Paratransit Safety & Training Manager

First Student; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

First Student is recruiting a Safety Manager to oversee driver safety, training, regulatory compliance, and accident investigations for the Essex County Paratransit operation. The role emphasizes hands-on safety leadership, driver instruction, and career development within a 47-vehicle paratransit program.

The successful candidate will have extensive transportation safety experience, ADA knowledge, defensive driving, and the ability to coach staff while collaborating with operations leadership

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in transportation safety, driver training, or related paratransit fields.
• Experience with driver instruction, accident investigation, safety management, regulatory compliance, and ADA requirements.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to coach and train employees with varying levels of experience.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Ability to identify safety concerns and implement corrective actions.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the location's safety and driver training programs.
• Provide initial, refresher, remedial, and ongoing training to drivers and transportation staff.
• Conduct behind-the-wheel driver instruction and safety evaluations.
• Train staff on defensive driving techniques and safe vehicle operation.
• Provide instruction on passenger assistance and ADA transportation requirements.
• Conduct accident and safety-event investigations and document findings.
• Identify safety trends and recommend corrective actions to reduce risk.
• Coach drivers after safety events or performance concerns.
• Monitor driver performance and regulatory compliance.
• Maintain safety, training, and driver documentation.
• Support safety meetings and ongoing safety initiatives.

Skills

Transportation safety

Driver training

Paratransit operations

Public transportation

Commercial vehicle operations

Job description

First Student is recruiting a Safety Manager to oversee driver safety, training, regulatory compliance, and accident investigations for the Essex County Paratransit operation. The role emphasizes hands-on safety leadership, driver instruction, and career development within a 47-vehicle paratransit program.

The successful candidate will have extensive transportation safety experience, ADA knowledge, defensive driving, and the ability to coach staff while collaborating with operations leadership