Bus Driver

Bus Driver

Under general supervision, drives school bus to safely transport assigned public school students to and from school facilities/activities in a timely manner. Reports to the Area Transportation Supervisor.

Essential duties and responsibilities include:

• Drives school bus to safely transport assigned public school students to and from school and field trip destinations in a timely manner, following all applicable laws, policies and regulations.
• Conducts routine safety inspections of bus before starting engine and after each assignment.
• Ensures safety of children by securing wheelchairs and enforcing bus rules.
• Makes student seat assignments and maintain student manifest.
• Completes and submits daily mileage and student attendance records.
• Reports to transportation office of late arrival of a bus.
• Maintains order, control, and plans for emergency situations or evacuations.
• Maintains the interior and exterior cleanliness to include ensuring pandemic cleaning protocols of assigned bus.
• Submits maintenance requests as needed.
• Monitors and manages student behavior and completes and submits disciplinary forms as appropriate; follows through with telephone calls, parent conferences, police report and court appearances as necessary.
• Interacts and communicates with the immediate supervisor and department staff, District staff, students, and parents.
• Communicate with instructional assistants, teachers, principals, and parents concerning student background, medical problems and behavior as appropriate.
• Attend in-service, training/professional development training courses as assigned.
• Maintains a current, valid commercial driver's license and other operator certification, including physical examination certificate, as required. Participates in random drug and alcohol testing as required by the U.S Department of Transportation (DOT) and District policy. Maintains an acceptable driving record.
• Follows Transportation guidelines as they relate to the wearing of proper apparel, including appropriate shirts, shoes (closed toe and closed heel), and Orangeburg County School District identification badge. Exhibits acceptable employee conduct and presents a positive of Orangeburg County School District. Complies with the District's Board policies and designated procedures at all times.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Education and experience: High school/GED diploma recipient. South Carolina school bus certification and Commercial Driver's License or the ability to obtain credentials. Must be at least 18 years of age with an acceptable motor vehicle driving record.

Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of all state and federal laws and regulations, and safety procedures pertaining to the operation of a school bus. Knowledge of certification and licenses required for bus operation. Understands the limitations and hazards involved in operating assigned equipment.

Skills/Effort: Is able to operate a school bus in accordance with all state laws and regulations. Has the ability to carry out duties in extreme conditions of weather and noise. Is able to complete assigned tasks in a safe, timely, and effective manner. Is capable of applying common sense understanding and independent judgment in the performance of prescribed duties and tasks. Has the ability to communicate effectively with students, supervisors, co-workers, and the general public. Is able to maintain state certificate and commercial driver's license requirements. Possesses the ability to work under a degree of stress related to duties that require constant attention and awareness.

Physical demands are related to the operation of a school bus wherein one is required to drive, operate parking brake and other controls, and maintain interior and exterior cleanliness of equipment. For Special Needs Drivers, the physical demands will include the operation of a wheelchair lift and the lifting of non-mobile children onto and off of the bus. Must be able to properly secure wheelchairs and secure seat belts and harnesses. Must be able to handle emergency situations in a calm and responsible manner, and be able to assist students in evacuating the bus under emergency conditions. Must be able to meet physical performance standards as outlined by the State Department of Education for school bus drivers.

Work is conducted primarily on a school bus where one is required to drive in varying weather conditions which means exposure to conditions such as heat, cold, rain, humidity, etc., and at times to drive on poor road conditions. Physical demands are related to the operation of a school bus wherein one is required to drive, operate handbrake and other controls, maintain cleanliness of equipment, and monitor the activities of passengers. Routine local travel is required to transport to and from school and other approved facilities.

This job description is not intended as a complete listing of job duties. The incumbent is responsible for the performance of other related duties as assigned/required.

Orangeburg County Public School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Orangeburg County Public School District ensures equal employment opportunities regardless of race, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy, childbirth, or any related medical conditions), color, disability, age (40 or older), genetic information, national origin, or any other applicable status protected by local, state, or federal law. The quality of the educational program is enhanced by staff members with a wide variation in background, culture, educational preparation, and previous experience. Orangeburg County Public School District has a policy of active recruitment of qualified minority teachers and non-certified employees. Any individual needing assistance in making application for any opening should contact the Department of Human Resources.