Class Code: P0204
FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Safety and Training Coordinator

Bargaining Unit: PSA

DEFINITION:

Under direction, a Safety and Training Coordinator performs specialized professional administrative work related to planning, developing, updating, coordinating and conducting bus operator training and retraining programs and ensuring compliance with State and federally-mandated bus operator programs as well as Santa Cruz METRO policies and procedures; develops and updates curriculum, lesson plans, and training/reference materials; oversees the Assistant Safety and Training Coordinator; participates in the development and updating of accident investigation procedures and processes as well as departmental safety procedures; and performs related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

Safety and Training Coordinator is the supervisory level class series.  An incumbent in this class performs the full scope of Safety and Training Coordinator level of planning, developing, and coordinating the delivery of required training programs for bus operators and other Santa Cruz METRO staff.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The duties listed below represent the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them if the work is related or a logical assignment to this class.

  • Plans, develops, updates, coordinates, and conducts bus operator training and retraining programs, ensuring compliance with State and federally mandated bus operator programs as well as Santa Cruz METRO policies, procedures and labor agreements.  
  • Trains and coordinates with Transit Supervisors who assist in training and re training Santa Cruz METRO employees
  • Develops and updates curriculum, lesson plans, training and reference materials for Bus Operators, Transit Supervisors and other Santa Cruz METRO employees; 
  • Develops training procedures manual as well as other documentation, materials, and processes; revises and updates documentation as needed.
  • Plans and develops training schedules; coordinates schedules with Transit Supervisors and Assistant Safety and Training Coordinator that assist with training and retraining of Bus Operators and other Santa Cruz METRO employees.
  • Assists the Operations Manager with administering the DMV Employer Testing Program, including maintenance of examiner credentials; 
  • Coordinates the DMV “pull program” and ensures that all employees meet licensing requirements; participates in CHP/DMV and other audits.
  • Develops and coordinates ongoing line instruction programs, including the training of line instructors on monitoring, grading, reporting and program compliance criteria.
  • Coordinates the accident review process; 
  • Reviews completed accident reports and identifies patterns; documents and reports on recommendations for improvements; maintains records of accidents; prepares summary reports.
  • Coordinates and oversees the maintenance of accurate training records and documentation, including records of driver training hours, VTT certification, and bus operator training certification.
  • Oversees and evaluates new Operators during training; 
  • Provides recommendations regarding Operator retention based on training information; 
  • Participates in direct observations of Operator skills as required;  
  • Conducts corrective action or re-training as appropriate;  
  • Participates in selection of new Bus Operators 
  • Participates in the delivery of training instruction as required, including VTT classes; 
  • Develops and may provide customized or specialized trainings as requested.
  • May represent Santa Cruz METRO at disciplinary hearings, legal proceedings and other meetings.
  • Supervises subordinate Safety and Training Instructors and may supervise technical, clerical or support staff; 
  • Assigns, directs, and monitors work; provides staff training; evaluates employee performance; 
  • May participate in staff selection; 
  • Initiates or may have significant input into disciplinary actions. 
  • Coordinates and performs special projects.
  • Provides information to employees and the public. 
  • Operates standard office equipment; utilizes computer software in performing job tasks.  
  • Drives and Operates Santa Cruz METRO vehicles to perform assignments. 
  • Performs related work as required
  • Responsible for the implementation of ongoing line-instruction program, including selection, training, and evaluation of the line instructor regarding monetary, grading, reporting, and program compliance criteria.
  • Conducts verification of transit training (VTT) classes as required; and provides customized trainings as required by Superintendent.
  • Participates in the planning, organizing, and support of internal and external training activities.
  •  Provides training in escalated or emergency situations, as assigned.
  • Reviews pull-notices and takes appropriate action when required.
  • Upon request, provides technical training assistance, pull- notice review for the paratransit department.
  • Enforces Santa Cruz METRO rules, policies, and procedures; applies provisions of Labor Agreements within the scope of duties.
  • May represent Santa Cruz METRO at disciplinary hearing, legal proceedings, and other meetings, as required
  • Incorporates information into training curriculum on new equipment, and changes in existing equipment.
  • May serve as a liaison with local emergency responders, such as police and fire, by providing information and orientation regarding Santa Cruz METRO vehicle fleet, fuels utilized, emergency access, and other public safety related information.
  • May participate in committees and projects teams, may make recommendations related to safety, training, licensing requirements, accident investigations, and other position related topics as assigned; 
  • Serves as hazardous materials trainer for the Operations department.
  • Assist with the development of departmental policies, procedures, programs and budget on safety related issues in cooperation with the Safety, Security and Risk Department.
  • Assist in conducting surveys of other organizations to compile, and analyze data, prepare report and perform calculations, as needed.
  • Selects, supervises, trains, motivates, assigns, evaluates, counsels, and disciplines staff.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:

Knowledge of:

  • Federal, State, and local laws and regulations regarding transit buses, Department of Motor Vehicle and Federal Highway Administration laws, and bus operator training and retraining.  
  • Current teaching theory, methods, and practices, as well as effective curriculum development. 
  • Principles of program organization, administration and coordination.  
  • Common transit agency policies, procedures and bus operator labor contract parameters language associated with bus operations.
  • Defensive driving techniques.  
  • Safety and health-related regulations applicable to transit operations. 
  • Principles and practices of employee supervision, including employee development, performance evaluation and progressive discipline.
  • Modern office practices, procedures and equipment.
  • Business correspondence, formatting and report writing.       
  • Manual and automated record-keeping and filing systems.
  • Methods of maintaining information in computerized or hard copy files.
  • Professional methods of researching, gathering, organizing and reporting data.
  • Methods of prioritizing, planning and organizing work.
  • Advanced time management techniques.
  • Customer service techniques.
  • Intermediate mathematics including percentages, ratios, and basic statistics. 
  • The effective use of modern office equipment, personal computers, and applicable standard business software; including audio/visual equipment. 

Ability to:

  • Develop, organize, and coordinate an effective bus operator training program. 
  • Formulate specific objectives to compare and evaluate training results. 
  • Research, analyze and evaluate new training methods and techniques. 
  • Read, review and apply laws, regulations and labor contract provisions. 
  • Define problem areas and evaluate, recommend and implement alternative solutions to complex issues and problems. 
  • Instruct others in the safe operation of Santa Cruz METRO vehicles and adapt training procedures to the needs of the individual. 
  • Act as liaison with community groups, transit agencies, and regulatory agencies. 
  • Develop and write plans, procedures, reports, forms and tests. 
  • Conduct field investigations to identify patterns and problem areas and make recommendations.   
  • Adhere to established work schedules and timelines.
  • Work independently using good judgment, tact and discretion.
  • Balance multiple assignments simultaneously and effectively.
  • Utilize standard office equipment and computer software and learn to use specialized Santa Cruz METRO software if assigned.
  • Maintain confidentiality of materials, records, files and other privileged information.
  • Communicate clearly and effectively in both oral and written form.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department and with other divisions, departments, agencies, suppliers, vendors, and the public. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: 

Education, Training and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; 

AND 

Two (2) years of experience developing and presenting driver safety and training programs, preferably for a public bus transportation system.

OR

Three (3) years of experience as a Transit Supervisor for a transit agency providing bus transportation.  

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES:

A valid California Class “B” Commercial Driver’s License with a “P” passenger endorsement will be required at the time of appointment and throughout employment.

Verification of transit training (VTT), and an acceptable safe driving record/history is required at the time of appointment.

AND

Possession of a California State Bus Driver Training Instructor Certificate from the Department of Education at time of appointment.

OR

Possession of a Department of Transportation Instructor Credential to teach VTT classes at time of appointment.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Driving record will be reviewed as part of the application process and throughout employment.
  • May occasionally work extended hours or hours outside of regular schedule.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS:

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, walk, climb, bend, kneel, and stand; talk and hear; use hands to manipulate, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; and perform repetitive movements of hands or wrists. The employee is regularly required to bend and twist at the neck and occasionally reach overhead.  Work may require lifting up to 50 pounds unaided.   Specific visual abilities required for this job include close vision, distance vision, the ability to see colors and shades, and the ability to perceive depth.

Mental Demands 

While performing the duties of this job, an employee uses written and oral communication skills; reads and interprets data, information and documents; analyzes and solves problems; uses math and mathematical reasoning; performs highly detailed work; deals with multiple concurrent tasks; and interacts with others encountered in the course of work.

Work Environment: 

The employee typically works in an office environment where the noise level is quiet.  The employee occasionally works in a field environment with potential exposure to varied weather conditions, dust, fumes, and hazardous materials and where the noise level is loud.  

OTHER CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

  • Must pass a requisite background check.
  • This position is considered a safety sensitive position and requires participation in Santa Cruz METRO’s drug and alcohol testing program.
  • May occasionally work extended hours or hours outside of the regular schedule.

*Adopted: 12-11-18

*BOD Approved: 08-23-19

*Revised: 00-00-00

*Job Family: Administrative Technical

*Job Series: Safety and Training

*Job Series Level: Supervisor

*Confidential: No