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OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT → CLASSIFICATION → FIELD TRIP ASSISTANT

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Field Trip Assistant

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: Field Trip Assistant CODE: 9480 SQ/OQ: Senior Qualified
WORKING TITLE: Field Trip Assistant GRADE: 12 MONTHS: 12
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: Under direction of Bus Operations Manager, is responsible for all elements of field trip operations from each depot. The position involves assigning field trips to bus operators, approving trip requests from schools, and completing regular reports to indicate costs, bus operator assignment summaries, and expenditures. Work may also be performed under the direction of any transportation depot manager, or designated assistant and through required consultation with dispatchers. Employees in this class exercise initiative in setting up records in accordance with sound bookkeeping practices and MCPS procedures, scheduling work, and making necessary contacts.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Considerable knowledge of MCPS field trip procedures and guidelines. Knowledge of bus route assignments. Considerable knowledge of the routing and scheduling of outside assignments. Thorough knowledge of the streets and road system of Montgomery County and the metropolitan area, including knowledge of outdoor education sites, local museums, and other ancillary sites for extra curricular activities. Working knowledge of bookkeeping, business English, spelling, arithmetic, and modern office practices, procedures and equipment. Ability to deal courteously and effectively with school officials, school staff, and teachers. Ability to coordinate multiple driving assignments for bus operators and schedule trips. Ability to perform quickly and efficiently a wide range of standard office clerical tasks. Ability to perform detailed work with a high degree of accuracy. Ability to accurately maintain field trip record systems and to compile data from such records. Ability to make decisions based upon experience, good judgment, and established departmental policies, procedures, and regulations. Ability to operate a computer, or to learn to operate a computer, concerning the assigning of trips, and cost accounting and related field trip recordkeeping and statistical work. Ability to temporarily assume responsibility covering outside events during emergencies. Excellent oral and written communication, human relations, and scheduling skills. Knowledge of and the ability to meet the seven core competencies of the Supporting Services Professional Growth System (SSPGS).
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: High School or GED diploma required. Considerable progressive responsible experience in the routing and scheduling of events and the operation of school buses. Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.
CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a valid Maryland commercial Class B CDL driver's license with appropriate endorsements preferred.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (Special requirements such as lifting heavy objects and frequent climbing.) None
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.) Ability to respond to emergency calls for changing assignments and ability to work overtime as required.
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: Yes

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Ensures the smooth and efficient operation of all elements of field trip services.

2. Coordinates assignments daily on bus operator availability.

3. Answers telephone calls and inquiries from principals, teachers and parents.

4. Enters trip tickets into the computer.

5. Approves trip tickets, properly separates and forwards or returns appropriate copies to the school and files office copy.

6. Coordinates trips per miles and cost, etc.

7. Assigns trips and serves as support for the office when necessary.

8. Maintains log sheets and sends to depot manager or dispatchers at least two days in advance.

9. Researches drivers' scheduled hours bi-weekly to keep within MCCSSE rules and regulations.

10. Dispatches operators from one depot to another to cover assigned trips and to maintain schedules.

11. Reads maps and gives directions for field trips.

12. Maintains activity accounts bi-weekly and supplies schools with information and balances to-date.

13. Notifies school personnel of the approval of the field trips and coordinates all aspects of the trip for schools and outside organizations.

14. Updates operators of time or destination changes.

15. Maintains contact with shop facilities on the wheelchair buses for availability.

16. Answers inquiries on operators running late and students lost on trips.

17. Coordinates contingency planning to compensate for problems.

18. Provides weekly reports to MCCSSE, Office of the Director of Transportation, and supervisors on all trips and costs.

19. Maintains accurate records and files on trips throughout the year.

20. Processes all trip tickets for payroll personnel.

21. Prepares cost comparison for schools using MCPS buses versus commercial carriers.

22. Handles emergencies, such as not ordering enough buses, as they arise.

23. Interacts effectively with diverse school personnel and parent population.

24. Perform related work as required.
Class Established: 8/1993
Date(s) Revised: 2/08
Last Reviewed:

This description may be changed at any time.