Bus Driver

Bus Driver

Qualifications:

• Valid Class B Commercial Driver's License with Passenger, School Bus Endorsements. Airbrake endorsement preferred, good driving record
• Current Federal Medical Certification - physical
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum safe driving experience as determined by the board
• Sufficient mechanical aptitude to diagnose minor problems and make appropriate repair
• Required criminal history background check and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status
• Current residency in New Jersey, approved residency waiver or candidate agrees to obtain residency within one year of employment (if a regular employee of the district)

Reports To:

Transportation Supervisor, Assist. Transportation Supervisor, Dispatcher

Job Goal:

To transport pupils in a safe and efficient manner with a focus on customer service and perform all activities related to the operation of the school bus. To ensure orderly entering and leaving of bus patrons; maintaining seating charts and to ensure the safety and sanitation of the assigned school bus. To perform multiple tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adhering to safety practices; administering first aid; applying pertinent codes; preparing and maintaining accurate records; and operating equipment used in transporting students.

Performance Responsibility:

• Conducts a pre-trip safety inspection of the bus prior to every trip and completes the school bus condition report.
• Notifies transportation supervisor and/or mechanics of any mechanical malfunctions and/or safety hazards.
• Performs interior bus cleaning duties daily, cleans windows and exterior as needed, and refuels the vehicle.
• Performs light maintenance (check and replace water, antifreeze, oil and battery water; add air to tires; replace burned out bulbs) as necessary.
• Participates in emergency evacuation drills in accordance with administrative code and board policy, and instructs passengers regarding safety regulations and other bus rules.
• Maintains discipline when students are on bus and reports disruptive students to proper authority.
• Insures appropriate operation of security cameras and two way radios in accordance with driver's manual.
• Assist students and other passengers for the purpose of providing safe loading and unloading from buses during normal transport and emergency situations.
• Monitors students until released to teacher, instructional assistant, parent, etc., for the purpose of ensuring the safe transportation of all passengers.
• Prepare reports (seating chart, incident reports, discipline reports, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference, conveying information, and/or complying with established guidelines.
• Reports observations and/or incidents (discipline, accidents, inappropriate social behavior, etc.) for the purpose of communicating information to appropriate personnel for their action.
• Secures students and/or their equipment (restraints, checks wheel chair ties downs, seat belts, harnesses, opens ramp, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring the safety and well-being of students.
• Attends meetings, inservice training, workshops, etc., for the purpose of gathering information required to perform job functions.
• Drivers must be able to fulfill the following physical demands: significant lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling, frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, etc.
• Training in accordance with NJSA 18A:39-19.2, the New Jersey Department of Education has developed a training program for school bus drivers and school bus aides on appropriate procedures for interacting with students with special needs.
• Complete CPI training.
• Insures appropriate operation of security cameras and two way (PPT) work cell phones. The driver will not use a cell phone while the bus is turned on or in gear, either to receive calls or to make calls. Cell phone operation on a moving vehicle is a distraction and a safety hazard. Cell phone operation by a bus driver is only permitted if the bus is parked or at the roadside curb.
• Performs any other related duties as assigned by administration.

Driving and Safe Bus Operations:

1. Adheres to established routes, designated bus stops, and keeps to assigned time schedule.
2. Transports only authorized pupils and ensures that all students have left the bus at the end of the route.
3. Receives training as required on implementing accommodations when transporting students with disabilities.
4. Obeys all traffic laws and observes mandatory school bus safety regulations.
5. Reports all accidents and pupil injuries immediately to the principal and the school business administrator and completes required reports.
6. Gains an understanding of all procedures as required in the Delsea Regional Transportation Bus Manual.

Terms of Employment: 10 Months as per the agreement with the Delsea Regional High School District's Board of Education

Salary: School Year 2024-2025: $22.46/hr. - $27.74/hr. (Pending Negotiations for the 2025-2026 School Year)

Benefits: Full family benefits

Annual Evaluation: Performance of this job will be evaluated twice annually in accordance with the agreement with the Delsea Regional High School Board of Education.

Delsea High School District is an equal opportunity employer. The Delsea High School District does not discriminate in its employment practices, business action, and/or educational opportunities because of race, color, gender, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability.