Driver Training & Safety Specialist – Bus Operations - 60025490

The mission of the South Carolina Department of Education is to serve students, support teachers, empower parents, and engage the community so that every student graduates prepared to reach their full potential.

At the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE), transportation plays a critical role in student access, safety, and opportunity across the state. Driver safety and training are essential to protecting students and maintaining public trust in pupil transportation. SCDE Transportation offers the opportunity to serve statewide, shape safety standards, deliver professional instruction, and contribute to a mission-driven organization committed to continuous improvement.

Job Purpose

The South Carolina Department of Education is seeking a knowledgeable and experienced Driver Training & Safety Specialist to serve as a statewide resource for school bus driver training, safety oversight, and regulatory compliance. This position plays a key role in developing, delivering, and evaluating driver training programs while supporting districts in maintaining safe, consistent, and compliant transportation operations across South Carolina.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Deliver driver training and instruction

Summary: Plan, deliver, and evaluate classroom and behind-the-wheel training programs, administer examinations, maintain training records, and provide driver qualification recommendations.

• Conduct CDL training and testing

Summary: Deliver CDL training for Passenger and School Bus endorsements and conduct SCDMV-certified third-party CDL testing in accordance with applicable requirements.

• Oversee trainer qualification and curriculum consistency

Summary: Qualify, observe, evaluate, and requalify district driver trainers while supporting curriculum development and ensuring statewide consistency in training standards.

• Provide safety oversight and compliance support

Summary: Conduct road checks, observations, inspections, and complaint investigations while providing technical guidance and corrective recommendations to districts.

• Support outreach and statewide safety initiatives

Summary: Conduct safety meetings, workshops, and statewide training events while providing technical assistance to district transportation staff and drivers.

• Maintain program documentation and reporting

Summary: Maintain accurate electronic training, testing, and certification records and prepare reports supporting departmental and regulatory requirements.

A bachelor’s degree and relevant experience.

Experience operating a school bus or commercial motor vehicle.

Ability to obtain and maintain a South Carolina Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with required endorsements.

Ability to meet and maintain instructor certification requirements.

Ability to pass required background checks, medical clearances, and drug screenings.

Experience delivering adult instruction or training programs.

Knowledge of school bus safety regulations, driver qualification standards, and compliance requirements.

Experience conducting evaluations, observations, or compliance reviews.

Working Conditions

Work involves frequent statewide travel and includes indoor and outdoor environments, varying weather conditions, and traffic exposure. The position requires operating school buses, demonstrating procedures, prolonged sitting or standing, and outdoor activity. Adherence to all safety requirements is mandatory.

Career Growth at SCDE Transportation

SCDE Transportation values professional expertise in training and safety and supports growth through continued education, certification opportunities, and leadership development. Driver Training & Safety Specialists may expand responsibilities in program leadership, safety management, or statewide transportation initiatives within a stable public service organization.

Benefits

As part of a comprehensive state compensation package, the South Carolina Department of Education offers:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance options for employees and eligible dependents
• Fifteen (15) days annual (vacation) leave per year
• Fifteen (15) days sick leave per year
• Thirteen (13) paid holidays
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation (401k) programs
• Professional development and safety leadership training opportunities

Equal Opportunity Employer

The South Carolina Department of Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

ONLY THOSE APPLICANTS CHOSEN FOR AN INTERVIEW WILL BE NOTIFIED BY LETTER THAT THE POSITION HAS BEEN FILLED.

http://www.ed.sc.gov/jobs/human-resources/title-ix-nondiscrimination/