Bus Driver Trainee (26-27)

Temporary Employee Driver/Trainee (0719)

Operate school bus and related equipment to provide safe and orderly transportation of students and other authorized persons on assigned route and to and from other designated locations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• Excellent organizational skills
• Excellent personal and interpersonal skills
• Ability to move actively through large numbers of people in a limited amount of space
• Ability to act responsibly

Education/Certification/License

Clear and valid Texas Drivers License

Special Knowledge/Skills

• Must be 18 years of age
• Ability to pass U.S. Department of Transportation alcohol and drug tests and annual physical exam
• Ability to manage student behavior
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
• Ability to communicate effectively with others
• Ability to operate bus
• Ability to use maps and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to follow routes and locate addresses
• Ability to complete required bus driver safety training

Training

• Receive DPS study guide
• Must be able to consistently and consecutively attend all 60hrs of training
• Obtain Commercial Learners Permit (CLP)
• Must obtain CLP within the 20hrs of classroom training
• Total Hours of Training: 60 hrs
• 20 classroom hours
• 10 hours of pre-trip, or until skill is mastered
• 10 hours of backing, or until skill is mastered
• 20 hours of behind the wheel training, or until skill is mastered
• Must be able to pass Commercial Drivers License (CDL) driving Test and obtain CDL class B license within 6 weeks of training start date

Experience

None

Major Responsibilities and Duties

Vehicle Operation

• Drive bus daily following assigned route and adhering to established schedules
• Drive bus to and from extracurricular activities
• Anticipate problems such as traffic, weather, road conditions, and schedule changes and make necessary adjustments to ensure student safety and reduce delays
• Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections according to specifications to ensure bus can be operated safely and notify supervisor of needed repairs. Keep assigned bus clean and maintain appropriate level of fuel
• Report all accidents, vehicle damage, student injuries, mechanical problems and complete required corresponding reports

Student Management

• Instruct students on safe entering, exiting, and passenger rules and regulations
• Supervise students while they board/leave the bus and cross the street
• Maintain discipline and use effective behavior management control over groups of students
• Report student discipline problems to appropriate administrator and communicate with teachers and parents regarding student's behavior when warranted
• Perform emergency evacuation of students on bus when the situations warrants
• Safety
• Observe all traffic laws and safety regulations for school buses
• Ensure proper condition of emergency equipment, such as first aid kit, fire extinguisher, flags, fuses, crow bar, and reflectors
• Correct unsafe conditions in work area and promptly report conditions that are not immediately correctable to supervisor
• Report any hazardous conditions along scheduled route
• Install snow chains during inclement weather
• Maintain safety certification

Other

• Operate and monitor two-way radio equipment to communicate with transportation office and other drivers
• Complete and maintain accurate, up-to-date, and timely records and reports including but not limited to those related to bus mileage, gas and oil consumption, and number of passengers transported

Supervisory Responsibilities

N/A

Working Conditions

Tools/Equipment Used: Operate school bus; two-way radio; global positioning system (GPS); safety equipment including but not limited to flares, reflective signs, and fire extinguisher

Posture: Prolonged sitting; frequent standing and twisting; occasional kneeling/squatting, bending, stooping, and pushing/pulling

Motion: Prolonged driving; moderate walking; frequent climbing stairs, grasping/squeezing, wrist and shoulder flexion/extension, and reaching

Lifting: Limited light lifting and carrying (less than 15 lbs) on a daily basis

Environment: Frequent exposure to extreme hot and cold temperatures, noise, and vehicle fumes; work around moving vehicles; regularly work irregular hours, and occasionally work prolonged hours

Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress