Non-CDL Driver

School Bus Driver

Position is responsible for operating a 16, or fewer passenger bus and transporting school-aged children identified under the McKinney Vento Act safely and efficiently over specified routes to and from schools. Position conducts pre-trip inspections; observes safety regulations and policies; enforces student discipline on the bus; and performs related work. Position does not require candidate to hold a Virginia Commercial Driver's License.

Essential Duties

• Obtains all Non-CDL bus training as mandated by the Transportation Safety and Training department and Virginia State Code.
• Communicates with the dispatcher or Area Transportation Supervisor for any changes in normal duties or new student passengers, including communicating orally while the bus is in motion when needed.
• Ensures the bus can be operated safely before driving and conducts pre-trip safety inspections as required by federal and state laws to include observing visual defects and checking operating systems to include brakes, horn, lights, emergency flashers, and door-opening devices.
• Operates the bus safely over an assigned route, picking up and delivering authorized students at assigned bus pick-up and drop-off points.
• Keeps assigned time schedules, which may require driving during pre-day light and dusk periods, and makes every effort to be on time while ensuring safety.
• Must be willing to travel extended distances to other cities and school districts to conduct student pick-ups or drop offs.
• Must be open and flexible as route schedule changes will occur frequently.
• Obeys all traffic laws and transportation practices as outlined in the Virginia Driving manual, Transportation Employee Handbook, School Board Policy and local ordinances.
• Observes all mandatory safety regulations for non-CDL buses and keeps all emergency exits clear of obstructions.
• Secures wheelchairs, car seats, and other restraining devices on the bus as needed.
• Maintains student discipline on the bus and enforces rules governing student conduct, including through oral communication when the bus is in motion.
• Reports undisciplined students to the proper authority and compiles written reports as requested in accordance with the bus driver handbook and the Student's Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.
• Conducts semi-annual bus evacuation drills as required by the Department of Education and implements evacuations as required in an emergency to include safely exiting from the rear of the bus.
• Reports all accidents immediately, requesting police or ambulance service as needed; assists injured persons until services arrive; and completes required accident reports.
• Notifies the proper authority in cases of mechanical failure, safety deficiencies, when off schedule, or other incidents.
• Returns the bus to the assigned lot, performs a final inspection, and secures the bus according to procedures.
• Participates in all required training.
• Submits to drug testing when required.
• Maintains a valid Virginia driver's license as required by the State Department of Transportation and maintains Red Cross First Aid/CPR certification.
• Hear and communicate orally when the bus is in motion. Communicate orally on a two-way radio with transportation dispatch and emergency services while the bus is in motion. Communicate effectively and positively with parents, students, staff and co-workers.
• Models nondiscriminatory practices in all activities.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills and/or Abilities Required)

Must possess a high school diploma or GED. Must possess a valid driver's license with a positive driving point balance. Must possess basic first aid and CPR certification or must acquire such prior to the completion of the division's classroom training course. Must possess an excellent driving record in compliance with division standards, excellent driving skills, and must successfully complete the school division's non-CDL bus driver training course. Must possess a good knowledge of procedures and federal/state laws governing the safe operation of a school bus prior to the completion of the division's training course. Must possess knowledge of, or the ability to accurately and quickly learn, local street and road systems. Must possess knowledge of, or the ability to accurately and quickly learn, how to properly secure a wheelchair, car seat, and other restraining devices on a school bus. Must possess the ability to maintain student discipline and ensure that student behavior is not a distraction to safe driving. Must possess the ability to recognize and report any unsafe act or condition. Must remain in compliance with state/division regulations regarding the use of controlled substances and alcohol as applied to school bus drivers. Must meet the mandated physical and mental requirements established by the state and the US Department of Transportation__the school division is not permitted to employ individuals that do not meet these standards. Must be capable of working independently and possess the ability to understand and follow through on oral and written instructions. Must possess the ability to communicate effectively and positively with students, parents, and faculty. Must attend all department mandated in-service trainings. Must pass a background check.

Newport News Public Schools