School Bus Driver

Bus Driver - Regular

Position is responsible for operating a school bus and transporting school-aged children and other authorized personnel safely and efficiently over specified routes to and from schools and various activities. Position conducts pre-trip inspections; observes safety regulations and policies; enforces student discipline on the bus; and performs related work.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Valid Virginia motor vehicle operator's license.
• Ability to meet Virginia School Bus Commercial Driver License requirements.
• Local and state standards for driving test.
• Local and state standards for driving record check (DMV report).
• State required physical (as administered by York County School Division contracted provider; physical includes alcohol and controlled substance testing).
• Ability to operate all vehicle types used in transporting students.
• Sufficient knowledge of commercial vehicle operation with P, S and Air brake endorsements.
• Thorough knowledge of State highway operating rules and procedures.
• Excellent driving record without a moving traffic violation within two years.
• Ability to operate radio communication.
• Ability to deal with exuberant behavioral characteristics of youthful riders.
• Completion of defensive driving course and multimedia first aid prior to employment preferred.
• Must meet the mandated physical and mental requirements established by the state and the US Department of Transportation.
• Must possess knowledge of, or the ability to learn accurately and quickly, local street and road systems.

Performance Responsibilities:

• Maintain valid Virginia School Bus Commercial Driver License with P, S and Airbrake endorsements.
• Inspect vehicle prior to and after daily operations for maintenance discrepancies.
• Operate a school bus over established routes in an efficient and punctual manner.
• Act in a professional manner exhibiting a positive image in dealing with students, parents, and school division personnel.
• Hear and communicate orally when the bus is in motion.
• Communicate orally on a two-way radio with transportation dispatch and emergency services while the bus is in motion.
• Communicate effectively and positively with parents, students, staff and co-workers.
• Maintain student discipline while operating a school bus following the guidelines established by the School Board.
• Ensures the bus can be operated safely before driving and conducts pre-trip safety inspections as required by federal and state laws.
• Drive defensively under varying traffic conditions.
• Operates the vehicle safely over an assigned route, picking up and delivering only authorized students at assigned bus stops, and watches to ensure that no one hurrying for the bus is left behind.
• Perform housekeeping duties inside and outside the school bus.
• Observes all mandatory safety regulations for school buses and keeps all emergency exits clear of obstructions.
• Refuel and check oil on equipment as needed.
• Demonstrate knowledge of rules and regulations promulgated by local, state, and federal authorities.
• Maintain availability to drive doubled bus runs within the normal contracted hourly day as circumstances require and perform such doubled runs as assigned.
• Conduct emergency evacuation drills and implements evacuations as required in an emergency to include safely exiting from the rear of the school bus.
• Reports all accidents immediately, requesting police or ambulance service as needed; assists injured persons until services arrive; and completes required accident reports.
• Attend workshops and safety meetings as directed.
• Operate a school bus on special trip assignments.
• Report personal absences to supervisor allowing sufficient time to secure a substitute.
• Report vehicle maintenance problems to supervisor or Manager of Vehicle Maintenance.
• Assist in preparation of route schedules.
• Reports all safety violations to include co-workers/personnel suspected of drinking alcohol or under the influence of drugs (to include over-the-counter drugs) while working.
• Follow the proper accident procedures according to School Board Policy.
• Model nondiscriminatory practices in all activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Director of Transportation, Transportation Area Supervisor, and School Principal.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements:

• Duties are performed on a school bus.
• 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.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; use foot controls to drive; reach with hands and arms; climb; bend, stoop, and kneel; and talk and hear.
• The employee must be able to perform and demonstrate emergency evacuation procedures.
• The employee must be able to communicate orally and hear on a two-way radio with transportation dispatch and emergency services while the bus is in motion.
• Employee must be able to communicate effectively and positively with parents, students, staff and co-workers.
• This includes the pushing/pulling of up to 50 pounds.
• In addition, have the ability 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.

Work Environment:

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The noise level in the work environment is loud.

Reports to: Transportation Area Supervisor. Each driver shall be directly responsible to the principal of the school(s) served on matters related to student discipline and patron relations.

Terms of Employment: 182 days contracted yearly. Workshop/in-service as required. Evaluation: Performance on this job will be evaluated in accordance with school board policy and administrative regulations on evaluation of non-licensed personnel.

The York County School Division does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, sex, gender, age or disability in its educational programs, activities or employment and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.