Bus Driver

School Bus Driver

There are certain duties that all school bus drivers are required to perform. These include:

1. Must know and be able to comply with the federal, state and local school district rules, regulations, procedures and laws as they relate to the operation of a passenger vehicle.
2. Must be able to safely and efficiently transport students to and from school as well as related activities.
3. Must conduct thorough pre-trip and post-trip inspections on school bus and special equipment.
4. Must have interest in and empathy for children.
5. Must possess comprehensive knowledge of driving safety and courtesy.
6. Must have a valid New Mexico commercial driver's license with appropriate endorsements.
7. Must be able to meet or exceed the state required physical examination.
8. Must have the ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions.
9. Must have the ability to maintain effective student behavior management control over groups of children.
10. Must be able to meet emergency situations in accordance with operating procedures.
11. Must be willing and able to submit to and pass substance abuse testing as prescribed by the school board policy.
12. Must have and maintain a satisfactory driving and criminal background that reflects a professional driver and which meets all school district, state and federal requirements.
13. Must possess oral, written, math and communication skills to accurately complete the assigned forms and reports.
14. Must be able to drive all district route buses and possess the ability to operate lift equipment and securement devices on special needs equipment.
15. Must be at least twenty one (21) years of age.
16. Must attend in-service training classes and safety meetings as required by the district, state and federal government.
17. Must be able to read and interpret schedules and forms as well as read and use a map.
18. Must be physically able to climb out of the school bus emergency door to evacuate the bus in an emergency.
19. Must possess working knowledge of how to care for students with disabilities and special transportation needs.
20. Must possess comprehensive knowledge of driving safety and courtesy.
21. Must complete bus evacuation drills and school bus safety training to meet district and state standards.
22. Must be able and willing to complete and turn in all required documentation in a timely and accurate manner or as instructed.
23. Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds.

Job Duties

1. Safe and efficient operation of the school bus in accordance with federal, state, and local statutes and regulations.
2. Maintain good work habits through timeliness and low absenteeism for daily assignment and extra trips.
3. Monitor total weekly hours in order to avoid overtime.
4. Properly report any and all mechanical concerns for vehicle and its component parts to minimize wear and to extend its useful life.
5. Exercise student management through correct use of communication and discipline and report discipline problems through proper district procedures.
6. Control emergency situations in a proper manner and in accordance with established federal, state, and local operating procedures.
7. Effective and professional communications with students, parents, district personnel and the public.
8. Implementation of maximum safety procedures for all passengers while on the bus and during loading and unloading activities.
9. Maintain a safe and clean working environment including bus, yard, and facilities.
1. Maintain current route sheets including student list, bus stops, and times. Notify supervisor immediately of any deviations or possible route revisions.
2. Maintain current seating charts.
3. Attend Parent, Student, and Driver conferences when required.
4. Attend Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meetings when required.
5. Attend all required in-service training as well as any other required meetings.
6. Perform other duties as assigned by director or designee.

Working Conditions

Conditions include operating in inclement weather, heat, cold and exposure to possible injury due to traffic accidents. Exposure to dust, traffic fumes and high noise level from both outside traffic as well as from passengers. On occasion psychological factors may include working with students with disabilities, dealing with life threatening emergencies as well as coping with children. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds. Must be able to climb stairs and push, pull up to 50 pounds of resistance. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.