Bus Driver

Bus Driver I

The Bus Driver is responsible for the safe, timely, and efficient transportation of students and authorized passengers along an assigned, consistent route to and from school, between schools, and to school-related activities.

This position is primarily responsible for maintaining a regular route schedule, ensuring reliability and consistency for students and families. The Bus Driver develops familiarity with assigned students, routes, and school communities, supporting a safe and structured transportation environment.

The role requires adherence to all federal, state, and District regulations, along with a strong focus on student safety, behavior management, and effective communication. The Bus Driver operates district vehicles, performs required inspections, maintains records, and supports students with varying needs, including those requiring specialized transportation assistance.

This position works independently and collaboratively with dispatch, route schedulers, school staff, and leadership to ensure efficient and reliable transportation services.

Essential Job Functions

• Safely operate district transportation vehicles for the purpose of transporting students and authorized passengers
• Perform pre- and post-trip inspections in compliance with U.S. Department of Transportation, Colorado Department of Education, and District requirements
• Follow assigned routes and schedules or cover routes and assignments as directed
• Maintain flexibility to adapt to route changes, assignments, and operational needs
• Maintain student safety and manage student behavior in accordance with District expectations
• Provide clear instructions and guidance to students to ensure a safe and orderly environment
• Perform all emergency procedures, including evacuations and response to medical situations
• Assist students with boarding and exiting the bus, including operation of wheelchair lifts and securing specialized equipment
• Perform responsibilities of a bus assistant when needed
• Communicate effectively with dispatch using two-way radio
• Complete required documentation including logs, reports, and records
• Accurately record time worked
• Fuel, clean, and maintain assigned vehicles
• Utilize routing systems and navigation tools
• Collaborate with staff and leadership
• Perform all other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Applicable laws, regulations, and policies governing school transportation
• Student safety practices and behavior management techniques
• Basic vehicle inspection and operational procedures

Skill in:

• Safely operating district transportation vehicles
• Managing routes, time, and schedules effectively
• Navigating using maps, routing systems, and geographic knowledge

Ability to:

• Perform pre- and post-trip inspections independently
• Maintain a safe and orderly environment for students
• Follow written and verbal directions, including route assignments and maps
• Adapt to changing assignments and operational needs
• Work independently and as part of a team
• Communicate clearly and professionally with students, staff, and supervisors
• Demonstrate dependability, flexibility, and sound judgment

Qualifications

• Required: High School Diploma or GED
• Required: Minimum age of 21 years
• Required: Valid Colorado Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with "S" endorsement
• Required: Pass the Colorado Department of Education School Bus Operator's Test (written and skills)
• Required: Meet District insurability requirements
• Required: Current First Aid and CPR certification (or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire)
• Preferred: Previous bus driving experience

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor environments, including school buses, transportation lots, and school or activity locations. Employees are exposed to varying weather conditions including heat, cold, snow, and wet or slippery surfaces.

Essential functions include operating a district vehicle and performing physical tasks with or without reasonable accommodation. The role requires sitting for extended periods while driving, as well as standing, walking, bending, kneeling, crouching, and reaching.

Physical requirements may include lifting up to 60 pounds occasionally (floor to shoulder), pushing, pulling, or carrying up to 50 pounds, and lifting up to 20 pounds overhead. The position requires assisting students with mobility needs, including operating lifts and securing wheelchairs.

The role requires effective communication and the ability to receive and process information through vision, hearing, or other assisted means. Employees must be able to respond to emergency situations and detect environmental cues related to safety.

Work may include early morning and afternoon shifts and may vary based on route or operational needs. Duties may be performed with or without reasonable accommodation. Employees must pass the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) medical examination and are subject to DOT-approved substance abuse testing.

Join Our Team!

Join Colorado Springs School District 11 as a Bus Driver and play a critical role in supporting student success each day. Your commitment to safety, reliability, and service ensures that students arrive ready to learn and return home safely. Become part of a team that values collaboration, professionalism, and making a meaningful difference in the community.

Employees in this category will also receive the following for the 2026-2027 school year:

• Non-Recurring Pay: 8% of base salary in Non-Recurring Pay (distributed as 4% on November paycheck and 4 % on May paycheck).

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

School District 11 is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in relation to disability, need for special education services (whether actual or perceived), race, creed, color, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, religion, ancestry, age, genetic information, or protected activity in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Any harassment/discrimination of students and/or staff, based on the aforementioned protected areas, will not be tolerated and must be brought to the immediate attention of the school principal, D11 administrator/supervisor or D11 nondiscrimination compliance/grievance coordinator.

NONDISCRIMINATION COMPLIANCE COORDINATOR, the Office of Equal Opportunity Programs and Ombudservices, has been designated to coordinate compliance with: Equal Pay Act of 1963, Civil Rights Act of 1964, as Amended, Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, Title IX Education Amendments Act of 1972, Section 504 of Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978, and Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. For additional information, please contact the District 11 Office of Equal Opportunity Programs & Ombudservices at 1115 North El Paso Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903-2599, Phone: View phone number on click.appcast.io, FAX: View phone number on click.appcast.io

The following Board policies address nondiscrimination in District 11: AC, AC-R, GBA, GBAA, JBB, JBB-R