Bus Driver

School Bus Driver

Provides for the safe, efficient, and courteous transportation of students. Keeps the transportation supervisor informed about bus activities and emerging issues.

Essential Functions:

• Operates the bus according to all motor vehicle laws (e.g., speed limits, complete stops, etc.). Practices defensive driving techniques.
• Upholds board policies and follows administrative procedures.
• Promotes a favorable image of the school district.
• Provides dependable service. Maintains established routes and time schedules. Note: Safety is the top priority even if delays disrupt the bus schedule.
• Transports only authorized passengers. Picks up and unloads students only at approved stops. Helps keep route sheets up-to-date. Offers routing suggestions.
• Performs pre-trip and post-trip safety inspections. Checks fire, emergency equipment, and first aid supplies. Prepares written inspection reports.
• Offers help when students ask for or their behavior suggests they need assistance. Allows students to seek their highest degree of independence.
• Supervises bus loading and unloading procedures.
• Operates the wheelchair lift on accessible buses. Ensures that wheelchairs are properly secured before the bus starts.
• Inspects harnesses, restraints, and other safety devices. Immediately corrects or reports unsafe conditions and/or defective equipment.
• Anticipates and is prepared to offer assistance when aware of passengers with medical or other health considerations.
• Monitors student behavior. Enforces safety regulations. Maintains high standards for student conduct. Upholds the student conduct code.
• Promotes the proper use of school property. Reports student discipline problems, vandalism, or other related concerns to the building principal. Prepares disciplinary notices as required.
• Performs other related tasks as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of all traffic laws, regulations, road signs and related information.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to operate the bus, conduct pre-trip inspections, and clean the bus.
• Visual and auditory acuity within professionally determined normal ranges, with correction if needed.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Effective organizational, problem solving, and time management skills.
• Ability to learn and comprehend information from procedures manuals and other materials. Ability to comprehend and follow traffic signs required.
• Ability to physically move through the bus, center and classrooms.
• Ability to maintain composure and perform responsibilities under pressure and in cases of accidents or other emergencies.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards

• Demonstrates professionalism and maintains a positive work attitude.
• Carries out prescribed activities efficiently with limited supervision.
• Communicates effectively using verbal, nonverbal, and writing skills.
• Works cooperatively to support a successful team effort.
• Reacts productively to interruptions and changing conditions.
• Averts problem situations and intervenes to resolve conflicts.
• Lifts, carries, and/or moves work-related supplies and equipment.
• Climbs and works from a ladder or other equipment that requires balancing skills.
• Works in confined spaces that may limit physical movement.
• Performs activities that require lifting, reaching, crouching, kneeling, and/or crawling.
• Maintains an acceptable attendance record and is punctual.
• Travels to meetings and work assignments.

Qualifications Profile

• High School Diploma
• Meets all mandated health requirements (e.g., a negative tuberculosis test, etc.).
• Documented evidence of a clear criminal record.
• Meets qualifications defined in the current Ohio Revised Code, Ohio Pupil Transportation Operation & Safety Rules, and school board policy.
• Completion of the Ohio Pre-Service School Bus Driver Training Program.
• Valid Commercial Drivers License (CDL) with a school bus endorsement and a satisfactory driving record as a condition of initial and continued employment.
• Meets all prerequisite requirements of the district's insurance underwriter.
• Satisfactory pre-employment and ongoing random drug test results.
• Physical ability to operate the school bus.
• Ability to physically manage students with disabilities.
• Ability to anticipate and deal with stressful traffic and weather conditions.
• Demonstrates maturity and the ability to work with students and their families.
• Prior school bus driving experience is desirable.