Bus Driver

Bus Driver2.97 hours daily/ 10 months Student days onlyPOSITION PURPOSE:The School Bus Driver operates a school bus on assigned route(s) and schedules to provide safe and efficient transportation so that students may enjoy the fullest possible advantage from the programs and offerings of the school system. Work involves performing pre-and post-trip inspections of the bus; operating a bus; obeying all traffic laws and school bus regulations while operating the bus; observing all safety regulations and standards for school buses; and maintaining discipline of students assigned to ride the bus. Employee is also responsible for completing all required reports and securing the assigned bus before leaving the vehicle at the conclusion of a run or route. Employee must exercise tact and courtesy in maintaining acceptable relations with parents/guardians of students transported and with school personnel.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSKNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIESConsiderable knowledge of safe and efficient practices and procedures used in the operation of a school busConsiderable knowledge of traffic laws and school bus regulationsConsiderable knowledge of safety regulations and standards for school busesGeneral knowledge of Transportation Department Operating InstructionsAbility to physically inspect the bus according to Transportation Department Operating InstructionsAbility to detect and report observable mechanical defects or failures on the school busAbility to maintain discipline of students assigned to ride the school busAbility to maintain a clean school busAbility to complete required reportsAbility to understand and follow oral and written instructionsAbility to exercise independent judgment and initiative in applying standards to a variety of work situationsAbility to exercise tact and courtesy in contact with parents/guardians or students and with school personnelAbility to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignmentsEDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCEGraduation from High SchoolExperience driving large vehiclesAny equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilitiesCERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTSMust possess and maintain a valid North Carolina Class A or Class B Commercial Driver's License with school bus certification and S and P endorsementsMust possess a valid driver's license issued by the NC Department of Motor VehiclesPREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:Experience transporting human beings as opposed to cargoPrevious experience driving a school busESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESPerform required pre-trip and post-trip inspections and document inspections as required by Transportation Department Operating Instructions for bus driversReport mechanical defect(s) or failure(s) to either the Fleet Maintenance Supervisor, Bus Driver Manager, the mechanic on-duty at the bus parking site or the school bus garage control center; in the event the assigned school bus is declared unfit for service, performs pre- and post-trip inspections on substitute school busIn accordance with Transportation Department Operating Instructions for bus drivers, perform required post-trip inspection to detect students who may still be on board the school bus asleep or incapacitated and to detect any other irregularities or vandalism to the bus interiorOperate the assigned school bus on the route(s) and schedule provided by the Bus Driver ManagerReport to the Bus Driver Manager on the day of occurrence, any students added to or deleted from the route by the school principal which will necessitate a change in the route, bus stops and/or scheduleObey all traffic laws and school bus regulations while operating the school busObserve all safety regulations and standards for school buses including, but not limited to, clearing the school bus and evacuating students quickly in the event of an emergencyPossess a copy of the current Handbook for the School Bus Driver and the Safety Assistant; refer to it periodically for guidance and to answer questionsMaintain discipline of students assigned to ride the school busEstablish a discipline plan that is consistent with school disciplinary objectives, as stated by the principal, and that provides a clear, progressive plan of consequences for students who cause disciplinary problems and rewards for those who maintain proper school bus safety standardsReport undisciplined students to the responsible school principalDischarge students only at the authorized school or bus stop locationsTransport only authorized studentsKeep the school bus clean and free of papers, bottles, cans food wrappers and other items which may present a safety issueReport all accidents as required by Transportation Operating Instructions and remain at the scene of the accident until released by the on-scene transportation supervisorComplete personal time card and required reports, including reports required in the event of an accident or incident aboard the school busRemain in charge of all students aboard the bus at the time of an accident, determining the existence and extent of any injuries, and maintaining the safety of all passengersSecure the assigned bus before leaving the vehicle at the conclusion of a run or route; includes parking the vehicle properly, making a visual inspection of the bus to check for damage and the possibility of remaining passengers, (turn off child minder alarm), and secure all windows and doors to protect the interior of the vehicleMaintain acceptable and appropriate relationships with parents/guardians of students transported and with school personnelPerform additional duties as assigned by the Transportation Director or Assistant DirectorWORKING CONDITIONSPHYSICAL DEMANDS - Work is considered light physical work requiring the exertion of up to 20 pounds of force.WORK ENVIRONMENT - Employees in this position are required to work in indoor and outdoor environments, and come into direct contact with RCSS staff, students and the public.ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSThe following signatures acknowledge that the supervisor has verified the accuracy of the position description, has discussed position requirements with the employee, and has advised the employee of work performance expectationsReviewed by: Employee's Signature - DateApproval by: Supervisor's Signature - DateThe completed and signed position description shall be maintained at the employee's work location, shall be reviewed with the employee by his or her immediate supervisor, should be revised as required, and shall serve as the basis for all required evaluations.DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this position. They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills that may be required of the employees assigned to this position. This description may be revised by the supervisor, with HR review and approval, any time.