Transportation Safety Inspector and Trainer

JOB SUMMARY

The Safety Inspector and Trainer serves a critical leadership role within Houston ISD’s Transportation Department by ensuring compliance with all safety regulations and promoting a culture of excellence and vigilance in student transportation. This position is responsible for conducting vehicle inspections, evaluating driver performance, and delivering high-quality training programs for bus drivers, attendants, and transportation staff.

Aligned with HISD’s commitment to a high-performance culture and student-centered service, the Safety Inspector and Trainer works in collaboration with transportation leadership to implement effective safety practices, improve operational efficiency, and uphold the highest standards of professionalism, reliability, and student protection.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1.    Conduct regular, comprehensive safety inspections of school buses, service vehicles, and equipment to ensure strict compliance with local, state, and federal transportation safety standards.
2.    Ensure full adherence to transportation safety regulations, including those from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Department of Transportation (DOT), OSHA, and applicable state education agencies.
3.    Investigate accidents, incidents, and safety violations, prepare detailed incident reports, and serve as an active member of the Accident Review Board, contributing to a culture of continuous safety improvement.
4.    Serve as the lead instructor for state-mandated and specialized safety training programs, including:
•    Texas Education Agency (TEA) School Bus Driver Certification and Recertification
•    Special Needs Transportation protocols
•    Operation Lifesaver (rail safety)
•    School Bus Watch (anti-terrorism awareness)
•    Kid Safe (car seat safety)
•    National Safety Council Defensive Driving Course
5.    Monitor driver performance and vehicle operation through the use of GPS systems, telematics, and onboard camera footage, addressing unsafe behaviors with corrective action and retraining when needed

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

6.    Review and update transportation safety policies, standard operating procedures, and emergency response protocols to ensure alignment with HISD expectations and current regulations.
7.    Develop and deliver engaging, skills-based safety training programs for transportation staff, including school bus drivers and attendants. Provide instruction on emergency procedures, safe driving, student management, and regulatory compliance.
8.    Lead hands-on and classroom-based training sessions, including pre- and post-trip inspections, defensive driving techniques, student conduct management, and behind-the-wheel evaluations. Review motor vehicle records quarterly to assess ongoing driver eligibility.
9.    Administer specialized training on the use of wheelchair lifts, child restraint systems, and execution of emergency evacuation drills for students with diverse transportation needs.
10.    Maintain accurate and auditable training records, ensuring all personnel meet required certification and continuing education milestones.
11.    Provide post-incident retraining and coordinate corrective action plans for drivers involved in collisions or safety incidents, ensuring alignment with district performance expectations.
12.    Maintain comprehensive documentation related to safety inspections, training sessions, accident investigations, and compliance reviews.
13.    Collaborate with fleet operations staff to ensure all vehicles are equipped with required safety tools, supplies, and emergency equipment.
14.    Perform other job-related duties as assigned, contributing to HISD’s mission of providing safe, reliable, and student-focused transportation services.

EDUCATION

Bachelor's Degree

*Applicants who do not meet these education qualifications may be considered if they have a unique combination of education and work experiences that indicate potential for success in this role.

WORK EXPERIENCE

3 to 5 years of experience in school transportation, safety compliance, or driver training.

SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION

SAP, Microsoft Office
Office equipment (e.g., computer, copier), Vehicles (e.g., automobile, truck, tractor, forklift)
Valid Class B Commerical Driver’s License (CDL), with School Bus (S) & Passenger (P) endorsements
Certified School Bus Driver Trainer 
Certification in defensive driving or accident investigation is a plus.

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

Work Leadership.  Regularly provides project management or team leadership to a group of two or more employees but does not have a formal supervisory responsibility.  Leading and directing is restricted to monitoring work and providing guidance on escalated issues.  Most of work time is spent performing man of the same duties they are leading.

WORK COMPLEXITY/INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT

Work involves the application of moderately complex procedures and tasks that are quite varied. Independent judgment is often required to select and apply the most appropriate of available resources. Ongoing supervision is provided on an "as needed" basis.

BUDGET AUTHORITY

No budget development activity is required.

PROBLEM SOLVING

Decisions are made on both routine and non-routine matters with some latitude, but are still subject to approval. Job is occasionally expected to recommend new solutions to problems and improve existing methods or generate new ideas.

IMPACT OF DECISIONS

Decisions have moderate impact to the facility/department or division, causing increased satisfaction or dissatisfaction; producing efficiencies or delays; promoting or inhibiting personal intellectual or professional development; and/or contributing to financial gain or expense. Errors may be serious, usually not subject to direct verification or check, causing losses such as improper cost calculations, overpayment or improper utilization of labor, materials or equipment. Effect usually confined to the organization itself and is short term.

COMMUNICATION/INTERACTIONS

Collaborate and solve problems - works with others to resolve problems, clarify or interpret complex information/policies, and provide initial screening/negotiations without approval authority. Interactions are typically with customers, senior level professional staff, and managers.

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS

Regularly assesses and diffuses complex, and escalated customer issues. Takes personal responsibility and accountability for solving systemic customer service problems. Regularly explores alternative and creative solutions to meeting the needs of the customer within HISD's policies and guidelines.

WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment, which does not subject the employee to any hazardous or unpleasant elements. 
•    Valid Texas driver’s license with applicable insurance coverage. 
•    Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, including personal computer and peripherals 
•    Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting 
•    Motion: Repetitive hand motions including frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching 
•    Ability to carry and/or lift up to 15 to 44 pounds.
•    Environment: Prolonged or irregular hours, including some weekends; frequent districtwide travel 
•    Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions, maintain emotional control under stress, fast-paced