School Bus Systems Technician

Description

School Bus Systems Technician

Mission:
The School Bus Systems Technician provides specialized technical support for transportation technology systems to ensure safe and efficient student transportation across IDEA's yellow bus fleet. This role focuses on troubleshooting and maintaining tablets used for student , pre/post trip inspections via Transfinder's Route Finder and Way Finder applications, as well as maintaining camera systems for safety and security monitoring. Working with advanced telematics systems from Zonar, the Technology Technician coordinates with suppliers for warranty claims, maintains inventory of spare equipment and parts, ensures proper installation and cabling of technology systems, and supports training initiatives and safety audits.

Under the general supervision of the Safety Manager or Regional Transportation Manager, this position is essential to maintaining operational excellence and supporting our mission of safely transporting students to achieve college for all.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Location:

RGV

Up to 30%

• Compensation for this role is set at an hourly rate ranging between $19.50 for 0 years of experience and $24.46.
• This role is also eligible for a performance bonus based on team performance and goal attainment.

• Paid Family Leave:
  Eligible staff may receive up to 8 weeks of paid leave for the birth or adoption of a child, based on their tenure with the organization and caregiver designation.
• Tuition Reimbursement:
  Staff members may apply for up to 50% of tuition paid toward a qualifying degree program, up to $5,250 maximum per year subject to manager discretion and budget availability.
• Employer-Paid Mental/Behavioral Health: 5 face-to-face counseling sessions within a year, unlimited 24/7 telephonic counseling, and other work-life services available at no cost.

Other benefits include dental and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, generous vacation time, referral bonuses and professional development. IDEA may offer a relocation allowance to defray the cost of moving for this role, if applicable.

• Monitor and analyze student  data through Route Finder and Way Finder systems across all transportation campuses to identify trends and opportunities for improvement. Troubleshoot tablet functionality issues and Transfinder application problems that may impact scanning performance and resolve technical barriers promptly.
• Provide training and technical support to drivers and transportation staff on proper scanning procedures, tablet operation, and Transfinder software usage.
• Coordinate with Regional Transportation Managers and campus transportation staff to implement best practices and ensure consistent scanning protocols.
• Generate regular reports on scanning performance using Route Finder analytics and provide data-driven recommendations for improvement.
• Maintain tablet software updates, application configurations, and Transfinder integrations to optimize scanning efficiency and system reliability.
• Conduct routine preventive maintenance on all tablets across the transportation fleet using industry-standard diagnostic tools and procedures.

• Respond promptly to tablet malfunctions, hardware failures, and software issues to restore functionality within service level agreements.
• Maintain adequate inventory of spare tablets, charging cables, mounting hardware, and replacement parts to support immediate repairs and minimize downtime.
• Coordinate with suppliers and vendors (including Transfinder) for warranty repairs, replacements, and technical support escalations as needed.
• Document all maintenance activities, track tablet performance metrics, and maintain comprehensive service records for fleet management reporting.
• Implement proactive monitoring systems and diagnostic protocols to identify potential issues before they cause operational downtime.
• Train transportation staff on basic tablet troubleshooting, proper handling procedures, and preventive care to reduce service calls.
• Support safety audit activities by ensuring all technology systems including tablets, cameras, and Zonar telematics are functioning properly during inspections.
• Provide technical expertise during audits to verify proper installation, operation, and compliance of tablets, cameras, and telematics systems with state and federal regulations.
• Assist in training programs for drivers and transportation staff on technology-related safety protocols, inspection procedures, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of all technology installations, configurations, and compliance records for audit purposes and regulatory reporting.
• Collaborate with safety team and RTMs to address any technology-related audit findings promptly and implement corrective action plans.
• Ensure camera systems are operational and recording properly to…