Bus Driver / Cover Driver

Bus Driver / Cover Driver

Kenowa Hills Public Schools is seeking safety-focused and student-centered individuals to serve as Bus Drivers and Cover Drivers within our Transportation Department. This role is essential in ensuring students are transported safely, professionally, and consistently to and from school and school-related activities.

This position may include transporting and supporting students with specialized transportation, behavioral, medical, or mobility needs. Successful candidates must demonstrate professionalism, strong judgment, patience, and the ability to maintain a calm, safe, and structured environment while supervising students during transportation.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or general education degree (GED) preferred
• Must possess or be able to obtain all certifications required under Michigan law, including:
• Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
• "P" (Passenger) endorsement
• "S" (School Bus) endorsement
• Must maintain an acceptable driving record and successfully pass all required DOT physicals and drug/alcohol testing
• Must successfully complete the State of Michigan written and skills testing requirements
• Continuing education and training required to maintain licensing and certification
• CPR and First Aid certification required (or willingness to obtain upon hire through district-supported training)
• CPI and Ukeru training required as a condition of employment
• Ability to safely assist students with mobility, seating, harnesses, wheelchairs, seat belts, and other transportation safety equipment as needed
• Sufficient visual acuity, depth perception, peripheral vision, and hearing necessary to safely operate a school bus and supervise students
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed written and oral instructions
• Ability to respond calmly and appropriately in emergency or high-stress situations
• Ability to work effectively and professionally with students, families, staff, and community members
• Ability to manage student behavior and maintain safe transportation environments
• Ability to read and understand maps, routes, and transportation directions
• Ability to perform duties in accordance with District expectations, Transportation Department procedures, Board policies, and applicable laws and regulations

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Safely and professionally operate a school bus or district vehicle in accordance with all traffic laws, safety regulations, and district procedures
• Perform and properly document required pre-trip and post-trip inspections
• Maintain safe transportation environments through active supervision and implementation of student behavior expectations
• Implement transportation-related discipline procedures, de-escalation strategies, and approved safety interventions when necessary
• Maintain awareness of student safety during loading, unloading, transportation, and emergency situations
• Assist students entering and exiting the bus as needed, including students with specialized transportation or mobility needs
• Secure wheelchairs, harnesses, seat belts, car seats, and other student safety equipment
• Respond appropriately and calmly to student behavioral escalation, unsafe behavior, medical concerns, or emergency situations
• Communicate effectively with students, families, transportation staff, and building personnel
• Participate in required meetings, training sessions, continuing education, and professional development activities
• Demonstrate proficiency in maneuvering and operating school buses in varying traffic, road, and weather conditions
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Transportation Supervisor

Essential Functions and Physical Demands

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. This is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position requires the ability to:

• Sit for extended periods while operating a school bus or district vehicle
• Frequently use hands, arms, and feet to operate vehicle controls, steering equipment, wheelchair lifts, and safety devices
• Bend, twist, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, and climb bus steps repeatedly throughout the workday
• Repeatedly turn and rotate at the neck and trunk to monitor mirrors, students, traffic conditions, and surroundings
• Walk, stand, and move safely around buses and loading areas in varying conditions
• Lift, carry, assist, or move students, equipment, and materials up to 50 pounds as needed
• Physically assist students during loading, unloading, evacuation procedures, or emergency situations
• Move quickly and safely in response to student or traffic safety concerns

The work environment may include:

• Driving and working in varying Michigan weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, snow, ice, and wind
• Exposure to moderate to high noise levels
• Frequent entry and exit from the vehicle during routes and activities
• Working on slippery, uneven, or outdoor surfaces
• Exposure to bodily fluids, illness, or other student health-related situations

This role also requires:

• Supervising students during transportation, including students who may demonstrate behavioral or emotional dysregulation
• Implementing approved de-escalation and safety intervention strategies (CPI/Ukeru)
• Administering basic emergency response procedures consistent with CPR and First Aid training until additional assistance arrives
• Maintaining a calm, attentive, and structured environment while managing multiple demands simultaneously
• Remaining alert, responsive, and safety-focused at all times

The employee has direct responsibility for the safety and well-being of students and others during transportation activities.

Work Location Requirement

This position is an in-person role requiring regular, on-site attendance. The essential functions of this position cannot be performed remotely.

Note to Applicants

Pursuant to PA 131, the selected candidate must receive clearance from the Michigan State Police Department prior to employment. The candidate is responsible for the background check fee.

Notice of Non-Discrimination

Kenowa Hills Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), age, disability, height, weight, marital status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status in its programs, services, activities, or employment opportunities.

Inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies should be directed to:

Director of Human Resources Kenowa Hills Public Schools 2325 Four Mile Road NW Grand Rapids, MI 49544 Phone: View phone number on click.appcast.io

Applicants who require accommodation to participate in the application or interview process are encouraged to contact Human Resources.