2026 - 2027 BUS OPERATOR - TRIPS AND SPECIAL PROGRAMS

Bus Operator (Trips and Special Programs)

The Bus Operator (Trips and Special Programs) supports the ongoing enrichment of Atlanta Public Schools (APS) students by facilitating bus services to and from athletic events/practices, field trips, and tutoring runs. This position is considered an on-call and essential position. The incumbent is expected to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, nights, split shifts, and staggered shifts.

Essential Duties:

• Transports passengers over scheduled routes to and from school and/or field trips in a safe and timely manner; events and programs may include games, practices, scrimmages, activities, tutoring, and field trips
• Provides safe loading and unloading of all passengers from buses during regular transport and emergency situations
• Assesses incidents, complaints, accidents, and/or potential emergency situations (e.g., road hazards, medical emergencies, accidents, etc.) to resolve and/or recommend a resolution to the situation
• Performs basic first-aid and safety practices
• Cleans assigned vehicles, both interior and exterior, to ensure safety, proper appearance, and sanitation of vehicles, which includes post-trip wipe-downs of the interior of the vehicle due to health or other emergency situations and concerns
• Conducts emergency evacuation drills at least twice a year to ensure the efficiency of procedures and comply with mandated requirements
• Fuels and performs a pre-trip inspection on assigned vehicle (e.g., oil, water, fuel, etc.) to maintain the vehicle in a safe operating condition
• Monitors students and other passengers during transit to ensure the safe transportation of all passengers
• Informs other school personnel and parents of events, policies, and/or practices (e.g., scheduled stops, established routes, route conditions, etc.) to provide information and/or clarification of procedures
• Performs pre-trip and post-trip inspections (e.g., fluid levels, tire pressure, exterior condition, etc.) to ensure the safe operating condition of the vehicle and comply with mandated guidelines
• Prepares reports (e.g., field trip reports, incident reports, inspection records, passenger misconduct, mileage logs, student counts, routing information, etc.) to document activities, provide written reference, convey information, and/or comply with established guidelines
• Reports observations and/or incidents (e.g., discipline, accidents, inappropriate social behavior, etc.) to communicate information to appropriate personnel for their action
• Responds to inquiries from students, parents, and/or staff to provide the necessary information regarding transportation services
• Assists with food or device distribution to students and others while wearing proper PPE when determined or appropriate
• Utilizes the electronic mobile data terminal (MDT) on the school bus to log in and log-out, as well as select routes and runs and complete reports
• Performs other duties as assigned by an appropriate administrator

Required to have prompt and regular attendance for scheduled shifts during regular business hours as mandated.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Knowledge and ability to apply pertinent codes, policies, regulations, and/or laws
• Ability to adhere to safety practices
• Ability to read, interpret, and follow printed and electronic maps, route descriptions, and directions
• Ability to operate district vehicles, fire extinguishers, two-way radios, and standard office equipment
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records
• Knowledge of emergency evacuation techniques
• Knowledge of area streets and locations
• Understanding of basic vehicle maintenance
• Knowledge of first aid, health standards, and hazards, including the ability to administer first aid
• Understanding of safe driving practices and safety practices and procedures
• Ability and knowledge to utilize wheelchairs, tie-downs, child safety seats, lifts, etc. (by assignment)
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal with students and adults

Minimum Requirements:

• EDUCATION: High School Diploma or GED
• CERTIFICATION/LICENSE: Georgia State Drivers' CDL license with Passenger and School Bus endorsement
• Must be able to pass Georgia basic bus driver's certification class and maintain an annual Safety Renewal Education Program (SREP) recertification
• Successful completion of an annual physical and agility testing with result clearance
• Successful completion of pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing
• WORK EXPERIENCE: 1 year of work experience preferred Exemplary driving record classified as no more than 2 serious moving violations and points accumulation in current 7-year driving history

Salary Grade: BD Salary Range: Salary Schedules - Atlanta Public Schools Work Year: 201

Physical Abilities and Working Conditions:

• Vision: Ability to read small print and view a computer screen for prolonged periods. Requires good near or distant vision. Requires distinguishing colors and/or depth perception to judge distances.
• Hearing: Ability to tolerate exposure to noisy conditions
• Speech: Ability to be understood in face-to-face communications, to speak with a level of proficiency and volume to be understood over a telephone or computer
• Upper Body Mobility: Ability to use hands to grasp and manipulate small objects; manipulate fingers, twist and bend at wrist and elbow; extend arms to reach outward and upward; use hands and arms to lift objects; turn, raise, and lower head
• Strength: Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, gripping, feeling, seeing/observing and carrying. Must exert over 100 pounds of force occasionally, over 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or over 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects
• Environmental Requirements: Ability to encounter constant work interruptions; work cooperatively with others; work independently; Regular exposure to weather, including heat, cold, dampness, and/or humidity
• Mental Requirements: Ability to read, write, understand, interpret and apply information at a moderately complex level essential for successful job performance; math skills at a high school proficiency level; judgement and the ability to process information quickly; learn quickly and follow verbal procedures and standards; give verbal instruction; rank tasks in order of importance; copy, compare, compile and coordinate information and records. Understand how to manage stress
• Additional Work Conditions & Physical Abilities: Will require travel to multiple sites. Extended hours may be required depending on each situation. Must understand and have full knowledge of the occupational hazards in using power tools and equipment and of necessary safety precautions. Requires extensive safety training and/or protective devices.

The Atlanta Public School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, citizenship, ethnic or national origin, age, disability, medical status, military status, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, ancestry, or any legally protected status in any of its employment practices, educational programs, services or activities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties.