Bus Driver (Substitute)

Bus Driver

Under the direction of the Director of Transportation, operate and maintain school buses to transport regular education and special education students safely and efficiently to an assigned location using a designated route; perform regular safety inspections; prepare a variety of records and reports related to assigned activities.

Representative duties include:

• Drive a school bus along a designated route; pick up and discharge regular education and special education students in accordance with time schedules; stop traffic and escort students across streets as necessary.
• Observe legal and defensive driving practices; assure compliance with applicable traffic and student transportation laws, codes and regulations.
• Maintain order and discipline among passengers on the bus and while waiting at bus stops in accordance with District policies related to disciplining students; prepare related reports as necessary.
• Conduct required daily safety inspections of buses, inspecting the interior, exterior and engine of the vehicles; check fluid levels; report major mechanical malfunctions or other problems as required; maintain related records.
• Maintain bus in a clean and safe operating condition; wash, sweep and clean buses; refuel, service and prepare vehicle for operation.
• Transport students, faculty and parents on field trips or other events; meet scheduled departure and arrival times as assigned; prepare related logs and reports.
• Assist handicapped students to board, sit in and leave the bus safely; assist students in wheelchairs by loading and securing chairs before departure and assuring students are safely fastened into their seats; utilize wheelchair lifts and tie-downs.
• Determine appropriate action in potential or real medical emergency situations according to established guidelines; administer first aid to passengers as needed.
• Utilize two-way radios for bus to bus and bus to base communications.
• Maintain mileage, load and time records as required; order parts in accordance with established guidelines; maintain related records.
• Attend safety meetings and driver education and safety programs as directed.
• Participate in a variety of extra duty assignments at the yard as necessary.
• Inform dispatcher of routes in need of updating or revising as necessary.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge and abilities include:

• Safe and defensive driving practices.
• Proper operations of school buses.
• Applicable traffic and student transportation laws, codes and regulations.
• Basic first aid procedures.
• Basic record-keeping and report preparation techniques.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Health and safety regulations.
• Oral and written communication skills.

Education and experience requirements include:

• Any combination equivalent to: graduation from high school and sufficient training and experience to demonstrate the knowledge and abilities listed above.

Licenses and other requirements include:

• Valid California commercial driver's license with passenger and air brake endorsements.
• Valid unrestricted California Special Driver Certificate for school bus operation.
• Valid Medical Card.

Working conditions include:

• School bus and outdoor environment.
• Seasonal heat and cold or adverse weather conditions.
• Evening or variable hours.
• Exposure to fumes, dust, odors and oil/grease.
• Driving a vehicle to conduct work.

Physical demands include:

• Sitting for extended periods of time while operating buses.
• Hearing and speaking to exchange information.
• Reaching, pulling and pushing to open bus doors.
• Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching to inspect and wash buses.
• Climbing ladders or steps.
• Reaching overhead, above the shoulders or horizontally.
• Seeing to monitor passengers and operate a vehicle.
• Lifting moderately heavy children or objects weighing up to 49 pounds.

Hazards include:

• Traffic hazards.
• Driving a vehicle during adverse weather conditions.
• Working at heights while inspecting and cleaning the buses.
• Fumes from chemical cleansers and bus operation.