Department: Operations

Job Title: Training & Education Specialist

FLSA. Status: Full-time, Exempt level

Reports to: Training & Education Manager

Union Status: Non-bargaining

Salary: $65,000 - $75,000 Annually

Typ. Hours: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm (Weekdays)

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• 8-hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Position Summary: This position serves as an integral team member in the Company’s Training & Development initiatives with a primary focus on CDL Training and the Company’s Internal Bus Operator Training Programs. At the direction of the Training and Education Manager, the Training and Development Specialist serves as a frontline leader in providing classroom and individualized performance coaching and training; administers, directs and participates in Supervisor, Operator, and staff training programs. The Training and Education Specialist directly delivers the Company’s training programs to newly hired and existing employees, including but not limited to Bus Operators and Mechanics; conducts CDL training as scheduled; conducts internal Training Programs of all designs; provides general assistance to Operations Department, including drivers; provides training and assistance to VATCo employees as directed; and maintains accurate training records, reports and trainee evaluations. A CDL License with Passenger Endorsement and no Airbrake Restriction is required; previous responsibility for direct delivery of training is preferred.

This position reports to: This position reports directly to the Training and Education Manager. 

This position directly supervises: This position does not directly supervise any other staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following training and related activities. Other duties may be assigned.

CDL Training: Conduct CDL Training for all positions requiring a Commercial Driver’s License and/or appropriate endorsements, including but not limited to newly hired Bus Operators and Mechanics, Fuelers, Bus Cleaners, etc.; engage in all related training activities from initial hire to permit preparation training and preparation for, and successful completion of CDL Road Tests; provide preparatory training to trainees for obtaining the required Learner’s Permits (with appropriate endorsements) relevant to their positions; conduct CDL classroom Theory Training, Road and Maneuver Training; Road Test Preparatory Training; assist with coordination and scheduling of all CDL Road Tests; and provide all necessary guidance and support to trainees throughout process. Passenger Endorsement Add-on and Airbrake Restriction removal training is also included as needed, in the CDL Training Program.

Conduct Trainings to Company Standards: Ensure that all Company trainings, including CDL Training, are delivered in a manner compliant with all related regulatory requirements and Management expectations at the direction of the Training and Education Manager. Participate in periodic assessments and receive constructive feedback as needed to ensure all training activities are in line with Company training goals and objectives; assist with maintaining Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) data procedures established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA); perform trainee evaluations through checklists and observation; monitor and document progress; identify any gaps and provide additional assistance as necessary; maintain all related recordkeeping according to established procedures; including but not limited to daily attendance, progress notes, evaluations, etc.

Perform Direct Delivery of Employee Trainings: Deliver the Company’s comprehensive Bus Operator Training Program for newly hired bus operators, including hands-on and road training (both in the classroom and On-the-Road modules); ensure training program is completed timely (within a 6–8-week period); coordinate efforts with appropriate personnel to conduct needs analysis and develop, maintain and deliver state-of-the art comprehensive transit driver training programs; assist new hires with obtaining needed CDL licenses and endorsements related to their position; conduct refresher training, including but not limited to fare box protocol, company policies, wheelchair securement, etc.;

General Bus Operator Training: Develop and deliver a variety of training programs including but not limited to Assault Awareness, Accident/Incident Training, Smith System Training, Wheelchair Securement Training (ADA), Transit Ambassador Training (including multiple training modules); Route Training, Refresher Training, Smith System Training; Discipline-related Training; and Bus Equipment Training. Conduct refresher training as needed, including but not limited to fare box protocol, company policies, wheelchair securement, workplace safety, etc.

Assist with updating policies & procedures: At the direction of the Training and Education Manager, assist with maintain accurate and updated Operations Policies & Procedures, including but not limited to Manual for Farebox Use, Bus Operator Manual, CDL Registry Testing, etc.

Provide General Support to Bus Operators: Provide operations support and leadership of Bus Operators during the course of day-to-day operations, especially as such support pertains to training/staff development; assist where necessary; respond to Bus Operator calls for assistance and provide guidance in emergency situations; provide back-up support to dispatch in emergency situations; maintain accuracy of information provided to Supervisors through emails, notices, equipment manuals and dispatch, etc.

Provide Training and Assistance to VATCo Division Manager: Provide direct assistance to VATCo operations in all areas of training described above, as needed; keep lines of communication open and facilitate sharing of information as needed.

Represent the Company in Legal and other Official Proceedings: As needed or as otherwise required, represent the Company in Legal or other Official Proceedings related to the performance of this position or employe performance in positions reporting to this position including Court and PVTA-sponsored venues.

Provide General Assistance with Operations: Assist the Director of Operations with a variety of department activities not otherwise described, as needed and as assigned.

Summary of Education and/or Experience

A successful applicant will demonstrate at least a High School Diploma, or GED, but preferably an Associate’s Degree in transportation, management, business, or a related field, and a minimum of 3-5 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Position requires demonstrated training experience, both in small groups in a classroom setting; must be able to employ multiple training/teaching methods; experience conducting needs assessments and developing and delivering training programs from beginning to end; excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills; must be comfortable making group presentations and be able to teach others effectively; demonstrated ability to deal with multiple constituencies at all organizational levels with high degree of professionalism; ability to understand state, federal and other related regulations; must have experience conducting routine investigations, compiling data and interpreting findings; ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, policy procedure manuals, and other instructions and incorporate into daily functions; ability to write routine reports and correspondences; prior management and/or supervisory experience; three years’ experience as a bus operator or equivalent in a related field is preferred.

Certificates/Licenses: Valid Commercial Driver’s License with Passenger and Airbrake Endorsements; Exemplary driving record.

Competencies: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies: Analytical - Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data.

Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem-solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.

Technical Skills - Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.

Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.

Interpersonal Skills - Maintains confidentiality; Keeps emotions under control.

Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.

Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.

Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.

Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.

Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Monitors own work to ensure quality. Quantity - Completes work in a timely manner; Works quickly.

Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions.

Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.

Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.

Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.

Initiative - Undertakes self-development activities; Takes independent actions and calculated risks; Asks for and offers help when needed.

Innovation - Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.

Mathematical Skills- Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percentage and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

Reasoning Ability- Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

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 accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to view, sit, talk, and/or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, climb stairs (i.e., on bus), and use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. Moderate use of computer, keyboard, and mouse; Specific vision abilities required by this job include vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus, with frequent viewing of computer screen and video equipment is required. The employee must also lift and/or move up to 10 pounds on an occasional basis. Ability to travel within 50-mile radius is required (use of company vehicle may be provided). Must be able to drive a public transit bus.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts (steering wheel, door mechanism). The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, outside weather conditions and vibration. The employee may also be occasionally exposed to fumes. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.