Bus Driver

Bus Driver

The School Bus Driver for CANoPS is responsible for safely transporting students to and from our schools, internship locations, experiential learning opportunities, athletic events, and other related activities.

Unlike traditional school districts that operate primarily morning and afternoon routes, CANoPS operates a dynamic transportation model designed to expand access to real-world, community-based, and experiential learning opportunities. Our drivers are essential members of our educational team and play a critical role in ensuring students can fully participate in internships, extended learning programs, career experiences, field studies, and enrichment activities throughout the day.

Drivers must help ensure that assigned buses or shuttles (our fleet) is/are in safe operating condition at all times. In addition to safe operation, drivers are responsible for maintaining discipline, supporting positive student behavior, preventing unauthorized persons from boarding, and meeting established schedules, including traditional routes and remain flexible for mid-day routes.

This role requires flexibility, teamwork, professionalism, and a student-centered mindset. Transportation at CANoPS is an extension of the classroom.

Qualifications

• Possession of a valid driver's license with CDL and School Bus Endorsement
• Valid Yellow Card certification
• Appropriate state and local school bus training
• Minimum of 2 years of professional driving experience preferred
• Willingness to operate in a flexible, mission-driven transportation model that includes mid-day routes and non-traditional scheduling

Primary Responsibilities

• Drives a school bus safely in accordance with time schedules; transporting students to and from schools, internships, extended learning programs, field trips, athletic events, and other assigned locations
• Supports both traditional morning/afternoon routes and mid-day shuttle routes that expand access to experiential learning opportunities throughout the day
• Demonstrates flexibility in daily assignments as transportation schedules may shift frequently based on student programming needs
• Oversees the loading and unloading of students, releasing students to authorized individuals
• Maintains order and proper discipline of passengers; resolves disputes and documents and reports severe disciplinary cases
• Conducts established safety and operational inspection of assigned vehicle daily
• Assures maintenance of bus and that it is in safe and clean operating condition; reports needed mechanical repairs and follows established safety and maintenance procedures
• Is present for the State of Indiana's safety inspection, as required by state statute
• Services buses with gas; checks oil, antifreeze, battery, and tires
• Completes periodic mileage and other reports including passenger counts and mid-day route logs
• Attends meetings regarding safety, first aid, scheduling updates, and operational alignment
• Participates in driver training programs to maintain current knowledge of Motor Vehicle Code and applicable education regulations
• Operates a two-way radio and other communication tools to coordinate with Network locations
• Maintain a personal telephone to ensure communication with the Transportation personnel
• Collaborates with supervisors and schedulers to establish drop-off and pick-up order; adjusts routes for new or withdrawn students
• Monitors students with special health needs; follows prescribed procedures and contacts emergency assistance when necessary
• Transports and delivers materials, equipment, and communications between schools and families as assigned
• Maintains accurate records including mileage, routing, maintenance, time schedules, and mid-day transport documentation
• Maintains all required licenses and certifications
• Notifies appropriate individuals of any delays in scheduled routes
• Assists with additional routes when breakdowns or other unusual circumstances occur
• Performs other related duties as assigned

School Activities

• CANoPS Bus Drivers may be required to attend and/or participate in activities as directed by the Administrator including:
• Faculty meetings (before or after school hours)
• Summer school programming
• Chaperoning student activities
• Supporting experiential learning events
• Providing guidance and positive role modeling for students
• Participating on committees or operational planning teams
• Transportation staff are considered integral members of the CANoPS educational community.

Essential Skills and Abilities

• Willingness and ability to work as a collaborative member of a mission-driven team
• High level of flexibility and adaptability to meet evolving daily transportation needs
• Understands that transportation at CANoPS directly supports academic programming and experiential learning
• Ability to read and interpret maps and digital routing systems
• Ability to establish and maintain proper conduct and safety of passengers
• Ability to positively engage students and support a safe, respectful bus culture
• Ability to relate to students with a variety of exceptional needs
• Exercises sound judgment and extreme caution while operating network buses and shuttles
• Remains calm in emergency situations
• Reads and writes in English at a level sufficient to perform required duties
• Carries out oral and written instructions independently
• Recognizes mechanical safety hazards in buses and shuttles
• Experience preparing reports related to scheduling and maintenance preferred
• Meets physical requirements necessary to safely perform required duties
• Maintains effective working relationships with students, staff, and families
• Maintains valid certification as required by state regulations
• Physical stamina to load, unload, and secure wheelchair students if necessary
• Ability to operate electrical/manual lifts on ramp buses
• Knowledge of proper wheelchair safety requirements
• Strong hand-eye coordination
• Ability to follow traffic laws and defensive driving practices
• Ability to manage unexpected situations with professionalism
• Demonstrates foundational professionalism including:
• Consistent attendance
• Punctuality
• Adherence to Network policies and procedures
• Strong communication skills
• Respect for supervisory authority
• Commitment to teamwork and collaboration
• Professionalism, flexibility, teamwork, and student-centered decision making are non-negotiable expectations of this role
• Must demonstrate foundational professionalism, including consistent attendance, punctuality, adherence to school policies and procedures, and strong employability skills. These are considered essential, non-negotiable expectations of the role.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on student success and educational outcomes.
• Collaborative, mission-driven work environment.
• Professional development and ongoing learning opportunities.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• The chance to contribute to an organization committed to excellence in education.