Bus Driver

School Bus Driver

The School Bus Driver is responsible for the safe transportation of all school age children to and from school and to all school sponsored extra-curricular activities.

Qualifications include being of legal age with a minimum of five years driving experience, being physically qualified, holding a valid Commercial Drivers License (CDL) with an SP endorsement, and completing pre-service and in-service training. The driver must also be able to lift and manage preschool and special needs children when necessary, cope with stressful situations, and possess or upgrade skills through formal and/or in-service training. The driver must test negatively on any administered drug test and submit to background checks and TB tests.

Core functions include ensuring the safety of students, promoting good safety practices, and exhibiting a positive attitude toward work. Essential functions include transporting students safely, following assigned bus routes, reporting mechanical problems, and maintaining the cleanliness of the vehicle. Other duties may include recertification of driver certificate, program and operate GPS routing systems, and perform other duties as assigned.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities include the ability to work effectively with others, communicate ideas clearly, and possess organizational and problem solving skills. The driver must also be trained in student management, handling of special needs children, and recognize signs of abuse or neglect. The driver must work independently and demonstrate good moral character.

Equipment operated includes a school bus, passenger van, electronic/hydraulic wheelchair lift, UHF two-way radio, safety equipment, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, body fluid kit, handheld items, GPS routing system, and fuel dispensing units.

Additional working conditions include occasional exposure to blood, bodily fluids and tissue, operation of a bus in inclement weather conditions, interaction among unruly children, occasional evening/weekend/summer work, lifting and carrying bus supplies, climbing, stooping, kneeling and crouching, balancing, extensive sitting, exposure to high levels of noise, repetitive hand motion, lifting students, carrying bus students in an emergency evacuation, exposure to various fumes, and restraining students.