School Bus Driver

Position Type:
Classified Staff/Bus Driver

Date Posted:
9/21/2026

Location:
Transportation
UPPER ARLINGTON CITY SCHOOLS

JOB DESCRIPTION
Position: Bus Driver
Time Schedule: 9 -12 months
Salary Rate or Ratio: Hourly
Reports to: Director of Transportation & Executive Director of Operations.
Employment Status: Classified - Regular
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Description: Safely transport students to and from school and all school-related events; comply with federal and state laws, and board of education rules and mandates that pertain to school bus drivers.

Probationary Period: 120 Days

NOTE: The lists below are not ranked in order of importance:

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED
• Possess and maintain a valid State of Ohio Class B commercial driver's license (CDL) school bus endorsement
• Must pass annual medical physical
• Must complete bus driver recertification every six years as required by state law
• Required to pass random drug and alcohol testing
• Pass BCI background check
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Supervisor and/or Board of Education may find appropriate

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to work effectively with others
• Ability to communicate ideas and directives clearly and effectively both orally and in writing
• Ability to read and understand verbal and written instructions, written warnings and labels
• Effective active listening skills
• Organizational and problem-solving skills
• Basic first aid
• Familiar with all materials in Ohio Pre-service Bus Driver Training Manual
• Familiar with all materials in Ohio Pupil Transportation Operation and Safety Rules
• Obey all traffic laws
• Observe all mandatory safety regulations for school buses
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to read and understand road maps
• Trained in student management, and handling of special needs children
• Ability to log-in and navigate district required software, I.e., Public SchoolWorks, email, etc..
• Such alternatives to the above knowledge, skills, and abilities as the Supervisor and/or Board of Education may find appropriate

Essential Functions:

• Ensure the safety of students
• Transport students safely and efficiently to and from school and school-related events
• Follow assigned bus routes and schedules
• Maintain required records and information
• Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections as required and report problems
• Keep the assigned bus neat and clean
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge and awareness of changes in driving laws as they apply to transporting school children
• Obey all traffic laws
• Observe all mandatory safety regulations for school buses
• Maintain pupil control and report any violations to the proper authorities as prescribed
• Notify the transportation director and mechanics in case of mechanical failure or lateness
• Discharge students only at authorized stops
• Report all accidents and complete required reports
• Report any hazardous conditions along the existing route to the transportation supervisor
• Attend bus driver meetings and be available in the event of emergency dismissal
• Notify the transportation supervisor in case of illness in order to permit time to secure a substitute driver
• Conduct front door, rear door and combination front and rear door emergency evacuation drills
• Prepare reports, route maps, schedules, pupil lists, and accident reports as required
• Make contacts with the public with tact and diplomacy
• Maintain respect at all times for confidential information
• Interact in a positive manner with staff, students, and parents
• Attend meetings and in-services as required
• Immediately report any change in driving status, traffic charges, or convictions, and criminal charges and convictions to the employer
• Promote good public relations
• Such alternatives to the above essential functions as the Supervisor and/or Board of Education may find appropriate

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Warm up the engine gradually in cold weather
• Exercise responsible leadership when on out-of-district school trips
• Maintains records of fuel, oil usage, and mileage
• Makes detours on routes when needed
• Occasional requirement to lift students and push wheelchairs
• Occasional requirement to transport students to emergency evacuation locations
• Fill out incident reports regarding the code of student behavior violations
• Conduct a school bus safety program for all bus students in grades K-3 during the first 3 weeks of school as required by state law
• May be asked to participate in discipline meetings with school personnel
• Training to recognize signs of abuse or neglect, and the signs of drug or alcohol abuse
• Follow rules as outlined in the driver's manual
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Transportation Supervisor

Equipment Operated:

• Bus
• Other passenger vehicles are legal for the transportation of students
• Refueling equipment
• Pressure washer
• Safety equipment on the bus (fire extinguisher)
• Wheelchair lift and wheelchair securement devices
• Mobile communication devices (Example: two-way radio)
• Required safety equipment found on school vehicles
• First aid kit and body fluid kit
• Various handheld items, e.g., tire iron, oil can, flares, broom, dustpan, flashlight, squeegee

Additional Working Conditions:

• Occasional exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and tissue
• Ability to operate the bus or vehicle in inclement weather conditions
• Frequent interaction with unruly children
• Occasional requirement to lift and carry bus supplies up to a maximum of 65 pounds
• Occasional requirement to push and pull up to a maximum of 300 pounds (on wheels)
• Requirement to climb, steps on the bus, and to check bus fluids, through the bus back emergency door, bumpers to adjust mirrors, or clean the windshield
• Stooping, kneeling, and crouching during inspections
• Requirement to balance when adjusting side mirrors
• Extensive sitting, up to two hours at a time
• Exposure to high levels of noise
• Repetitive hand motion
• Occasional requirement to carry bus students in an emergency evacuation
• Exposure to various fumes, i.e., carbon monoxide and diesel fuel
• Frequently move around the workspace and travel throughout the school building
• Frequently move and position oneself as necessary to access and operate equipment

Employee shall remain free of any alcohol or non-prescribed controlled substance use in the workplace throughout his/her employment with the District.
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 incumbent. The incumbent will be required to follow the instructions and perform the duties required by the incumbent's supervisor and or appointing authority.
The Upper Arlington City School District Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, including sexual orientation and transgender identity, disability, age, religion, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category, in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities.