Lead Bus Driver

Lead Bus Driver

The Lead Bus Driver supervises assigned drivers, provides direction, solves problems, and evaluates performance. Operates school bus and other vehicles for the purpose of transporting students to and from designated locations. Incumbent serves as driver representative/liaison to the Transportation Department and to school administrators.

Essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Serves as immediate supervisor for assigned bus drivers, providing direction, advice regarding operational problems, resolving complaints, coaching drivers for performance improvement, etc.
• Works to build team spirit among the drivers at a school, holding regular meetings, discussing individual issues with the drivers, etc.
• Uses a customer-focused model for supervision and communications; Consults with and apprises Driver Supervisor of any major problems such as serious performance or safety issues;
• Evaluates the performance of assigned drivers, ensures that input is received from customers such as parents, students, school administrators, etc.;
• Recommends disciplinary action to Driver Supervisors when needed;
• Provides direction to bus drivers for covering bus runs where coverage is needed;
• Works collaboratively with the school administration to resolve parental concerns regarding bus routes, driver performance, and student conduct;
• Ensures that all accidents are immediately reported to a Driver Supervisor;
• Communicates policy and procedures between supervisors, principals and school bus drivers; meets periodically with supervisors and principals to discuss policy matters and driver concerns;
• Works with school official to establish effective traffic and parking schemes for the school;
• Serves as primary contact in an emergency requiring school bus transportation support;
• Ensures all assigned drivers promptly receive policy and other information obtained from a variety of sources to include: email, departmental voice mail, memoranda, meeting minutes and school-generated information as well; Ensures that assigned drivers check their individual email regularly;
• Maintains daily time records via iPod; Edits the time records of assigned drivers and ensures timely submission of timekeeping data to department administration;
• Participates actively on Lead Driver Committee, providing feedback from drivers on various issues;
• Attends training provided in supervisory techniques, communications, etc. as outlined by the Principal Leader for Transportation Services;
• Safely operates a school bus in a manner that fosters a safe and positive image to the public;
• Conducts safe and orderly loading and unloading of students at specified stops;
• Maintains order and discipline on the bus;
• Attends pre-service, in-service, and other required meetings pertaining to the job;
• Performs routine operator care to include: washing the bus; sweeping interior; checking equipment and reporting defects; and presenting bus for regularly scheduled maintenance;
• Accomplishes and submits daily mileage reports and bus conduct reports, as required;
• Performs related duties as required.

Qualifications: Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school and three years as a school bus driver. Previous supervisory experience will be accepted in lieu of one year of driving experience. Experience with using Microsoft Office preferred.

Special Requirements: Satisfactory health condition as certified by competent medical authority which includes a drug screening test. Must be 18 years of age, demonstrate the ability to successfully complete the Virginia Education Department training curriculum for school bus drivers, and obtain a Commercial Driver's License with appropriate school bus endorsements within the probationary period. Must complete State and County requirements of twenty hours of classroom and twenty hours of behind the wheel instruction. Must complete child management and modification training. No reckless driving or driving under the influence convictions for five years, fewer than two moving violations within 12 months of employment, and no other felony convictions within five years.

Considerable knowledge of: the operation of medium and light automotive equipment; local, state and federal traffic laws and regulations; road, street and school locations within the County; the proper use and operation of two-way radio equipment. Ability to supervise and lead others. Ability to communicate well with others. Ability to use computer hardware (i.e., computer, printer, iPod) and software (i.e., Microsoft Windows OS, Outlook, Word). Ability to keep and manage computer records and files. Ability to develop and maintain a positive attitude toward students and assigned drivers; communicate and develop effective working relationships with students, drivers, parents and staff. English language proficiency is required per Code of Virginia 46.2-341.14.

Physical Conditions & Nature of Work Contacts: Work is typically performed inside and around the exterior of a school bus. Must have the physical ability to operate the following controls on a school bus; open and close the service door which requires up to 25 psi exerted by the right hand and arm; activate the clutch pedal which requires up to 70 psi exerted by the left foot and leg; operate a manual transmission shift lever which requires up to 20 psi exerted by the right hand and arm; jump from or climb up to at least 3.5 feet, at the emergency door, to assist in the evacuation of the students. Occasional operation of vehicles during inclement weather is required. Frequent bending, stooping, crawling and climbing to inspect on and under a school bus is necessary. Occasional lifting of at least fifty pounds is required. Frequent contact with driver supervisors is required. Direct contact with drivers and students is required. Occasional contact with principals, parents and the general public is required. Occasional meetings with principals, supervisors, drivers and parents are necessary.

Application Deadline: Until Filled

Salary: Placement on driver step scale based on total years CDL driving experience