Bus Driver

Bus Driver

Responsible for providing support to the educational process with specific responsibilities for transporting students over scheduled routes and/or to/from special excursions; ensuring vehicle is in safe operating condition; and ensuring safety of students during transport, loading and unloading from buses.

Essential Job Functions

• Advise students and other passengers of appropriate behavior for the purpose of reinforcing established guidelines and maintaining passenger safety.
• Assist students and other passengers by providing safe loading and unloading from buses during normal transport and emergency situations.
• Attend unit meetings, in-service training and workshops in order to gather information required to perform job functions.
• Conduct emergency evacuation drills ensuring efficiency of procedures and complying with mandated requirements.
• Drives school bus/s transporting passengers over scheduled routes to and from school and/or field trips in a safe and timely manner.
• Fuel, inspect vehicle, and report defects maintaining vehicle in a safe operating condition.
• Inform other school personnel and parents about events, policies and/or practices providing information and/or clarification of procedures.
• Input pre-trip and post trip data into Zonar maintaining accurate records and compliance with state regulations.
• Keep interior of vehicles swept and exterior windows clean ensuring safety, appearance, and sanitation of vehicle.
• Monitor students and other passengers during transit ensuring the safe transportation of all passengers.
• Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections ensuring the safe operating condition of the vehicle and complying with mandated regulations.
• Prepare reports documenting activities, providing written reference, conveying information, and/or complying with established guidelines.
• Report to their supervisor incidents, complaints, accidents and/or potential emergency situations resolving and/or recommending a resolution to the situation.
• Report observations and/or incidents communicating information to appropriate personnel for their action.
• Respond to inquiries from students, parents, and/or staff providing the necessary information regarding transportation services.
• Perform other related duties as required/assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• A minimum of one (1) year of related experience preferred.

Certificates, Licenses and Other Special Requirements

• Valid Class "B" CDL with passenger and school bus endorsements, and no Air-brake restrictions (able to obtain through District provided training)
• Meet all state, federal and district requirements for school bus drivers
• Must pass a Pre-Placement Physical Capacities Test
• Must pass a DESE Transportation Physical Exam
• Must pass a D.O.T Drug and Alcohol Test
• Random Drug and Alcohol Testing
• Must pass a Criminal Background Clearance, the results of which must be satisfactory to the District, required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of basic math, including calculations using fractions, percentages and/or ratios, read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions.
• Knowledge to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: emergency evacuation techniques; area streets and locations; basic vehicle maintenance; first aid; health standards and hazards; pertinent codes, policies, regulations and/or laws; safe driving practices; safety practices and procedures; two way radio communication; and utilizing wheelchairs, tie downs, child safety seats, lifts, and other equipment as needed.
• Skill to perform multiple, technical tasks with a need to routinely upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions.
• Skill based competencies required to perform the functions of the job, including adhering to safety practices; preparing and maintaining accurate records; and operating equipment used in transporting special needs students.
• Ability to schedule a number of activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use job-related equipment.
• Ability to work with others under a wide variety of circumstances; working with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using defined methods.
• Ability to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with data of widely varied types and/or purposes; and utilize job-related equipment.
• Ability to analyze issues and create action plans.
• Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders communicating with diverse groups including school age riders; displaying tact and courtesy; exercising sound judgment; maintaining an understanding of the special needs of students and their parents; maintaining confidentiality; and working with constant distractions.
• Ability to apply critical thinking/problem solving to improve work processes.
• Ability to work as part of a team; analyze situations and make accurate decisions; work on multiple projects; and deal with frequent interruptions and changing work priorities.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Work environment is indoors and outdoors with regular exposure to weather conditions; in proximity to the roadway; near moving mechanical parts and traffic; and in confined spaces.
• The work is very heavy work that requires exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Must possess the physical ability to perform the following: significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity.
• Additionally, the following physical abilities are required: balancing, feeling, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity, and walking.