School Bus Route Driver

School Bus Route Driver

Catlin Gabel School seeks to employ the best qualified individuals from available applicants and to provide them with opportunity for advancement in a manner that does not discriminate because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected under local, state, or federal equal employment opportunity laws or regulations.

The School believes that each employee contributes significantly to the school's success. The assigned responsibilities should not limit that contribution. Therefore, this position description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications, and job scope, but not limit the incumbent or the organization to just the work identified. We expect each employee to offer his or her services wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of our endeavors.

This position is part-time, hourly, and between 0.5 - 0.75 FTE.

Under the supervision of the Transportation Manager, the School Bus Route Driver is responsible for safely operating a school bus on assigned routes and trips. This role ensures the safe and timely transportation of students to and from school, field trips, and other approved activities while maintaining compliance with all traffic laws, safety procedures, and district policies.

We are a small but dynamic transportation team seeking a qualified driver who wants to be part of a supportive and close-knit community. While we prefer candidates who can handle both daily routes and additional trips, we are willing to be flexible for the right person.

Pay Range: $32/hour. If pursuing a CDL, a pay rate of $28/hour would apply.

Additionally, regular bus route drivers in good standing are eligible for a retention bonus of $500 for successfully completing the 26-27 school year.

Essential Duties

• Drive an assigned morning and afternoon bus route on school days and drive class and athletics trips between routes (as available).
• Follow the schedule distributed by the Transportation Manager.
• Perform both pre- and post-inspection of the bus on a daily basis, performing all required testing to ensure the bus is safe to operate.
• Complete a Vehicle Inspection Report for all routes and trips, noting any bus defects.
• Load and unload students at designated route stops and/or campus areas.
• Return the bus to the assigned parking area.
• Maintain clean conditions in the interior of the bus used. Check for items left on the bus after each trip.
• Maintain professional standards and a clean, neat appearance. The School Bus Driver represents the School.
• Operate vehicles following all applicable Federal, State, local laws and regulations and School policies.
• Comply with all safety regulations and practice defensive driving principles.
• Always maintain order and discipline among riders on the bus.
• Check students on and off of the bus using technology provided.
• Follow Catlin Gabel School Bus Guidelines and Oregon Department of Transportation Pupil Transportation Behavior Policies.
• Report all discipline problems and concerns to the Transportation Manager.
• Report all vehicle problems promptly.
• Maintain a current Commercial Driver License, endorsements (S,P,A), and School Bus Driver Certification at all times. The driver is responsible for monitoring the expiration date of proper certifications.
• Report any convictions for driving, accidents, or criminal offenses to the Transportation Manager within one day of occurrence, as specified in Oregon regulations.
• Attend all scheduled driver meetings and participate in training sessions offered by the School.
• Keep updated with ODE training requirements and submit completed class documentation to the Transportation Manager.
• Complete required school trainings each year (Vector Solutions, CPR/First Aid, mandatory reporting, safe handling of hazardous materials, mandatory school meetings, and all other)
• Discuss safety features of the bus and perform annual evacuation drills (twice hands-on and one verbal) with students as required by ODOT.
• Complete scheduled tasks promptly with a minimum of supervision.

Other Duties

• Other duties as assigned

Interpersonal Contacts

• Regular interaction with students and school staff.
• Frequent communication with parents, faculty, and other members of the school community.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• One year of experience driving school buses in city traffic.
• A current Oregon Commercial Driver's License with no more than two (2) convictions is required. Convictions are consistent with ODE laws and regulations.
• Valid Oregon CDL with Air Brake, Passenger, "S" endorsements, and ODE certified.
• Have the required number of training hours on record with the ODE.
• Background check and fingerprinting required.
• Drug and alcohol testing as required by the Oregon Board of Education and Federal DOT requirements, which includes pre-employment testing as well as random drug testing.
• Ability to drive all sizes of school buses ranging in size from 84 passenger to 14 passenger.
• Read and write in English
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. and push or pull 100 lbs.
• Ability to communicate on telephone, voicemail, and e-mail.
• Ability to locate pickup sites on a map use GPS mapping as well as follow printed turn-by-turn instructions.
• Interpersonal skills to work with a variety of students
• Self-motivated to complete assigned tasks
• Must be able to consistently, clearly, and calmly communicate with children, colleagues, and families to maintain legal and safety regulations

Competencies

• Adaptability & Problem-Solving: Ability to adjust to new situations and challenges, analyze problems, and implement effective solutions in dynamic environments.
• Communication & Teamwork: Skilled in conveying information clearly and effectively, fostering collaboration, and working as part of a team to achieve shared goals.
• Organization & Time Management: Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage resources, and handle multiple responsibilities efficiently.
• Cultural Awareness & Crisis Management : Demonstrates sensitivity to diverse perspectives and backgrounds, while maintaining composure and effective leadership during emergencies.
• Technology Proficiency & Willingness to Learn : Leverages modern technology to improve operations, while staying open to continuous learning and personal development.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

The requirements listed below represent physical requirements and may not be all-encompassing. Incumbents must be able to perform job duties with or without accommodation.

• Duties are performed on a school bus of all types.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to loud noise levels; fumes or airborne particles; noxious odors; vibrations from driving a bus; and traffic.
• The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and outside weather conditions.
• Frequently required to sit for long periods; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; use foot controls to drive; reach with hands and arms; climb; bend, stoop, and kneel; and talk or hear.
• The employee must be physically able to perform and demonstrate emergency evacuation procedures. This includes pushing/pulling of up to 50 pounds. In addition, the driver must be able to use emergency exits at any location on the bus.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, night/dusk vision, color vision, and peripheral vision.
• Occasional bending, squatting, stooping, and kneeling are related to maintaining the cleanliness of the bus.

Schedule

Daily and/or split shift hours as scheduled. This position typically follows a 10-month schedule aligned with the school year. There may be opportunities to work additional hours to drive trips, including during the summer, based on availability and program needs.