Bus Driver

School Bus Driver

Under general supervision, operates a school bus on assigned route(s) and schedule to provide safe and efficient transportation so that students may enjoy the fullest possible advantage from the programs and offerings of the school system. Work involves performing pre-and post-trip inspections of the bus; operating a bus; obeying all traffic laws and school bus regulations while operating the bus; observing all safety regulations and standards for school buses; and maintaining discipline of students assigned to ride the bus. Employee is also responsible for completing all required reports and securing the assigned bus before leaving the vehicle at the conclusion of a run or route. Employee must exercise tact and courtesy in maintaining acceptable relations with parents/guardians of students transported and with school personnel.

Performs required pre-trip and post-trip inspections and document inspections as required by Transportation Department Operating Instructions for bus drivers. Reports mechanical defect(s) or failure(s) to either the Zone Transportation Supervisor, the Zone Routing Specialist, the mechanic on-duty at the bus parking site or the school bus garage control center. In the event the assigned school bus is declared unfit for service, performs pre- and post-trip inspections on substitute school bus.

In accordance with Transportation Department Operating Instructions for bus drivers, performs required post-trip inspection, to detect students who may still be on board the school bus asleep or incapacitated and to detect any other irregularities or vandalism to the bus interior.

Operates the assigned school bus on the route(s) and schedule provided by the Director of Transportation.

Reports to the Director of Transportation, on the day of occurrence, any students added to or deleted from the route by the school principal which will necessitate a change in the route, bus stops and/or schedule.

Obeys all traffic laws and school bus regulations while operating the school bus.

Observes all safety regulations and standards for school buses. This includes clearing the school bus and evacuating students quickly in the event of an emergency.

Has a copy of the current Handbook for the School Bus Driver; refers to it periodically for guidance and to answer questions.

Maintains discipline of students assigned to ride the school bus. Establishes a discipline plan that is consistent with school disciplinary objectives, as stated by the principal, and which provides a clear, progressive plan of consequences for students who cause disciplinary problems and rewards for those who maintain proper school bus safety standards.

Reports undisciplined students to the responsible school principal. Discharges students only at the authorized school or bus stop locations. Transports only authorized students.

Keeps the school bus clean and free of papers, bottles, cans food wrappers and other items which may present a safety problem.

Reports all accidents as required by Transportation Operating Instructions and remains at the scene of the accident until released by the on-scene transportation supervisor.

Completes personal time card and required reports, including reports required in the event of an accident or incident aboard the school bus.

Remains in charge of all students aboard the bus at the time of an accident, determining the existence and extent of any injuries and maintaining the safety of all passengers.

Secures the assigned bus before leaving the vehicle at the conclusion of a run or route. This includes parking the vehicle properly, making a visual inspection of the bus to check for damage and the possibility of remaining passengers (replace All-Out Flag or turn off child minder alarm), and securing all windows and doors to protect the interior of the vehicle.

Maintains acceptable relationships with parents/guardians of students transported and with school personnel.

Graduation from high school and some experience driving large vehicles with some experience in transporting humans preferred; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities.

Must possess and maintain a valid North Carolina Class A or Class B Commercial Driver's License with school bus certification.