or transportation environments desired
• Experience with inventory management, vendor relations, and warranty claim processes preferred
• Demonstrated experience with enterprise software applications and database systems preferred​

Physical Requirements:

​​• Sitting, standing, and walking for extended periods of time during troubleshooting and installation activities
• Climbing in and out of buses and working in confined spaces for equipment installation and repair work
• Lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling objects weighing up to 40 pounds including equipment, tablets, and replacement parts
• Continuous use of hands, fingers, and wrists for technical work, typing, and detailed electronic component handling
• Repeated stooping, bending, and kneeling while working on bus-mounted equipment and under-dash installations
• Reaching overhead and into tight spaces for equipment installation, cable routing, and system access
• Fine motor skills required for handling small electronic components, connectors, and precision technical work
• Verbal, auditory, and written capabilities to effectively communicate technical information to diverse audiences
• Clear vision for detailed technical work, reading schematics, and color distinction for wiring systems and status indicators​