School Bus Driver

School Bus Driver

Position Type: Classified / Non-Contracted

Reports To: Assistant Director of Transportation

Days Worked: 180 Days (10 months)

Job Qualifications:

Education: High school diploma or GED.

Certification or Licensure: Must possess a valid Commercial Driver's License in either Class A or B with the proper P (passenger) and S (school bus) endorsements. Complete a pre-employment drug test. Must pass a training program as prescribed by the Georgia Department of Education. Must pass a physical examination by a licensed Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathy before the date of employment following the approved examination (DE Form 0514) prescribed by the State Board of Education.

Skills: Have the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position. Knowledge of traffic and highway safety rules and regulations and the precautions to avoid traffic accidents. Knowledge of the local street and road system. Working mechanical knowledge of school buses in order to complete pre-and post-trip inspection of equipment as required by state commercial driver's license requirements, or ability to rapidly acquire such knowledge. Ability to operate a school bus in the safe and efficient transportation of children. Ability to read and write, communicate orally, understand and carry out written and oral instructions, maintain effective control over groups of children, and work harmoniously with children and others. Ability to read and follow a road map. Ability to drive any size or type of school bus in the fleet. Professional appearance and personality. Good moral character.

Work Experience: The minimum age to qualify as a school bus driver is twenty-one years of age. Minimum of two years of driving experience with an acceptable record (does not have to be a school bus). No addiction to the use of intoxicating liquor or narcotic drugs. Mental and emotional stability, which ensures normal driving competency and efficiency.

Primary Duty:

This position is responsible for operating school buses under all types of weather conditions including, but not limited to sun, fog, rain, sleet, hail, snow, and ice. Transport students and other authorized persons on "to and from" school routes in regular, special education, vocational, or extracurricular trips as authorized by the local school system. Employees in this class are responsible for following various assigned routes and schedules in the safe and efficient operation of a school bus.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. complete school bus driver training programs and courses as prescribed by the state and local boards of education.

2. Operate the school bus safely and efficiently.

3. Conduct thorough pre-trip and post-trip inspections of the school bus and its special equipment.

4. Maintain orderly conduct of student passengers. Report unsafe acts or conditions.

5. Operate the school bus in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia and the policies of the State and local boards of education.

6. Conduct emergency evacuation drills as required by the local school system.

7. Communicate effectively and professionally with school staff and the public.

8. Complete legible, accurate, and required reports in the prescribed manner and on a timely basis.

9. Provide maximum safety for passengers while on the bus and during loading and unloading.

10. May transport students on field trips and outings.

11. May be assigned to transport wheelchair-bound students. The driver will assist such students in boarding the bus, work lift equipment, and secure the wheelchair for transport as per current safety procedures.

12. Clean and service the school bus which includes sweeping, washing, fueling, checking oil and coolant levels, etc., to the extent prescribed by the local school system. Report needed repairs.

13. Perform other duties as directed by the local school system.

14. Maintain routes and schedules as planned by the local school system personnel.

15. Report any hazards along the existing route to the appropriate school official.

16. Operates assigned school bus in compliance with state and county laws, School Board policy, and Department of Education regulations (Speed, stopping at RR crossing, pre-trip inspection, use of lights, use of seat belt, etc.).

17. Takes precautions to avoid accidents.

18. Loads and discharges students only at proper bus stops.

19. Works with principals in dealing with discipline problems on the school bus.

20. Assists students who become ill: cleans up as required.

21. Report all accidents immediately to the local police and Transportation Office.

22. Complete pre- and post-trip inspections of the bus. Checks gas, oil, and water daily. Responsible for the appearance of assigned vehicles and for reporting mechanical defects upon detection to the repair shop.

23. Keeps records of the operation of the bus and submits required reports: compiles and submits accident report information and reports prolonged traffic delays.

24. Attends local safety meetings as held by the State Department or local Transportation Department.

25. The employee shall carry out such other and further duties, whether specifically listed above or not, as assigned by the Associate Superintendent of Academic Services to achieve efficient operation.

Work Environment / Physical Demands:

The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to walk, stand, and sit.

Special Requirements:

Ability to meet prescribed pre-employment and annual physical examination requirements. Ability to complete pre-and post-trip bus inspections. Some lifting may be required. Must be physically able to enter and leave a school bus frequently and quickly, and must be able to traverse the aisles of a moving bus as needed to adequately perform required duties. Stooping, bending, and lifting are required.

Lifting heavy objects and frequently climbing, meets all qualifications as outlined by State law (i.e. physical exam, drug screening, criminal background check, etc.. ..). Frequent overtime or night work may be required, often on an unscheduled basis. Should be able to work activity trips outside the regularly scheduled work day.

Date Established: 02/2009Date(s) Revised: 06/2023

This description may be changed at any time. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee. The employee will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other related duties as assigned by the Board. Richmond County Schools reserves the right to update, revise, or change this job description and related duties at any time.