Substitute Bus Driver

Substitute Bus Driver, District

Under the direction and supervision of the transportation director or designee, this bus driver position will operate school buses in transporting students to and from public schools. The bus driver will follow a preplanned route according to a definite time schedule, regulate heating and ventilation inside the bus, and drive carefully in compliance with traffic regulations. The top priority of the bus driver is to ensure the safety of the students while loading, unloading, and transporting them to and from school.

This list of essential job functions is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary. Depending upon individual assignment, the employee may perform all or a combination of several of the following duties:

• Successfully complete school bus driver training programs and courses established by the state superintendent of public instruction or the school district.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of the students while loading, unloading, and transporting them to and from school.
• Maintain control of student passengers as related to safety. Report unsafe acts or situations which require the attention of any person other than the driver.
• Drive a school bus on scheduled routes and/or on trips in support of district approved activities, in accordance with the laws of the State of Washington and policies of the East Valley School District.
• Inspect and clean school buses and related equipment as required by state and school district policy. Examples include washing and sweeping busses, checking and adding fuel levels, inspecting busses for safety, etc.
• Operate and service all school bus equipment and accessories including but not limited to fire extinguishers, highway warning kits, snow chains, sanders, first aid kits, body fluid kits, etc.
• Perform required operational and safety inspections of the school bus and all related equipment.
• Complete forms, records, and reports as required by the state or school district policies.
• Must recognize appropriate student behavior depending on grade level and have the ability to administer appropriate progressive discipline while recognizing and respecting student rights and responsibilities. Reports unruly behavior to principal of school or direct supervisor.
• Immediately reports delays and accidents to direct supervisor.
• Must be neat, clean, and dress appropriately.
• Assist in upholding and enforcing school district rules, administrative regulations, and board policies.
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Requires the use of multiple communication systems, such as electronic mail and computers.
• Inspect school or district facilities for the purpose of ensuring that the site is suitable for safe operations, maintained in an attractive and clean condition, and/or identifying necessary repairs due to vandalism, equipment breakage, weather conditions, etc.
• The employee shall maintain a consistent presence at the assigned work site(s) and work the regular work hours specified by the contract.
• Professionally interact with colleagues, members of the public, and students.
• Comply with all district policies and all applicable laws.
• Perform special assignments and other duties as assigned or required by the supervisor.

This list of essential physical demands is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary. Depending upon individual assignment, the employee may perform all or a combination of several of the following demands:

• Most possess sufficient strength and agility to assist ill or physically impaired students to enter or exit a school bus through the passenger service door and emergency exits in the event of an emergency.
• Must be in good physical health, capable of lifting up to 50lbs, working at various heights, and perform various types of physical labor in the performance of maintaining a school bus, putting on and taking of chains in inclement weather, and assisting students.
• Maintain the ability to stand, reach, lift, bend, kneel, stoop, climb, push, pull, and lift items weighing 50lbs or less.
• Required to stand and walk, use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, and be able to hear or talk to others.
• Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions.
• Ability to work quickly and accurately in a fast paced environment.

Desired Skills:

• Must be able to operate tools, power or hand, which are related to performing any of the essential job functions.
• Must have a basic understanding of general school bus maintenance.
• Must be pleasant, cooperative, and able to work with students, teaching staff, co-workers, and the public.
• Knowledge of proper English grammar, spelling, and usage in both oral and written communication.
• Demonstrates ability to communicate clearly and effectively in both oral and written communication.
• Ability to handle confidential matters and information in a professional manner.
• Ability to establish cooperative working relationships with district staff to enhance the completion of assigned tasks.
• Ability and willingness to upgrade skills to maintain the highest level of efficiency and high quality work.
• Flexible in learning new concepts, cooperates with others, and adapts to a variety of assignments and conditions.
• Gains the respect and confidence of students, parents, and staff through modeling appropriate demeanor, behavior, and attire.
• Sets and attains high level of expectations with a commitment to using available resources in a way that accomplishment occurs.
• Relates positively to youth and adults of varying socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Demonstrates the ability to learn new ideas and skills and for solving problems.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a diverse group of students, colleagues, parents, and administrators in a confidential manner.
• Demonstrates personal characteristics of flexibility, high-stress tolerance, reliability, punctuality, dependability, and an ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to maintain high standards of professionalism and diplomacy in dealing with the public and district staff.
• Ability to organize, set priorities, meet deadlines, make sound decisions, attention to detail, and follow through on a variety of assigned tasks.
• Ability to work independently within the parameters of the job, without the need for constant supervision.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must pass random drug testing as required by law and must undergo a medical examination prior to training.
• Must successfully pass the Department of Transportation physical capabilities test.
• Minimum age of 21 years old.
• Preference for a strong background in bus driving experience.
• High School diploma or equivalent (documentation required at time of application)
• Required to have a valid First Aid card including CPR and training for HIV/AIDS procedures.
• Successful Washington State Patrol and Federal Bureau of Investigation Fingerprint Clearance.
• Valid Washington State driver's license or evidence of mobility and valid Washington State school bus driver certificate.
• Proof of Immunization preferred (if born 1/1/57 or later).
• I-9 Employment Eligibility in compliance with the Immigrations Reform and Control Act.
• Completion of all district-required trainings within thirty (30) calendar days from hire date with the exception of CDL training which could go beyond thirty (30) calendar days.

The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The employee may be required to deal with distraught and/or angry persons and may be exposed to infectious diseases carried by children. The noise level in the work environment is acceptable to this particular environment and can vary depending upon daily activity but will remain within acceptable ranges.

The Substitute Bus Driver shall be evaluated periodically by the Transportation Director or designee pursuant to the currently established district procedures and evaluation criteria. The process shall include an evaluation of the employee's performance of the above essential job functions, essential physical demands, and desired skills.

Job description developed: June 2015 lds

Job description revised: July 2026 htc