Van Driver/ Bus Driver Trainee

Van Driver

Under the general supervision of the Director of Transportation, the Van Driver is responsible for safely operating a school van to transport students to and from school and district-approved activities. This position supports student safety, attendance, and access to educational programs while complying with district policies, safety standards, and state regulations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Five (5) years of experience as a licensed motor vehicle operator
• Valid Ohio Driver's license
• Ability to meet and maintain all standards required by the Ohio Department of Education and the State of Ohio
• Successful completion of required physical examinations and drug testing
• Acceptable driving record (no more than four (4) points within the most recent three (3) years per Ohio BMV record)

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience transporting students or operating passenger vehicles in a school or youth-focused setting
• Experience working with students with disabilities or preschool-aged students
• Familiarity with school transportation routes, procedures, or safety protocols
• Ability and willingness to obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with required endorsements
• Completion of, or willingness to complete, district-provided bus driver training

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Primary functions may include the following duties, responsibilities, skills, abilities, and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of tasks performed by all positions within this classification.

Vehicle Inspection and Safety

• Inspection Protocol: Conducts required pre-trip and post-trip inspections and reports safety or mechanical concerns.
• Maintenance: Maintains cleanliness of assigned vehicle, including trash removal and basic interior upkeep.

Student Transportation

• Route Adherence: Safely transports students in accordance with assigned routes, schedules, and route sheets.
• Loading Assistance: Assists with loading and unloading students, including securing preschool students or students with disabilities as required.
• Equipment Operation: Operates wheelchair lift equipment when assigned to lift-equipped vehicles.

Student Supervision

• Behavior Management: Maintains appropriate student behavior and addresses discipline concerns in accordance with district procedures.
• Safety Training: Trains students in emergency procedures and participates in required emergency drills.

Communication and Reporting

• Office Coordination: Communicates effectively with the transportation office and other drivers using two-way radio systems.
• Condition Reporting: Reports hazardous traffic or road conditions to the Director of Transportation.
• Documentation: Completes all required documentation, including inspection forms, route sheets, incident reports, and related records.

Professional Development

• Training Participation: Attends and completes all required pre-service and in-service training.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Safe driving practices and traffic regulations.
• Student transportation safety procedures.

Skilled in:

• Operating passenger vehicles safely and responsibly.
• Communicating with students, staff, and supervisors.
• Completing required documentation accurately.

Ability to:

• Transport students safely in varying traffic and weather conditions.
• Maintain appropriate student supervision and discipline.
• Follow written and verbal instructions.
• Work independently and as part of a transportation team.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in keeping with law.

Physical Demands While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate with others. The employee is required to sit or stand and move around for extended periods of time. While performing the duties of this job the employee must be able to push, pull, lift and carry over 25 pounds on occasion.

Working Conditions Work is primarily performed in a vehicle and may involve exposure to weather conditions, traffic, and student-related behavioral challenges. The employee in this position may experience occasional exposure to blood, bodily fluids and tissue.

Driving Requirement This position requires regular driving as a primary job function.

This job description is subject to change and in no manner states or implies that these are the only duties and responsibilities to be performed by the employee. The employee will be required to follow the instructions and perform the duties required by the employee's supervisor and or appointing authority.