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Transportation Lead Bus Driver

The Transportation Lead Bus Driver plays a key role in ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the transportation department. This position provides leadership support by coordinating daily operations, covering driver absences, and maintaining continuity between shifts. The Lead Bus Driver supports workforce management functions, including assigning and directing work, resolving issues, assisting with training, and contributing to employee evaluation and hiring processes. In addition to leadership responsibilities, the Lead Bus Driver safely operates school buses under all weather conditions, transporting students and authorized passengers on regular education, special education, and extracurricular routes in accordance with district policies and safety standards.

Minimum Requirements:

Education: High School Diploma or GED required. Additional years of equivalent professional experience may be considered in lieu of the degree requirement.

Certifications/Licenses: Georgia State Drivers' CDL license with Passenger and School Bus permit. 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 annual physical and agility testing with result clearance. Successful completion of pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing.

Experience: 2 years 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. Experience in K12 education or public sector preferred.

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 essential 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. Strong student management and customer service skills. Ability to perform basic math skills, including addition and subtraction.

Essential Duties:

Provide daily direction to assigned bus drivers, including communicating expectations, sharing updates, and monitoring performance through ongoing feedback. Assist with onboarding, training, and follow-up road evaluations prior to permanent route assignments. Support the Operations Manager with performance monitoring, coaching, and professional development activities. Distribute and reinforce operational procedures, policies, and service expectations to transportation staff. Coordinate daily route coverage by monitoring attendance, notifying leadership of absences, and assisting with substitute driver assignments. Ensure all routes are covered by operating buses as needed, including regular, special education, and extracurricular trips. Maintain knowledge of assigned routes and ensure all drivers have accurate routing documentation. Assist in route development and adjustments to ensure efficiency, proper sequencing, and alignment with transportation systems (TIMS). Support transportation office operations in collaboration with Operations Specialists and Quality Control staff. Safely operate school buses under all weather and traffic conditions in compliance with district, state, and federal regulations. Conduct and monitor pre- and post-trip inspections, vehicle cleanliness, and proper parking procedures. Identify and report unsafe conditions, incidents, or mechanical issues to appropriate personnel. Respond to accidents, emergencies, and incidents by assessing situations and taking appropriate action, including basic first aid. Conduct required emergency evacuation drills and ensure compliance with safety protocols. Ensure safe loading, unloading, and supervision of students at all times. Serve as a point of contact for schools, families, and staff regarding transportation concerns and service inquiries. Address complaints and resolve issues in a timely, professional manner. Communicate route information, expectations, and updates to parents, students, and school personnel. Support resolution of transportation service requests and provide guidance on processes and documentation. Ensure safe, reliable, and equitable transportation services for all students across assigned routes. Foster a respectful and inclusive environment while maintaining appropriate student behavior during transport. Support consistent service delivery to minimize disruptions that impact student access to education. Collaborate with Operations Managers, Transportation Specialists, maintenance teams, and school staff to ensure aligned service delivery. Communicate effectively across shifts and teams to maintain continuity of operations. Attend meetings, trainings, and workshops to stay informed of policies, procedures, and best practices. Maintain accurate documentation related to routes, inspections, incidents, and service requests. Ensure adherence to district transportation policies, safety standards, and regulatory requirements. Monitor driver compliance with operational expectations and quality standards.

Physical Abilities and Working Conditions:

The physical abilities, working conditions and other conditions of employment listed in this document are representative of, but are not intended to provide an exhaustive list of the requirements for positions in this classification. In the event of an emergency or situation requiring guidance from Federal, State, or local or school district authorities, the requirements of this position may change temporarily or for the school year to best serve the needs of our students.

Vision: Vision ability required to perform custodial duties. May be required to work in areas with poor lighting. 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 two-way radio or telephone. Upper Body Mobility: Requires repeated reaching by extending hand(s) and/or arm(s) in any direction. Climbing ladders or scaffolds. Using equipment requiring high dexterity. Requires feeling to perceive object size, shape, temperature or texture by means of senses in your skin. Strength: Moderate lifting or carrying 26-50 lbs. or less on a regular basis. Environmental Requirements: High dust, dirt, grease environment. Regular exposure to moving machinery and/or vehicles. Works with poor ventilation or with regular exposure to odors. Regular exposure to chemicals, solvents. Regular exposure to weather including heat, cold, dampness and/or humidity. Mental Requirements: Ability to understand and follow verbal or basic written instructions. Ability to learn and apply safety procedures and standards. Remote Work Requirements: Additional Work Conditions & Physical Abilities: Requires extensive safety training and/or protective devices.