Bus Driver/Operator

School Bus Driver

To provide safe transportation, in a timely manner, to all eligible students both from home to school and back home.

Basic requirements and performance responsibilities for all driving personnel (Regular, Substitute and Activity School Bus Drivers) have been established by the State Department of Education and the St. Helena Parish School Board. In addition to initial requirements, it is mandatory that all driving personnel obtain re-certification annually.

Minimum qualifications include:

• S. Citizen or authorized alien.
• High School Diploma or its equivalent.
• Minimum Age - 21 Years
• Current Louisiana Commercial Driver's License, including air brakes and passenger cargo endorsement.
• Acceptable Driving Record (MRV)
• Good Character
• Successful Completion of 40 Hour Pre-In-service Training including SBD, DDC, and First Aide Course.
• Successful Completion of Psycho-Psychical examination
• Ability to pass pre-employment substance abuse testing.
• Successfully pass post employment random alcohol and/or substance abuse testing.
• Successful Completion of Annual In-service and Re-Certification by the Louisiana Department of Education.
• CDL Physical examination required, including TB test
• All policies, rules and regulations must be adhered to in order that students may be transported to and from school safely.

Duties and responsibilities include:

• Has operational knowledge of the Louisiana Components of Effective Teaching and can utilize the knowledge to implement effective programs at the school level in compliance with Title I of the No Child Left Behind Act.
• Provides courteous, professional, and prompt services to all internal and external customers including students, parents, co-workers, etc.
• Reports regularly and punctually within the time frame established by the Transportation Department.
• Safely transports his/her assigned students at each of his/her respective schools.
• Notifies the Transportation Department and the principal or designated person of impending absences, tardiness, or mechanical failure or reason.
• Secures substitute driver and/or rental bus when needed.
• Ensures that other drivers in the event of breakdown cover route and rental bus is not available.
• Reports rental bus to Transportation Department for insurance purposes.
• Completes accurately and timely all reports or other papers requested by the Transportation Department of School Board.
• Conducts two pre-trip inspections daily, keeping trip sheet on bus ready for reference upon request.
• Submits monthly pre-trip inspections' sheet in a timely manner.
• Accepts and runs additional routes as directed by the Transportation Department.
• Maintains a mechanical safe, neat, and clean vehicle in accordance with federal, state and local regulations.
• Accurately records and reports mileage whenever requested to do so or when there is a change in a route.
• Notifies parents of any schedule change, such as time and stop location.
• Demonstrates a thorough knowledge of state and local laws and local ordinances governing motor vehicle operations.
• Notifies Transportation Department immediately of all accidents or incidents.
• Attends and actively participates in all meetings or in-service training program as per mandatory requirements.
• Maintains an acceptable driving record in private vehicles as well as in the school bus.
• Establish proper techniques of passenger management and follow discipline procedures as established by the Louisiana Department of Education (See School Board Behavior Report).
• Maintain good public relations with students, parents, and school administrators.
• Conform to Louisiana law concerning the safety and welfare of assigned pupils.
• Must be in good health.
• Must have psychical strength adequate to maneuver the bus passengers.
• Job requires long periods of sitting in the same position.
• Must be mentally alert at all times while operating the bus.
• Total concentration required while driving, loading, and unloading students.
• Must be able to perform job duties in both good and inclement weather conditions.
• Performs all other duties commensurate with the fulfillment of responsibilities of a school bus driver as assigned by the St. Helena Parish School Board and the Director of Transportation.
• Any other duties as deemed necessary.