Driver in Training

Job Title: Driver in Training


Wage/Hour Status: Nonexempt


Reports to: Director of Transportation


Pay Grade: Bus Driver Pay Scale


Dept./School: Transportation


Revised: 12/5/2024

** CDL certification must be obtained within 90 working days as outlined in the 176-day Driver Calendar. Selected candidates must agree to a one-year driving commitment upon CDL completion.

Primary Purpose:


Training is provided to operate school buses and related equipment to provide safe and orderly transportation of students and other authorized persons on assigned routes and to and from other designated locations.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:


Clear and valid Texas commercial driver's license with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements

Special Knowledge/Skills:


Must be 21 years of age


Ability to pass U.S. Department of Transportation alcohol and drug tests and annual physical exam


Ability to complete required bus driver safety training


Ability to follow written and verbal instructions


Ability to use maps and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to follow routes and locate addresses


Ability to manage student behavior


Ability to communicate effectively with others
Ability to operate bus

Experience:


None

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Vehicle Operation

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

Student Management

1. Instruct students on safe entering, exiting, and passenger rules and regulations. Supervise students while they board and leave the bus and cross the street.
2. Perform emergency evacuation of students on the bus when the situation warrants.
3. Maintain discipline and use effective behavior management control over groups of students. Report student discipline problems to appropriate administrators and communicate with teachers and parents regarding student's behavior when warranted.

Safety

1. Observe all traffic laws and safety regulations for school buses.
2. Ensure proper condition of emergency equipment, such as first aid kit, fire extinguisher, flags, fuses, crowbar, and reflector.
3. Correct unsafe conditions in the work area and promptly report conditions that are not immediately correctable to the supervisor. Report any hazardous conditions along the scheduled route.
4. Install snow chains during inclement weather.
5. Maintain safety certification.
6. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Other

1. Operate and monitor two-way radio equipment to communicate with transportation offices and other drivers.
2. 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.

General Employee Requirements:

• Quality of Work - complete assignments meeting quality standards, to include accuracy, neatness, thoroughness and adherence to standards and safety rules.
• Quantity of Work - demonstrate the ability to manage several responsibilities simultaneously, perform work in a productive and timely manner, and meet work schedules.
• Work Habits - display a positive, cooperative attitude toward work assignments, working diligently to accomplish tasks assigned.
• Communication - communicate in a positive manner with others, to include listening and responding appropriately, expressing ideas orally and in writing in a manner that helps build a positive climate for the organization.
• Dependability - adhere to time frames, monitor projects and exercise follow-through, be on time for meetings and appointments, and respond appropriately to instructions and procedures.
• Cooperation - work well with co-workers and supervisors as a contributing team member, demonstrate consideration of and maintain rapport with others, and help others willingly.
• Initiative - seek and assume greater responsibility, monitor projects independently as required, and follow through appropriately.
• Adaptability - adjust well to any change in duties, procedures, supervisors or work environment, accept new ideas and approaches to work, and respond appropriately to constructive criticism and suggestions for work improvement.
• Judgment - effectively analyze problems, determine appropriate action for solutions, and use logical thinking to exhibit timely and decisive action.
• Attendance - attend work on a consistent basis, taking care to consider the use and number of absences in accordance with policy so that the organization is not negatively impacted.
• Punctuality - arrive to work and depart from work according to department and district requirements

Supervisory Responsibilities:


None.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Operate school bus; two-way radio; safety equipment including but not limited to flares, reflective signs, and fire extinguisher; specialized and adaptive equipment used by students


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: Frequent heavy lifting (45 pounds or over) and positioning of students with physical disabilities, controlling behavior through physical restraint, assisting non ambulatory students, and lifting and moving adaptive equipment on a daily basis


Environment: Frequent exposure to extreme hot and cold temperatures, noise, and vehicle fumes; exposure to biological hazards (bacteria, communicable diseases); work around moving vehicles; regularly work irregular hours, and occasionally work prolonged hours


Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.