Job descriptionJob Title: Route Planning Specialist Job Type: Full-time, Permanent, 35hours per week, 12-months per year, existing vacancyDepartment: Business and Corporate Services, Student Transportation Services of Central Ontario (STSCO)Location: STSCO Peterborough -885 Clonsilla Ave, Peterborough, ON K9J 7G9 Reports to: Manager of OperationsSalary: $33.27 to $36.97 per hour (Pay Band 10A-MV))Start Date: TBDClosing Date: August 14, 2026, at 4:00PMWho We Are The Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPR) offers a world-class education for approximately 35,000 students in 87 schools. Spanning over 7,000 square kilometers, across diverse rural and urban communities in southeastern Ontario, KPR serves the Municipality of Clarington, Northumberland and Peterborough Counties, and City of Quinte West/Murray Ward. The Board is situated on the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg people, serving three vibrant Indigenous communities which include Alderville First Nation, Curve Lake First Nation and Hiawatha First Nation. Today, the Kawartha Pine Ridge school district is home to many First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples and we acknowledge the contributions and accomplishments of all Indigenous people across Turtle Island, current and throughout history. All positions in the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board support the schools priority of student achievement and the Boards mission to educate our students to excel in learning, to succeed in life and to enrich our communities. We offer eligible employees a comprehensive employee pension (OMERS) and benefit package upon start date, a commitment to ongoing learning, and an exceptional work environment. Main Responsibilities:The purpose of the Route Planning Specialist position is plans, assigns, assesses and monitors student transportation services for schools, families, and service providers. The position is responsible for overseeing arrangements related to student transportation for regular and specialized services. The position is responsible for the design and implementation of student transportation for regular and specialized service using a computerized transportation software program. The position will plan routes and maximize system efficiencies within prescribed parameters set out in the STSCO policies and procedures, related policies and procedures defined by member School Boards and/or applicable legislative requirements. This position provides support to members of STSCO, member school boards and the school bus operators. Under the direction of the Chief Administrative Officer and Manager of Operations, design routes for a pre-determined geographic area or group of students (such as those identified with specialized transportation requirements) using student data provided by the School Board(s) in accordance with governing policies and procedures.Maintain and facilitate access to reports, inclusive of passenger lists, route vias, route maps and student lists, for schools, requesting departments and bus operators and taxi companies for designated students.Determine student transportation eligibility based on Board Policy.Verify student address information, as necessary.Conduct on-going analysis of vehicle routing and capacity, and make recommendations to the Manager of Operations regarding implementing modifications, alterations, deletions and additions to increase operating efficiencies or to deal with ridership pressures.Provide further assistance in brainstorming with other Route Specialists and the Manager of Operations to address and resolve overloaded routes.Assist the Manager of Operations with annual review of bell time spectrum and route efficiency planning.As directed by the Chief Administrative Officer and Manager of Operations, implement agreed upon efficiency or route operation changes.As directed by, Manager of Operations, Manager of IT Finance and Administration or Chief Administrative Officer, assist in data input related key performance indicators in order to identify and pursue opportunities for route optimizations and to improve efficient and effective delivery of student transportation.Under the direction of the Manager of Operations, perform relevant route planning and communication tasks in support of key performance indicator (KPI) analysis implementation opportunities.KPI Analysis – work with Manager of Operations in breakdown of data as the KPI affects our business. Assist with analysis and follow up in line with Continuous Improvement methodology for Operations.Develop an operating understanding of bus service contracts and standards of performance and assist the Transportation Safety Lead, Manager of Operations, Manager of IT Finance and Administration and Chief Administrative Officer in monitoring and documenting compliance and following up with bus companies regarding non-compliance issues.STSCO Preventive Maintenance Program – Assist Manager of Operations, or Transportation Safety Lead in conducting PM checks on company buses – offsite.Assist Manager of Operations with On Time Delivery analysis and follow up strategies with bus companies, including some off-site requirementsUnder the direction of the Manager of Operations, follow-up with monitoring of optimization initiatives to ensure effective implementation and measurement of results.Determine and annually review hazard areas, working with internal staff such as Operation Manager and Transportation Safety Lead as well as external stakeholders such as municipal officials to find solutions or provide bussing to those affected.Maintain accurate data in the computerized transportation software, as directed by the Manager of Operations.Create and maintain accurate boundaries by school in the transportation software.Utilize reports from transportation mapping software to assist with routing efficiency and service analysis.Update the software program to ensure that accurate student information, including stop locations, is maintained.Assist Manager of Operations and Transportation Safety Lead with review of bus stop locations as required to ensure a high standard of safety is achieved and maintained.Support the delivery of summer school transportation through route planning.Perform work in accordance with the provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations and all other consortia and School Board policies and procedures.Provide a high level of customer service to respond to inquiries and requests from students, parents, school staff, Board officials, bus company personnel and members of the public in a timely fashion and in order to resolve concerns in the professional manner and this may include off site reviews such as school walk distance checks etc.Contact bus companies regarding assigned work, as required.Assist in monitoring bus companies for adherence to route plans and policies and procedures and this will include off-site reviews such as route audits of individual routes or Operator Review meetings.Assist in initiating and facilitating transportation related communication between school staff and the bus companies, day to day and throughout the year, as required.Assist in improvement initiatives around Communication strategies with municipal officials, public works, schools and families.Assist with the application of transportation policies and procedures under the direction of the Manager of Operations.Create routine correspondence as required to fulfill requests for information from a variety of outside agencies.Assist Manager of Operations and Transportation Safety Lead in the development, provision and implementation of student safety materials and programs such as the First Rider Program as required.Assist in the development, provision and implementation of Bus Driver Workshops.Be familiar with related legislation applicable to student transportation, including the Highway Traffic Act.Back up to other Route Planning Specialists during absences from the office, vacation, sickness, etc.Other duties as assigned. Mandatory Minimum Qualifications:Completed post-secondary diploma or degree in Planning, Geography, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or other related discipline.Minimum six (6) months of experience in computer software, GIS and preferably in a transportation or related environment.Valid class G driver’s license and use of own vehicle.Fluency in oral and written French is considered an assetSkills and Competencies:In-depth knowledge of geographic information and mapping systems gained by work experience, in addition to related educational background.Understanding of local geography/road network is an asset.Advanced computer skills using software applications, including but not limited to word processing, spreadsheets and databases.Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities.Ability to effectively apply outlined policy and procedures to ensure most effective course of action.Ability to conduct analysis of available information and prepare reports based on same.Communication skills, both verbal & written.Exercise excellent customer service skills.Demonstrates attention to the accuracy and quality of work, and takes appropriate steps to address issues, learn from feedback and improve overall outcomes.Works on projects as part of a team, exchanging ideas and contributing skills that complement those of the other team members. Fulfills commitments to team members.Works independently to solve problems.Meets standards of productivity as defined for the level and the position.Able to take on a variety of different tasks and roles within the organization.Can be relied upon to handle a fair workload, meet deadlines and commitments, and accept responsibility for actions. Demonstrates an ability to work independently.Accepts changes and responds to setbacks with minimal disruption.Demonstrates a sense of responsibility and commitment to the public perception of the organization. Following through on commitments, accepts accountability, and takes appropriate steps to resolve concerns.Maintains organized records and makes efficient use of resources.Manages time and prioritizes tasks to ensure that deadlines are met.Works with an aim to assist the system in achieving the Areas of Emphasis, including making decisions and taking actions that will positively affect student achievement and demonstrating our character attributes.Demonstrates a strong commitment to the Board’s mission to educate students to excel in learning, succeed in life, and enrich communities.Builds positive relationships through empathetic communication and respectful interactions with students, colleagues, and school community members.Committed to a culture of continuous improvement and service excellence.Main Contacts:Regular/on-going contacts include but are not limited to:Internal: Staff from PVNC and KPR.External: Parents, students, guardians, bus/taxi companies, Municipal agencies, schools (including KPR, PVNC and Mon Avenir School Boards), general public.Supervision: Not responsible for supervision of work but there may be requirements to show others how to perform tasks or duties. Working Conditions: School board office environment;Regular dealings with difficult people, moderate visual exertion and keyboarding.How to Apply:Interested applicants are invited to submit a cover letter and resume through our online portal, Apply to Education (ATE), by the closing date to be considered for this opportunity. If you have any questions regarding this position, please reach out to to discuss further. We thank you for your application and your interest in working at Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board. At this time, we will only be contacting candidates who are selected to move forward in the recruitment process. A Police Records Check , dated within 6 months prior to the date of hire, is a requirement for employment with this Board. Please note that there have been reports that it has taken some candidates up to 6 weeks to obtain these. With that in mind, we strongly recommend that you go about obtaining this requirement at your earliest convenience. Our Commitment:Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board is committed to a qualified workforce that is representative of the diversity of the people of Ontario and across the communities we serve. We welcome applications from candidates with diverse background and lived experiences as a member of a marginalized group, including but not limited to:First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, and all other Indigenous peoples;Members of groups that commonly experience discrimination due to race, ancestry, colour, religion and/or spiritual beliefs, or place of origin;Persons with visible and/or invisible (physical and/or mental) disabilities;Persons who identify as women; andPersons of marginalized sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions.Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board is committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs.Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information about what this means in our organization, please refer to our website at: (see "Careers" section).
