Bus Driver

Bus Driver

The School Bus Driver operates a school bus on an assigned route(s) and schedules to provide safe and efficient transportation so that students may enjoy the fullest possible advantage from the programs and offerings of the school system. Work involves performing pre- and post-trip inspections of the bus; operating a bus; obeying all traffic laws and school bus regulations while operating the bus; observing all safety regulations and standards for school buses; and maintaining the discipline of students assigned to ride the bus. An employee is also responsible for completing all required reports and securing the assigned bus before leaving the vehicle after a run or route. The employee must exercise tact and courtesy in maintaining acceptable relations with parents/guardians of students transported and with school personnel.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Considerable knowledge of safe and efficient practices and procedures used in the operation of a school bus
• Considerable knowledge of traffic laws and school bus regulations
• Considerable knowledge of safety regulations and standards for school buses
• General knowledge of the Transportation Department Operating Instructions
• Ability to physically inspect the bus according to the Transportation Department Operating Instructions
• Ability to detect and report observable mechanical defects or failures on the school bus
• Ability to maintain the discipline of students assigned to ride the school bus
• Ability to maintain a clean school bus
• Ability to complete required reports
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative in applying standards to a variety of work situations
• Ability to exercise tact and courtesy in contact with parents/guardians or students and with school personnel
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments

Education, Training, and Experience:

• Graduation from High School
• Experience driving large vehicles
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities

Certification and License Requirements:

• Must possess and maintain a valid North Carolina Class A or Class B Commercial Driver's License with school bus certification and S and P endorsements
• Must possess a valid driver's license issued by the NC Department of Motor Vehicles

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience transporting human beings as opposed to cargo
• Previous experience driving a school bus

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Perform required pre-trip and post-trip inspections and document inspections as required by the Transportation Department Operating Instructions for bus drivers
2. Report mechanical defect(s) or failure(s) to either the Fleet Maintenance Supervisor, Bus Driver Manager, the mechanic on duty at the bus parking site, or the school bus garage control center; in the event, that the assigned school bus is declared unfit for service, performs pre-and post-trip inspections on the substitute school bus
3. By Transportation Department Operating Instructions for bus drivers, perform a required post-trip inspection to detect students who may still be on board the school bus asleep or incapacitated and to detect any other irregularities or vandalism to the bus interior.
4. Operate the assigned school bus on the route(s) and schedule provided by the Bus Driver Manager
5. Report to the Bus Driver Manager on the day of occurrence, any students added to or deleted from the route by the school principal, which will necessitate a change in the route, bus stops, and/or schedule
6. Obey all traffic laws and school bus regulations while operating the school bus
7. Observe all safety regulations and standards for school buses, including, but not limited to, clearing the school bus and evacuating students quickly in the event of an emergency
8. Possess a copy of the current Handbook for the School Bus Driver and the Safety Assistant; refer to it periodically for guidance and to answer questions
9. Maintain discipline of students assigned to ride the school bus
10. Establish a discipline plan that is consistent with school disciplinary objectives, as stated by the principal, and that provides a clear, progressive plan of consequences for students who cause disciplinary problems and rewards for those who maintain proper school bus safety standards
11. Report undisciplined students to the responsible school principal
12. Discharge students only at the authorized school or bus stop locations
13. Transport only authorized students
14. Keep the school bus clean and free of papers, bottles, cans, food wrappers, and other items that may present a safety issue
15. Report all accidents as required by Transportation Operating Instructions and remain at the scene of the accident until released by the on-scene transportation supervisor
16. Complete personal time cards and required reports, including reports required in the event of an accident or incident aboard the school bus
17. Remain in charge of all students aboard the bus at the time of an accident, determining the existence and extent of any injuries, and maintaining the safety of all passengers
18. Secure the assigned bus before leaving the vehicle after a run or route; includes parking the vehicle properly, making a visual inspection of the bus to check for damage and the possibility of remaining passengers (turn off childminder alarm), and securing all windows and doors to protect the interior of the vehicle
19. Maintain acceptable and appropriate relationships with parents/guardians of students transported and with school personnel
20. Perform additional duties as assigned by the Transportation Director or Assistant Director

Working Conditions:

Physical Demands Work is considered light physical work requiring the exertion of up to 20 pounds of force. Work Environment Employees in this position must work in indoor and outdoor environments and come into direct contact with OCS staff, students, and the public.

Disclaimer The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to this job.