The Student Transportation & Operations Assistant is a versatile member of the East Windsor Public Schools support staff responsible for providing safe transportation for students while supporting the district's daily operational needs. This position divides responsibilities among student transportation, interoffice mail and materials distribution, cafeteria assistance, and light custodial support. The successful candidate demonstrates flexibility, professionalism, excellent customer service, and a commitment to maintaining a safe, welcoming, and efficient learning environment for students and staff.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Student Transportation
- Safely operate a district passenger van to transport special education students to and from school, community-based programs, vocational sites, field trips, and other approved destinations
- Assist students with safely entering and exiting the vehicle, including operation of wheelchair lifts, ramps, securement systems, and safety restraints when required
- Maintain a positive, respectful, and supportive environment while transporting students and implement student behavior support plans and medical protocols as directed
- Conduct required pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections, including lights, tires, brakes, fluid levels, safety equipment, and vehicle cleanliness
- Maintain accurate transportation logs, mileage records, attendance documentation, and required reports
- Report accidents, incidents, mechanical concerns, or unsafe conditions immediately following district procedures
- Maintain communication with school personnel, transportation staff, and families regarding schedules or emergencies
- Ensure compliance with Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles regulations, Board of Education policies, and all student confidentiality requirements
District Mail & Logistics
- Collect, sort, transport, and distribute interoffice mail, instructional materials, supplies, and district documents between school buildings and administrative offices
- Maintain an organized delivery schedule to ensure timely distribution of confidential and time-sensitive materials
- Assist with transporting equipment, furniture, and supplies for district programs, events, and school activities
- Maintain delivery records and inventory documentation as assigned
Cafeteria Support
- Assist cafeteria staff during meal preparation and meal service
- Prepare serving lines and replenish food, beverages, and supplies throughout meal periods
- Maintain a clean and orderly cafeteria by wiping tables, sweeping floors, washing dishes, and assisting with cleanup
- Follow all health department regulations, sanitation procedures, and food safety guidelines
Facilities & Custodial Support
- Perform routine custodial duties including emptying trash, sweeping, mopping, cleaning common areas, and restocking restroom supplies
- Respond promptly to spills and other safety hazards
- Assist with room setups, furniture movement, and preparation for school events and activities
- Support seasonal maintenance activities including snow removal from entrances, leaf cleanup, and general grounds assistance
- Report maintenance needs and safety concerns to the appropriate supervisor
General Responsibilities
- Demonstrate professionalism, flexibility, and reliability while supporting multiple district facilities
- Establish and maintain positive working relationships with students, families, staff, and community members
- Attend required meetings, safety trainings, and professional development activities
- Maintain confidentiality regarding student, staff, and district information
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent of Schools, Director of Facilities, or their designee
Qualifications:
- High School Diploma or equivalent required
- Valid Connecticut Driver's License with satisfactory driving record
- Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with Passenger Endorsement, or the ability to obtain within a district established timeframe. District paid training will be provided as needed
- Experience working with children, particularly students with disabilities, preferred
- Previous experience in transportation, custodial services, facilities maintenance, or operations preferred
- Demonstrated commitment to student safety and customer service
- Ability to communicate effectively with students, staff, families, and community members
- Ability to work independently, prioritize responsibilities, and adapt to changing assignments
- Basic mechanical knowledge sufficient to identify vehicle maintenance concerns
- Knowledge of safe lifting techniques and workplace safety practices
Physical Demands:*
- Must possess the ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, climb stairs, and sit for extended periods
- Must be able to safely lift and carry up to 40 pounds
- Must be able to assist students with mobility needs when necessary
- Must safely operate district vehicles in varying weather conditions
- Must perform repetitive cleaning, lifting, and material handling tasks throughout the workday
*The physical demands of this position are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.
Work Environment:
- Work is performed in a variety of settings, including school buildings, cafeterias, district vehicles, administrative offices, and outdoor environments
- Frequent interaction with students, including students with disabilities requiring specialized transportation, behavioral supports, or mobility assistance
- Regular exposure to varying weather conditions while transporting students, delivering materials, and assisting with seasonal grounds maintenance
- Work requires frequent movement between district locations and the ability to adapt to changing daily schedules, assignments, and operational priorities
- Duties may involve moderate noise levels, lifting and moving materials or equipment, and working under time-sensitive conditions to ensure the safe and efficient operation of district services
Work Days:
- Twelve (12) month position
- Required to work all scheduled school days, professional development days, and district-assigned summer school student days
- School year and professional development schedules follow the East Windsor Public Schools calendar
- Summer work schedules are established annually by the Administration based on district operational and student transportation needs
Work Scheduled:
- Work day is 7 AM to 3:30 PM
Compensation & Benefits:
- Starting hourly wage ranges from $21.98 to $29.56, based on qualifications and experience, in accordance with the UPSEU Classified Unit Employees' Collective Bargaining Agreement paid on a bi-weekly basis.
- East Windsor Public Schools offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, participation in the Town of East Windsor retirement plan, and employer-sponsored health, dental, and vision insurance with employee premium cost sharing in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement.