GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF WORK:

Performs all duties in connection with Bus and Paratransit Safety Programs, including accident investigation/reconstruction, interviewing, evaluating and recommending corrective actions for employees involved in traffic and/or passenger accidents. Maintains Safety Award Program. Assists with Drug and Alcohol Prevention Program, the responsibilities of the System Safety Plan, and all other related safety efforts. Performs field outreach duties in accordance with VIA’s SAFE Program. Responsible for developing and conducting various training programs, specializing in the Maintenance Qualification Course. Assists the Training Specialist of Safety Training with safety training and environmental training.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Facilitates training sessions to groups of employees. These training programs include, but are not limited to Maintenance Qualification training, safety programs, environmental programs, accident prevention programs, VIA System Safety Plan programs, CPR/Standard First Aid, driver refresher training, and vehicle qualification training (service and non-service vehicles).

Develops lesson plans, curricula and training programs.

Develops and provides train-the-trainer programs for the Safety, Training and System Security Supervisors.

Works directly with external contractors and vendors in the development of employee training programs and booklets related to equipment, vehicles, fire safety and operations

Oversight of all Department of Public Safety (DPS) testing standards, protocol and regulatory compliance for Bus operations, Fleet and Facilities and Safety divisions.

Program and course coordinator for all shop attendant and Fleet and Facilities non-skilled labor training programs.

Works directly with the Lead STSS Supervisor, and Manager of Training and Development to review and maintain maintenance qualification program integrity and efficiency.

Provides CPR/First Aid certification training to Supervisors and designated staff, as well as recertification training.

Creates and revises lesson plans and training manuals.

Assesses student performance and reports serious student development problems to the Manager of Training and Development.

Assists the STSS Supervisor – Safety Programs in developing and publishing safety and environmental education communications as required by OSHA, TWCC, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), San Antonio Water System (SAWS), San Antonio River Authority (SARA), and the Texas Department of Health (TDH), and other state and national government regulations.

Provides technical details to be incorporated into the development of training materials.

Maintains and updates training materials as needed or directed by the Manager of Training and Development.

Conducts follow-up checks on previous students to assess if additional training/coaching is required. Reports serious problems to the Manager of Training and Development.

Coaches employees where needed to improve performance.

Provides and maintains progress reports on students.

Makes recommendations for terminating students in the event termination is necessary.

Develops and recommends safety policy and procedures dealing with bus and paratransit operations safety.

Conducts field assessments and provides recommendations on operationally safe practices for bus and paratransit vehicles, as well as system security concerns.

Responsible for interfacing with bus and paratransit operators, along their route, to coach and instill best practices and judgment techniques.

Objectively assesses, discerns and articulates the best practices and decision-making skills required of operators during the preventable accident classification process.

Compiles data and statistics from accidents, incidents, trends and analysis to determine plan of action on system service improvement.

Surveys and responds to safety related concerns at special events, transit facilities, public gatherings and elsewhere throughout VIA’s service area.

Responsible for compliance and education of safe practices/conduct as they relate to all VIA employees while on duty, on property, or utilizing VIA equipment.

Provides preventable accident refresher training to operators and fleet and facilities employees. To include discerning from reports and discussion of sensitive information the best practices to instill, during the training session.

Provides detailed reporting of operator performance concerns, as they relate to safe operation of revenue service vehicles during training, and while in service.

Demonstrates knowledge and proficiency of VIA’s service area as it relates to training full-time operators during the route instruction of the qualification program.

Provides instruction on new vehicle and equipment implementation to the Transportation Division, Fleet and Facilities Division and Transit Police.

Develops, implements, and maintains awards and incentive programs for Safety.

Oversees the maintenance of operator driving records, and valid driver’s license compliance.

Performs Hazard Recognition/Identification Procedures as necessary. Also performs Hazard analysis, assessment, evaluation and resolution procedures.

Oversees the maintenance of operator honor roll safety records.

Oversees the handling of the Safety Awards program (Safety Pins, Buckles, and inventory, etc.)

Responsible for reviewing accident reports, investigating accidents, and determining the preventability of each accident.

Responsible for insuring the safe operation of all buses, paratransit vehicles, and support vehicles.

Performs other safety related work as required.

Investigates and evaluates safety recommendations.

Addresses and resolves Transportation safety issues.

Records and maintains operators’ safety records.

Contacts operators regarding supervisor reports and service reports.

Prepares daily routine reports.

Meets and works tactfully with employees and patrons to achieve desired results.

Removes students from training if an unsafe condition is observed.

Assists the Manager of Training and Development in overseeing Associate Instructors.

Prepares the training facility, and the necessary tools and equipment for training classes.

Assembles training packets and training materials.

Prepares classroom for training, including audio and visual aids.

Develops computer based training programs.

Maintains course folder materials for designated courses.

Develops, performs and executes special projects as needed.

Assists on environmental issues and projects.

Assists in Drug and Alcohol program process and assures quality control at drug and alcohol testing facilities.

This job description excludes marginal functions that are incidental to performing the job. Other duties may exist.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Must have a Bachelor's degree in Education, Safety or a related field and two (2) years driving experience as either a Bus Operator or hourly Maintenance employee or an equivalent combination. Additional experience in conducting training programs for various employee levels or other adult education programs and developing computer based training programs may also be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis up to four (4) years.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to conduct adult training at various employee levels.

Must have the ability to safety operate all VIA vehicles.

Knowledge of the standard tools, materials, methods and practices of a maintenance shop.

Knowledge of OSHA, FTA, TWCC and other national, state, and local requirements regarding safety training, as well as VIA’s System Safety Plan.

Knowledge of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC), San Antonio Water System (SAWS), San Antonio River Authority (SARA), the Texas Department of Health (TDH), and other national, state, and local environmental requirements, and their associated training requirements.

Knowledge of a maintenance shop’s safety rules and regulations.

Must possess the technical and creative skills necessary to design, develop, implement and evaluate Maintenance Qualification, safety, and environmental training programs to various employee levels.

Must have considerable knowledge of the hazards and safety precautions peculiar to the work and methods of promoting safety among students.

Must have a good knowledge of the Operation’s Manual of Rules and Procedures, Bus routes, Bus and Paratransit vehicle operations, Bus and Paratransit Operator procedures, VIA services, and the Working Conditions.

The ability to become certified as a Defensive Driving or Smith System instructor.

Have the ability to be certified by the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association to teach CPR/Standard First Aid.

Effective teaching and public speaking skills.

Good verbal and written communication skills.

Must be able to handle multiple projects concurrently.

Must have the ability to maintain and prepare records on jobs performed.

Must have the ability to perform job assignments while wearing mandatory safety equipment such as respirators, safety glasses/goggles/face-shields, gloves, and back protection belts.

The ability to use a personal computer and current Microsoft Office software.

Ability to learn new computer software applications to develop computer-based training programs.

Must have ability to read and understand semi-complex materials such as maps, logs, instruction manuals and Mobile Data Terminal.

A valid Commercial Driver License with a passenger endorsement.

Ability to learn how to operate all audio and visual aids used in the Training and Development Department.

Must be able to maintain good work attendance.

Safety Accountability Statement:

- Employees must consider safety in all tasks performed, as well as demonstrate safe judgment and decisions that not only maintain their own safety; but that of fellow employees and customers.

- Demonstrate a professional commitment to assure compliance with all organizational policies, practices, and programs related to safety, health, and system security.

- Employees have a responsibility to identify and report hazards, as well as potentially unsafe conditions, to your immediate supervisor or Safety Department.

- Employees are responsible, and required, to stop a job/task to prevent an unsafe incident or act from occurring. This acknowledges the threat of potential injury, property damage and the opportunity for better judgment to be used.

Must comply with and support all applicable VIA EEO Policies and Procedures.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must have physical ability to continuously kneel, bend stoop, twist, squat, reach, climb up and down stairs, walk, stand, and use foot controls; perform fine manipulation, medium dexterity, forearm rotational movement, and simple to hard grasping, be around moving machinery; work in environments of extremes in temperature/humidity, with exposure to dust, fumes, gases, noise, and welding arc flash (mandatory safety equipment must be utilized when exposed to hazardous conditions.)

Must have physical ability to occasionally lift/carry 80 lbs., push/pull 50lbs.

Must be able to hear safety and emergency horns.

Ability to safely operate all of VIA’s service fleet.

The physical ability to operate all revenue vehicles in use by VIA and all related equipment.

WORK ENVIRONMENTS:

Work involves exposure to dust, fumes, gases, noise, and unfavorable weather conditions.

Works in offices, classrooms, and maintenance shops. Exposure to computer terminals, office machinery, moving equipment and machinery.

Hours of work may vary to include nights and weekends.

VIA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, providing equal opportunity to all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, or disability.