2026 - 2027 SCHOOL BUS OPERATOR - HOURLY

Hourly School Bus Operator

The Hourly School Bus Operator supports the ongoing enrichment of Atlanta Public Schools (APS) students through the facilitation of bus services. The incumbent operates the school buses safely under all types of weather conditions, transporting students and other authorized persons to and from school on regular, special education, and other routes. The school bus operator may make extracurricular trips as authorized by the local school system.

Essential Duties:

• Transports passengers over scheduled routes to and from school and/or field trips in a safe and timely manner
• Provides safe loading and unloading of all passengers from buses during regular transport and emergency situations
• Attends unit meetings, in-service training, workshops, etc., to gather information required to perform job functions
• Assesses incidents, complaints, accidents, and/or potential emergency situations (e.g., road hazards, medical emergencies, accidents, etc.) to resolve and/or recommend a resolution to the situation
• Performs basic first-aid and safety practices
• Cleans assigned vehicles, both interior and exterior, to ensure safety, proper appearance, and sanitation of vehicles, which includes post-trip wipe-downs of the interior of the vehicle due to health or other emergency situations and concerns
• Conducts emergency evacuation drills at least twice a year to ensure the knowledge and efficiency of procedures and comply with mandated requirements
• Fuels assigned vehicle (e.g., oil, water, fuel, etc.) to maintain the vehicle in a safe operating condition
• Monitors students and other passengers during transit to ensure the safe transportation of all passengers
• Informs other school personnel and parents of events, policies, and/or practices (e.g., scheduled stops, established routes, route conditions, etc.) to provide information and/or clarification of procedures
• Performs pre-trip and post-trip inspections (e.g., fluid levels, tire pressure, exterior condition, etc.) to ensure the safe operating condition of the vehicle and comply with mandated guidelines
• Prepares reports (e.g., field trip reports, incident reports, inspection records, passenger misconduct, mileage logs, student counts, routing information, etc.) documenting activities, providing written reference, conveying information, and/or complying with established guidelines
• Reports observations and/or incidents (e.g., discipline, bullying, accidents, inappropriate social behavior, etc.) to appropriate personnel for their action, submitting appropriate reports as necessary
• Responds to inquiries from students, parents, and/or staff to provide the necessary information regarding transportation services
• Assists with food or device distribution to students and others while wearing proper PPE when instructed or deemed appropriate
• Utilizes the electronic mobile data terminal (MDT) on the school bus to log in and log-out, as well as select routes and runs and complete reports
• Required to have prompt, regular attendance in person and be available to work on-site during regular business hours and as needed
• Performs other duties as assigned by the appropriate administrator or their representative

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Knowledge and ability to apply pertinent codes, policies, regulations, and/or laws
• Ability to adhere to safety practices
• Ability to read, interpret, and follow printed and electronic maps, route descriptions, and directions
• Ability to operate district vehicles, fire extinguishers, two-way radios, and standard office equipment
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records
• Knowledge of emergency evacuation techniques
• Knowledge of area streets and locations
• Understanding of essential vehicle maintenance
• Knowledge of first aid, health standards, and hazards, including the ability to administer first aid
• Understanding of safe driving practices and safety practices and procedures
• Ability and knowledge to utilize wheelchairs, tie-downs, child safety seats, lifts, etc. (by assignment)
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with students and adults
• Strong student management and customer service skills
• Ability to perform basic math skills, including addition and subtraction

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Additional years of equivalent professional experience may be considered in lieu of the degree requirement

Certification/License:

• Georgia State Drivers' CDL license with Passenger and School Bus permit
• Must be able to pass Georgia basic bus driver's certification class and maintain an annual Safety Renewal Education Program (SREP) recertification
• Successful completion of annual physical and agility testing with result clearance
• Successful completion of pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing

Work Experience:

• 1 year of work experience preferred
• Exemplary driving record classified as no more than 2 serious moving violations and points accumulation in current 7-year driving history
• Experience in K12 education or public sector preferred

Compensation:

Salary Grade: Hourly (25.46/hr)

Physical Abilities and Working Conditions:

• Vision: (which may be corrected) to read small print; view a computer screen for prolonged periods.
• Hearing: (which may be corrected) to answer telephones and tolerate exposure to noisy conditions.
• Speech: to be understood in face-to-face communications; to speak with a level of proficiency and volume to be understood over a telephone.
• Upper Body Mobility: use hands and fingers to feel, grasp, and manipulate small objects; manipulate fingers, twist and bend at wrist and elbow; extend arms to reach outward and upward; use hands and arms to lift objects; turn, raise, and lower head.
• Strength: to lift, push, pull and/or carry objects which weigh as much as 5 or more pounds on a frequent basis. Incumbent may be required to physically restrain parties involved in a conflict.
• Environmental Requirements: encounter constant work interruptions; work cooperatively with others; work independently; work indoors.
• Mental Requirements: read, write, understand, interpret and apply information at a moderately complex level essential for successful job performance; math skills at a high school proficiency level; judgement and the ability to process information quickly; learn quickly and follow verbal procedures and standards; give verbal instruction; rank tasks in order of importance; copy, compare, compile and coordinate information and records.
• Additional Work Conditions & Physical Abilities: Extreme weather conditions include heat, cold, wet, and/or humid conditions. Exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals. Risk of electrical shock. Sitting for a prolonged period of time. Lifting, bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching. Ability to lift equipment and/or students weighing 40 pounds.