Bus Driver Trainee

JEFFERSON COUNTY SCHOOLS

Job Description

POSTING NOTES: Times to be determined.


POSITION: Bus Driver Trainee


IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Director of Transportation


FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt (Hourly)


EMPLOYMENT TERM: 8-Weeks


SALARY: Stipend of $3,500.00, ($437.50)


EVALUATION: Performance in this position will be evaluated by the Director of Transportation/Transportation Supervisor and Bus Driver Trainer in accordance with WV State Code §18A-2-12, WV State Board Policy 5310, and JCBOE Evaluation Policy


BUS DRIVER TRAINEE SUMMARY


Learn the information required to complete and pass the Commercial Driver's License (CDL) examination and WVDE Bus Operators test and certification. Understand and apply the standards and requirements of the WVDE and WVDOT of driving a school bus. Ability to understand and follow safe driving practices to ensure the safety of students and the bus.


Bus Driver Trainees perform duties in accordance with traffic regulations and county policies. A Bus Driver Trainees should have a good driving record. A successful candidate for this position should be reliable, punctual, and have excellent customer service skills.


Jefferson County Schools is looking for skilled Bus Driver Trainees who will be responsible for passing their CDL and upon completion, commit to a minimum of three years of employment with Jefferson County Schools as a Bus Operator


DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work toward obtaining a WV CDL license with passenger and school bus and passenger endorsements

• Work toward and successfully complete WV School Bus Safety Program and pass requisite online and skill tests

• Pass a physical examination from a Medical Examiner as defined by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration as well as drug and alcohol screening

• Work toward and complete valid CPR and First Aid certification

• Develop excellent driving skills and knowledge of traffic laws and regulations

• Develop a working understanding of the JCS Bus Operator role and all duties and observing experienced bus operators and responsibilities required including but limited to road navigation, time schedules, student management, safety procedures, bus inspections and compliance.

REQUIREMENTS:


To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Pass a drug and alcohol test

• Must meet all requirements outlined in WV State Board of Education Policy 4336 which is available at

• Be able to climb in and out of bus to check engine compartment

• Pass the School Bus Driver Physical Performance Exam

• Pass an approved and required physical exam

• Must be 21 years of age

• Must have three years of driving experience as a licensed operator of any vehicle

• Clean driving record with no accidents or violations

• Ability to exercise good judgment

• Ability to communicate effectively, professionally with parents, dispatch, students, and staff

• Ability to pay attention to details to ensure safety checks and student supervision are performed properly and with fidelity.

• Patience and understanding while driving in high traffic, long trips, weather and dealing with different student needs and behaviors.

• Understand the needs of students with special needs.

ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION:


The successful candidate for Bus Driver Trainee must follow the background check procedures pursuant to WV Code §18-5-15c. Jefferson County Schools is bound by statute to recommend the most qualified applicants for position vacancies. In order to determine those qualifications as set forth by the West Virginia Code, we require all applicants to fill out an application, which includes supervisory references, and, in many instances, participate in interviews. Failure to provide references, negative references, and failing to participate in requested interviews may negatively impact a candidate's qualifications.


Applicants who have been dismissed or have had their contracts non-renewed for cause are not eligible for consideration. Applicants who receive unfavorable reference recommendations will not be eligible for consideration. Applicants must complete the entire application and provide all documents required. Failure to complete the application and provide requested items or falsification of information will result in the application not being considered.


PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS:


The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to reach, stand, walk, lift, grasp, write, talk, hear, see, and use repetitive motions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may lift and/or move at least 50 pounds (100 pounds minimum on a special education bus) of materials.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include distant vision so to see read road signs and detect road hazards, near vision such as to monitor instruments as well as student passengers, the ability to focus. The position requires the individual to meet multiple demands from several people and interact with the public and other staff members. Must be able to manage students' behaviors while safely operating a bus, maintain composure and self-control at all times. Must be able to maintain emotional control under stress and work effectively with others to include demonstrating behavior that reflects established professional responsibilities (i.e., attendance, punctuality, professional dress, and verbal/nonverbal communication); and developing a positive relationship with students, staff, and community.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:


The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. This job requires exposure to extreme temperatures from below freezing to occasionally 80-degree F+ during warmer months. The noise level in the work environment is moderate to loud (60-90 dB). Bus operators have a 200-day employment term unless otherwise noted in a bus operator posting. Unless noted by annual school calendars, work weeks contain a five-day work week, meaning the first run can begin early in the morning (4:45 A.M.) to late afternoon (5:30 P.M.) with time off in-between. Hours are dictated by the schedule they run. A bus operator runs through heavy traffic while dealing with passengers. The job can be more stressful and fatiguing than physically strenuous. The employee continuously interacts with colleagues, the public, vendors, school staff, and students.

The information contained in the job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of duties performed by this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned by the Superintendent or his/her designee.