Summary

Serve as the district's primary subject matter expert for the SMART tag student transportation management system. Responsible for the administration, operation, maintenance, and technical support of SMART tag hardware and software, including system troubleshooting, equipment installation, data integration, and reporting accuracy. Provide districtwide technical assistance, training, and guidance to transportation personnel, campus staff, and parents. Independently identify and resolve system-related issues, coordinate technical solutions, and support continuous improvements to ensure the reliability, accuracy, and effectiveness of the system.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

System Administration and Technical Support

· Administer, maintain, and troubleshoot SMART tag hardware and software to ensure proper system functionality
and reliability.

· Coordinate, and assist with the installation, configuration, maintenance, and replacement of SMART tag hardware and related equipment.

· Manage data integration between Transfinder and SMART tag to ensure accurate transportation routes and student assignments.

· Independently identify, investigate, and resolve technical and system-related issues, coordinating with technology vendors as necessary.

· Monitor system performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement solutions to support efficient and reliable operations.

Data Management and Reporting

· Manage data integration between Transfinder and SMART tag, ensuring accurate transportation routes, student assignments, and system information.

· Monitor and maintain SMART tag data integrity, identify and resolve discrepancies, and ensure accurate student ridership records.

· Maintain, review, and validate system data necessary to support monthly SHARS Medicaid reporting and Texas Education Agency (TEA) student ridership reporting.

Student Identification and Equipment Management

· Oversee the issuance, replacement, and management of student RFID badges to ensure accurate student identification and ridership tracking.

· Maintain an accurate inventory of district-owned SMART tag hardware, equipment, and supplies, including tracking equipment assignments, replacements, and maintenance needs.

· Coordinate the ordering, distribution, and replenishment of SMART tag supplies and equipment to support uninterrupted system operations.

Training and District Wide Support

· Serve as the primary point of contact for SMART tag inquiries, providing technical assistance and customer
service to transportation personnel, campus administrators, district staff, parents, and community members.

· Administer and support the SMART tag Parent App, assisting users with system access, functionality, and troubleshooting.

· Provide training and ongoing technical guidance to campus administrators, bus drivers, and bus aides regarding SMART tag software, tablets, student badging procedures, and system functionality.

· Develop and maintain training documentation and records related to SMART tag system usage and procedures

Transportation and Departmental Support

· Operate school buses and district white fleet vehicles as needed to support transportation operations.

· Maintain a valid Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with School Bus and Passenger endorsements and a Texas School Bus Driver Certification Card. Meet applicable DOT medical certification and drug and alcohol testing requirements.

· Provide operational and administrative support to the Transportation Department and Director of Transportation as assigned.

· Perform other related duties as assigned to support the efficient operation of the Transportation Department.

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES
None

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must possess the technical knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and organizational skills necessary to effectively administer, maintain, and support the district's SMART tag system. The individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily, exercise independent judgment in resolving system-related issues, and provide technical guidance and support to district personnel and system users.

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for successful job performance. Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered as deemed appropriate by the Board of Trustees. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

· Ability to develop and maintain comprehensive knowledge of SMART tag hardware, software, system functionality, and operational procedures.

· Knowledge of computer systems, software applications, and basic hardware installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

· Ability to independently identify, analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve technical and system-related issues.

· Ability to manage system data, monitor accuracy, identify discrepancies, and support required reporting.

· Ability to learn, administer, and support transportation technology systems, including SMART tag and Transfinder.

· Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain accurate records, and meet established deadlines.

· Ability to provide technical training, guidance, and customer support to district personnel, campuses, parents, and other system users.

· Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical information to individuals with varying levels of technical knowledge.

· Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and collaborate effectively with district departments and technology vendors.

· Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle student information in accordance with district policies and applicable regulations.

LICENSING AND CERTIFICATIONS

· Valid Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with School Bus and Passenger endorsements.

· Valid Texas School Bus Driver Certification Card.

· Ability to meet applicable Department of Transportation (DOT) medical certification and drug and alcohol testing requirements.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or equivalent required. Minimum of two years of experience in technical support, computer systems, software applications, data management, or a related field preferred. Experience troubleshooting hardware and software, maintaining electronic records, and supporting technology-based systems is highly desirable. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, required. Experience with student transportation operations, SMART tag, Transfinder, or similar transportation management systems preferred.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, interpret, and communicate technical information, system instructions, procedures, and reports. Ability to prepare clear and accurate written correspondence and documentation. Effectively communicate with administrators, transportation personnel, campus staff, parents, students, vendors, and the community. Ability to explain technical information and provide guidance to individuals with varying levels of technical knowledge. Strong verbal and written communication, customer service, and interpersonal skills.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations, including percentages, averages, and other computations necessary for data management and reporting. Ability to review, analyze, and reconcile numerical data to ensure accuracy in student ridership records, transportation assignments, and required reports. Proficiency in using spreadsheets and related software to organize, calculate, and validate data.

REASONING ABILITIES

Ability to exercise independent judgment, analyze information, and apply logical problem-solving skills to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve hardware, software, and system-related issues. Ability to interpret technical instructions, evaluate multiple variables, and determine appropriate solutions to operational and technical challenges. Ability to prioritize tasks, adapt to changing circumstances, and recognize when issues require escalation or coordination with vendors or other district departments.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate computers, tablets, and other electronic equipment. The employee must be able to perform repetitive hand and finger movements associated with data entry and computer use. Duties may occasionally require bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, climbing steps, and working in confined spaces to install, inspect, maintain, or troubleshoot SMART tag equipment on school buses and other district vehicles.

The employee may be required to lift, carry, push, or move equipment and supplies weighing up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus when working with computer screens, electronic equipment, and printed materials.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is moderate to high.

SmartTag Specialist - Transportation Department