D26/27 Cluster Swing Driver (Transportation)

Human Resources announces a vacancy for Cluster Swing Driver; full-time (8-hours per day),Grade D-12 position with the

Transportation Office. This position will assist the Cluster Lead Driver in daily supervision of the personnel and resources of the

cluster on an as-assigned or as-needed basis – this may include serving in place of the Cluster Lead Driver, and regularly serves as

a Bus Driver within the cluster of assignment by substituting for an absent Bus Driver; is not typically assigned to a regular route/run. 

This position will help the Cluster Lead Driver supervise all Bus Drivers, Bus Attendants and other personnel regularly assigned to

the cluster, as well as temporarily assigned personnel, to ensure that all routes and runs of the cluster are made safely, timely,

effectively and efficiently, that cluster operations adhere to on-road and off-road requirements and procedures (including the rules of

the road, pre-trip and post-trip operator checks and services, and proper ‘bus-keeping’), and that cluster transport of students

supports instructional operations; focus is on daily operational matters. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE CLASS (May not include all duties performed.) Assists the Cluster Lead Driver: Stays abreast

of developments directly affecting APS school bus transportation operations of the cluster, including but not limited to

driver/attendant licensing or training requirements; basic vehicle/fleet data; basic road network data; and standards and issues

emanating from APS principals at the schools served; and other sources and issues (such as complaints). Uses this information in

support of tasks assigned by the Cluster Lead Driver and when serving as fill-in supervisor. Keeps abreast of driving and training

records of personnel assigned to the cluster. As assigned, observes Bus Driver and Bus Attendant performance in the field,

including stationary locations; conducts ride-along check-ups; notes compliance with safety and vehicle operation

requirements/standards, the rules of the road, driving habits, defensive driving techniques, special equipment operation, student

service orientation, driver-attendant teamwork, etc. As assigned, identifies group and individual training needs and coordinates

response with Driver Training; and conducts behind-the-wheel training of Bus Drivers and in-bus training of Bus Attendants as

opportunities or individual needs arise – demonstrates proper techniques, critiques driver/attendant performance in terms of

knowledge/skills exhibited, etc. As assigned, may use pertinent modules of planning/scheduling software (currently edulog) to help

ensure complete coverage of cluster by appropriate vehicles and proper vehicle staffing. As assigned, helps ensures cluster

operations at the bus lot adhere to pre-trip and post-trip procedures of all types – operator level checks and services, ‘bus-keeping’,

etc.

As assigned, responds to traffic accidents and serious incidents (known or alleged misbehavior by subordinates, passengers,

parents, etc.); assesses situation; coordinates on-scene and by radio; takes immediate action, as appropriate to procedures and the

situation; and reports (to Transportation Services). Collects or forwards traffic accident report forms and bus incident report forms,

and maintains associated records. As assigned, prepares or collects and maintains or forwards associated documentation, such as

attendance sheets and training logs. Performs related assistance duties. Serves in place of the Cluster Lead Driver: When serving

in place of the Cluster Lead Driver, ensures that all routes and runs of the cluster are made safely, timely, effectively and efficiently;

maintains radio contact with assigned drivers, Dispatch and schools served; updates drivers on ‘environmental conditions’ (such as

weather, traffic, etc.), special requirements, etc.; provides written and/or oral instructions to temporarily assigned personnel; provides

special instructions, as deemed necessary; and performs related communication-information functions, all as deemed necessary or

as required by established procedures. Serves as a Bus Driver: Regularly drives a school bus to transport students, typically as a

substitute within the cluster of assignment. Drives bus on designated routes picking up and dropping off students as scheduled. 

Performs daily safety checks on bus and bus components including inspection of tires, lights, fuel level, oil level, and windshield

wipers. Regulates heating and ventilating equipment provided on bus for comfort of the passengers. Picks-up and drops off student

passengers. Ensures that bus is clean; reports defective equipment and ensures timely repair. Completes daily and monthly

operations reports indicating times, numbers of students, mileage, and routes. Other: May operate a sedan or pick-up truck to get

to field locations to board a bus, observe a bus in operation from the road, a bus stop or other fixed location, etc. Uses a computer,

radio and telecommunications devices for various operational functions – planning, scheduling, communicating, (light) word

processing, researching (Internet), etc. Uses authorized modules of route planning and scheduling software (currently edulog) to

obtain information about routes/runs, enter and access licensing/training data, etc.; software usage is mostly in the forms of

straightforward look-ups and data entry. May act as, or for, the Transportation Operations Manager, as assigned. Performs related

duties, as assigned.

EXPERIENCE:

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Preference will be given to current APS School Bus Drivers who meet the

qualifications requirement of the assignment. Knowledge of, and skill in, helping supervise people and resources in the effective

provision of student transport (bus routes and runs) in support of instructional operations, cluster-wide; or ability to rapidly acquire

such knowledge/skill. Knowledge of school bus transportation needs of regular and special education students (including students

with special transport needs) and bus transportation operations (such as routing, dispatching, operator level checks and services,

safe bus operation and student safety) to help supervise day-to-day K-12 student transport operations of the cluster of assignment.

Knowledge of, or ability to rapidly acquire knowledge of, key Federal and State regulations, Arlington School Board policies, and

APS PIPs, initiatives, guidelines and standards applying to K-12 student transport as they pertain to daily work of School Bus Drivers

and Bus Attendants. These include but are not limited to knowledge of baseline requirements for transportation accessibility, traffic

laws, basic motor vehicle operation regulations and the rules of the road, state/local bus driver/attendant training

requirements/objectives, school bus operator level checks (such as pre-trip and post-trip inspections) and services, and emergency

procedures for School Bus Drivers/Bus Attendants, altogether, in sufficient breadth and depth to help the Cluster Lead Driver

supervise student transport operations of the cluster in adherence to core requirements, standards, policies and procedures for safe,

timely, effective and efficient student transport. Knowledge of, or ability to rapidly acquire knowledge of, road networks, traffic

patterns, locations of schools (and key transport-related factors linked to them) and related geographic and demographic information

pertinent to transport of K-12 (and younger) students in Arlington County, altogether, in sufficient breadth and depth to help

supervise cluster transport operations and to serve as a substitute driver in the cluster. Journey level skill in operation of passenger

buses exceeding 15 occupants (including the driver), with air brakes, and in operation of appurtenances (including but not limited to

those designed for disabled passengers), to help assess driving of Bus Drivers, help assess driver training needs, help coordinate

training with driver training, provide performance improvement and ‘opportunity’ training, as assigned, and to serve as a Bus Driver. 

Skill in problem solving to select, organize and logically process relevant information (verbal, numerical or abstract) to solve a

problem. This includes ability to recognize subtle aspects of problems, identify relevant information and make balanced

recommendations and decisions. Examples include helping the Cluster Lead Driver: ensure complete coverage of cluster operations

daily; assess adherence of cluster personnel to off-road procedures and requirements (such as operator checks and services and

‘bus-keeping’); assess individual training needs; coordinate or provide appropriate training in response; and resolve principal/parent

complaints about bus transport operation of the cluster or refer them to higher echelons, with input, for resolution. Skill in written

communication to understand written information (including instructions, descriptions and ideas), and to express such information in

writing so that others will understand. Examples include reading technical manuals, accident/incident reports, and routine

correspondence; and writing accident/incident reports, routine correspondence, etc. Skill in oral communication to understand verbal

information (including instructions, descriptions and ideas), and to express such information verbally to diverse audiences so they will

understand. This includes skill in giving clear, complete and concise instructions to Bus Drivers and Bus Attendants; speaking with

student passengers, parents and school personnel about bus service provided; and the ability to listen ‘actively’ and encourage

effective oral communication by others, such as complainants and subordinates. Interpersonal skills to interact with contacts in a

businesslike, customer service-oriented manner by establishing and maintaining effective working relationships and working in

harmony with supervisors, staff, students and the general public. Skill in using a computer, modern office suite software (such as MS

Office), and radio and telecommunications devices to plan, schedule, communicate, word process (light word processing only),

research (Internet), etc. Ability and willingness to work as a Bus Driver, however needed, which may include split shifts and

evenings/nights.

QUALIFICATIONS:

MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: High school diploma or Certificate of General

Educational Development (GED); or an equivalent combination of education, experience and training, and three years of

progressively responsible experience in bus transport operations, including two years as a journey level driver of passenger buses

requiring a Class B CDL with air brake endorsement and substantive experience in helping lead daily operations of cluster (or

equivalent education, experience or training demonstrating ability to serve as Cluster Swing Driver), are required. Experience

working with people of diverse backgrounds and tailoring and delivering work products and services to meet the needs of diverse

groups is required. Experience using knowledge of Arlington County road networks, neighborhoods, school boundaries and other

local information directly related to effective transport of K-12 students is desired at the time of placement into this position. 

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION: A Class B Commercial Drivers License (CDL), with passenger bus endorsement, air brake

endorsement and school bus endorsement, is required after placement in the position in accordance with established procedures. 

These requirements are subject to change by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, or other authority, and are immediately

effective upon change. Related requirements include but are not limited to; having and maintaining negative test results for alcohol

and controlled substance use and Possession of a satisfactory driving record that shows that: within the preceding five (5) years, the

driver has not been convicted of a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances (or a comparable or

stronger infraction, such as driving while intoxicated); has not been convicted of a felony, or has not been assigned to any alcohol

safety action program or driver alcohol rehabilitation program, and within the preceding twelve (12) months, the driver has not been

convicted of two (2) or more moving traffic violations or has not been required to attend a driver improvement clinic by the

Commissioner, Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, or any other authority in the Commonwealth, or to attend a comparable

regimen by comparable authority in another licensing jurisdiction.

SALARY

• Salary range: based on the 26/27 pay plan.