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Rockford, Illinois, United States
Onsite
We're seeking an experienced Field Supervisor to provide on-the-ground safety oversight and operational support for our transportation team. This role is the eyes and ears in the field, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient operation of all district transportation routes through direct observation, driver coaching, and real-time incident response. You'll spend your days riding routes, conducting safety audits, supporting drivers, and responding to emergencies—all while maintaining the highest safety standards and building a culture of excellence. You'll be the trusted leader drivers turn to for guidance and the safety champion who ensures every student arrives safely, every time.
You're a safety-minded leader who loves being out in the field rather than behind a desk. You're naturally observant, catching safety issues before they become problems, and you know how to coach drivers in a way that's direct but respectful. You stay calm under pressure—whether you're responding to an accident scene, helping a new driver navigate a tricky route, or addressing a parent’s concern. You genuinely care about driver success and student safety, and you're not afraid to have tough conversations when needed. You're comfortable juggling route observations, incident investigations, documentation, and training support—all in the same day. You bring a steady, approachable presence that earns respect from drivers and builds confidence with schools and families.
Conduct daily ride-alongs, route observations, and stop audits (AM/PM) to ensure safe and compliant operations while monitoring on-time performance and identifying operational inefficiencies
Verify drivers follow proper student loading/unloading procedures in adherence to federal, state, and district transportation regulations
Perform random DOT compliance checks, verify documentation, inspect pre-trip/post-trip procedures and vehicle cleanliness, and monitor proper use of seat belts, student management procedures, and emergency evacuation readiness
Provide on-the-spot coaching and immediate written feedback when safety violations or procedural concerns arise, and follow up on performance metrics or operational issues
Support new drivers with route-specific training, shadowing, and monitored practice drives while serving as first point of contact for guidance, conflict resolution, and real-time operational support
Conduct informal reviews of safe-driving techniques and behavior-management strategies, and support or facilitate safety meetings, refresher trainings, annual recertifications, and track employee compliance for required certifications
Respond immediately to road calls, breakdowns, and accidents to ensure student safety, assist drivers, and conduct post-incident checks
Complete initial incident reports, gather necessary information for Safety and Operations teams, and ensure timely communication to school districts and company leadership during safety-related events
Document observations, coaching notes, and performance issues in required systems, and monitor yard operations to ensure buses are ready, fueled, and staged properly for routes
Possession of a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class B with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements and current DOT Medical Certificate
Minimum of two (2) years of relevant industry experience in Safety Department operations, school bus operations, or dispatch
Knowledge of local and state laws and regulations pertaining to the school bus industry and District policies
Demonstrated knowledge of school bus safety regulations and best practices
Basic computer proficiency with G-Suite applications (Sheets, Docs, Slides)
Proven record of leading teams and implementing new safety programs and initiatives
Proficiency with reporting and safety tools including incident reports, Gatekeeper, Netradyne, and camera systems, etc.
Experience investigating accidents and incidents with completion of all required documentation and reporting
Familiarity with accident reporting