Bus Driver

Purpose

The purpose of the School Bus Driver is to transport students to and from designated pickup points, including regular route and designated field trip destinations. A regular work schedule typically includes a split shift with both an early morning and afternoon route. This may vary in the afternoon when the School calendar dictates an abbreviated school schedule.

Essential Job Functions

• Operates a school bus by assessing traffic and road conditions, monitoring student behavior and other factors necessary to safely deliver student passengers to and from school while adhering to state laws and school policies. Drivers will be evaluated on driving and student management skills annually.
• Communicates and relates to students, parents, employees and all others on a professional basis.
• Responsible to make stops at authorized locations and transport only authorized passengers. Run all routes as assigned, where needed and when needed. Routes may be changed at the sole discretion of the School.
• Communicates all route changes and hazards to the appropriate office staff personnel (e.g. supervisor, dispatch) in a clear, precise manner using the two-way radio.
• Performs bus safety daily pre-trip inspections as required by law to assure proper vehicle working condition. Maintains all safety equipment, including seatbelts. Ensures seatbelts are ready for the students to use by keeping them on the seats (and not on the floor). Drivers will be evaluated on pre-trip inspections annually.
• Communicates to mechanics all defects and maintenance needs.
• Performs daily post-trip inspections after every route to check for vandalism, lost articles or sleeping students.
• Assures the safety of all students entering and exiting the bus by stopping all traffic in accordance with state law. Warns the surrounding traffic that the bus is approaching a student passenger bus stop by activating the amber lights at a point approximately 200 feet from the student stop or at a greater distance as necessary due to traffic speed and road conditions. When the bus is stopped and before the door is opened, the stop arms and flashing red lights shall be displayed as due warning that students are being loaded or unloaded. The bus door shall NOT be opened until approaching traffic in the immediate vicinity of the bus has stopped.
• Follows all safety procedures, including bringing the bus to a complete stop before a railroad crossing. Do not proceed across the tracks until after looking carefully in each direction, opening the door, listening for the sound of an approaching train, and determining that it is safe to proceed. The bus door shall remain open while crossing the tracks of a railroad.
• Instructs students to buckle their seatbelts at all times and ensures they remain in their seats.
• Maintainsorder and discipline on the bus. Monitors student behavior and provides written reports to the Transportation Director or Supervisor, for all misconduct incidents.
• Maintains a safe and sanitary bus environment for students by sweeping and disinfecting the interior daily. Regulates ventilation and air conditioning of bus for the comfort of the passengers.
• Attends all service meetings, completes certification training for CPR/First Aid, completes an annual physical exam to maintain CDL standards, and special compliance training as required.
• Performs daily record keeping activities such as pre-trip inspection forms, mileage sheets, attendance records, route surveys and route maps.
• Reports any traffic violation immediately, including accidents, tickets or suspension of license occurring on or off the job. Failure to disclose this information may result in termination of employment.
• Ensures bus engine is shut off and keys are in hand anytime you need to leave your seat.
• Supervises and assists the evacuation of students in case of an emergency. Reports any emergencies immediately to the Transportation Director or Supervisor, and completes any required forms.
• Maintains a clean and neat appearance, refrains from the use of tobacco while on school property. Follows the Schools drug and alcohol policies, and does not use profane language in the presence of students, parents, employees and all others. The use of drugs on or off the job is grounds for immediate termination of employment.
• Follows directed routes; does not stop or use delay tactics in returning to the garage to extend work schedule.

Essential Performance Characteristics

• Supports the Schools mission statement and the philosophy of the department
• Makes effective use of technology, applicable to the position
• Promotes a positive environment and a team oriented approach to work
• Establishes and maintains cooperative and effective working relationships with others both internally and externally
• Adheres to dress code in a professional manner
• Keeps supervisor advised of all developments; consults with supervisor when conflicts or disagreements arise and performs in a professional, supportive manner that leads to greater productivity within the department and organization
• Maintains strictest confidentiality and professionalism with privileged information
• Maintains a consistent high level of performance, including accuracy and meeting deadlines.
• Maintains a regular, dependable attendance (be at work regularly, on time, with occasional absences that are reasonably predictable)
• Maintains a high regard for personal safety and for the safety of school students, employees and assets
• Demonstrates dependability and responsibility
• Adheres to School policies and procedures, including but not limited to what is outlined in the Faculty and Staff Employee Handbook
• Works on either campus at such time(s) and with such frequency as may be deemed appropriate in the Schools discretion.
• Accepts and completes other duties and responsibilities assigned by the Department Supervisor, as well as from the Department Supervisors appointed designee

Essential Personal Characteristics

• Exhibits the ability to work on multiple projects/responsibilities with minimal supervision and meet/exceed deadlines; performs multifaceted projects in conjunction with day-to-day activities
• Demonstrates the ability to work independently; be self-motivated to excel on a daily basis
• Demonstrates analytical skills and logical thought processes with the ability to identify and resolve issues/problems when appropriate
• Demonstrates the ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment with high level of professionalism
• Demonstrates well-developed administrative skills, applicable to position
• Displays the ability to compose accurate and effective correspondence with proficiency in grammar and punctuation, applicable to position
• Demonstrates the ability to work effectively with others
• Possess appropriate software and computer skills, applicable to position
• Possesses excellent communication and interpersonal skills to be able to communicate effectively
• Possesses strong organization skills and exhibits extreme attention to detail, applicable to position
• Possesses strong problem resolution skills; demonstrates good reasoning abilities, as applicable to position
• Reflects a willingness to accept additional responsibility or offer assistance to complete assignments
• Possesses a demonstrated and proficient understanding of principles in one or more specialized functions specific to this field
• Strives continually to make the best use of time during the workday through careful coordination of daily tasks; demonstrates the flexibility in prioritizing, and strong time management skills
• Possesses and demonstrates an ability to identify and escalate sensitive issues to the supervisor/division head; demonstrates knowledge of when to seek guidance
• Commits to own professional growth and renewal

High School Diploma or equivalent

Minimum 3 years experience as a school bus driver;

Exhibits the ability to exercise good judgment and extreme caution while driving;

Demonstrates the ability to read, write, speak and understand English;

Understands and follows basic oral and written directions.


Commercial Drivers License (CDL)

Passenger and School endorsements required

CPR/First Aid certification