Bus Driver Trainee

Bus Driver - Trainee

JOB TITLE: Bus Driver - Trainee

DATE REVISED: June 24, 2025

REPORTS TO: Operations Supervisor, Transportation

DEPARTMENT/CAMPUS: Facility & School Services: Transportation

PAY GRADE: BD1

FLSA: Non-Exempt

JOB PURPOSE SUMMARY

This position will work under the direct supervision of the assigned bus driver in completing all trainee requirements for ensuring the safe and reliable transportation of students.

KEY FUNCTIONS, ESSENTIAL DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Student Transport Services - In Training

1. Attends all school bus driver training sessions as mandated by trainers or supervisors to develop knowledge and skills in safe bus operation.

2. Completes all necessary Texas CDL written exams to obtain a Commercial Driver's License Permit and successfully completes the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) program.

3. Successfully completes behind-the-wheel instruction and passes the Texas DPS skills test to qualify for a full commercial driver's license.

4. Conducts pre-trip inspections of the bus and emergency equipment, including air brake tests, to ensure vehicle safety before each run.

5. Reports all accidents, vehicle damage, student injuries, and mechanical failures; completes all required documentation accurately.

6. Observes and participates, as directed, in the supervision of students during boarding, transport, and disembarking, ensuring safe street crossing in accordance with District policies and maintains discipline according to transportation guidelines.

7. Assists with instructing students, as directed, on safe riding practices and ensures compliance with all safety rules and regulations.

8. Develops and demonstrates proficient working knowledge and understanding of all traffic laws and safety regulations for school buses, reports any hazardous conditions encountered along the route, and addresses unsafe conditions within the work area.

9. Operates two-way radio equipment following departmental guidelines to maintain communication with dispatch and supervisors.

10. Performs bus attendant duties as necessary and checks in with the AM/PM supervisor daily.

11. Attends and completes all required training programs, maintains necessary certifications and licenses, and participates in all in-service training and monthly staff meetings.

12. Complies with all District transportation policies as outlined in the District Transportation Handbook and follows guidelines for using smart tablet software.

13. Participates in regular safety audits and inspections, as directed, alongside senior drivers or supervisors to understand and learn the critical aspects of bus safety and compliance.

14. Actively participates in emergency response drills organized by the District, learning how to effectively manage and respond to emergencies on the bus.

15. Assists, as directed, in maintaining and updating digital records related to bus operations, including driver logs, maintenance records, and student attendance for transportation, using designated software systems.

16. Participates in workshops or training focused on customer service to better understand how to interact with students, parents, and school staff effectively.

17. Trains to manage and report incidents, learning the appropriate protocols and communication strategies to handle potential issues effectively.

Compliance

18. Performs all duties in accordance with standard procedures and protocols established by the Transportation Department and the District, and as set forth by governing entities and regulatory requirements including, but not limited to, Texas Education Code, Texas Administrative Code, Texas Transportation Code, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Health & Safety Code, Texas Accessibility Standards, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR).

19. Demonstrates and maintains proficient working knowledge and understanding of compliance requirements and standards including, but not limited to, student transportation safety, workplace safety, personal protective equipment (PPE) use, safe operation of bus equipment, emergency evacuation procedures, as well as other related requirements as they pertain to the job function.

20. Monitors respective work activity for variances and anomalies.

21. Identifies and timely reports any known or suspected compliance issues to appropriate personnel.

22. Assists with audits and the preparation for audits, whether initiated internally or externally, as assigned.

23. Adheres to all other District wide policies and procedures including, but not limited to, human resources, safety, and emergency protocols.

General

24. Demonstrates support towards the District's Shared Vision, Mission, and Promise 2 Purpose.

25. Displays integrity, responsibility, accountability, teamwork, and ethics.

26. Assists department leadership in the compilation of miscellaneous confidential reports, as requested.

27. Attends departmental and organizational meetings, as required.

28. Participates in continuing education programs and related activities relevant to the job function, as required.

29. Performs assigned job duties and responsibilities in accordance with established performance expectations, as well as with District policies, procedures, protocols and standard practices.

30. Demonstrates basic working knowledge and understanding of software systems and applications pertaining to student transportation management, incident reporting, GPS, training and compliance, communication, and other programs relevant to the job function.

31. Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or equivalent GED
• Able to obtain a Texas Commercial Driver's License (within 90 days of employment) with Class B, (P) Passenger and (S) School Bus Endorsements

CORE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Time Management Budgets, schedules, and manages own time to fulfill priorities effectively and efficiently.

Safety Identifies, and appropriately addresses, existing and predictable hazards in the working conditions and surrounding working environment that are unsanitary, hazardous, and/or dangerous to others.

Composure Maintains a calm presence during complex and high stress situations.

Stress Management Demonstrates resilience and stress tolerance by continuing to perform effectively when faced with time pressures, adversity, disappointment, or opposition.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

This position requires the ability to sit for prolonged periods while operating the school bus, utilizing hands and feet to control various controls and mechanisms. Bus drivers must be capable of lifting and carrying items weighing up to 100 lbs, which may include emergency equipment or aiding in student mobility. The role requires acute visual and auditory capabilities for safe driving practices, reading signs and paperwork, and communicating effectively with students and staff. Drivers are frequently required to quickly enter and exit the bus to assist students, particularly in emergency situations or when managing boarding and disembarking. The working environment involves operating a school bus on public roadways, where drivers face regular exposure to diverse weather conditions such as rain, snow, heat, and cold. Additionally, bus drivers encounter moderate to high noise levels from the bus and traffic, alongside the stress related to adhering to strict schedules and managing student behavior effectively. Safety is paramount, and drivers

Bus Driver - Trainee

Job Description

must navigate traffic hazards and ensure the safety and well-being of all passengers. The role involves a significant responsibility for maintaining a calm, safe, and orderly environment within the bus under varying and sometimes challenging conditions.

EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

My signature below acknowledges that I have received and read my job description, and that I understand the scope, essential job duties, knowledge, skills, and abilities, and working environment that apply to my job. I further acknowledge that I can safely and effectively perform the essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation, and in accordance with the policies, procedures, expectations, and standards of the District.

Employee Printed Name: _____________________________ Employee ID Number: _________________

Employee Signature: _________________________________ Date: _______________________