Relief School Bus Driver - Paid CDL Training

Relief School Bus Driver

The relief school bus driver is guaranteed a minimum of 4 hours per day or 20 hours per week, with additional hours available based on interest and schedule. This role is primarily responsible for covering routes when the regular driver is absent or unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances. Relief drivers may also be assigned extracurricular trips if regular drivers cannot complete them due to timing conflicts.

Shift times for route driving start around 7:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Trip driving can vary based on distance and may occur between the hours of 1:00 to 8:00 PM.

Essential job responsibilities include:

• Drive a school bus on scheduled routes or extracurricular trips for district-approved activities, both within and outside district boundaries.
• Operate all hand and foot controls per Washington State School Bus Specifications and adhere to federal, state, local, and district regulations, including traffic laws.
• Conduct required operational and safety inspections of the bus and related equipment (pre- and post-trip).
• Oversee the loading and unloading of students at assigned stops, ensuring safety belts are fastened if applicable, and release students to authorized individuals.
• Report all accidents to the office before moving the vehicle, unless directed otherwise by law enforcement.
• Complete and maintain compliance with school bus driver training established by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction and participate in additional training offered by the West Valley School District Transportation Department.
• Operate and maintain all school bus equipment and accessories, including fire extinguishers, highway warning kits, snow chains, and first aid kits.
• Monitor students with special health needs, follow prescribed instructions, administer first aid/CPR if necessary, and call for emergency assistance as needed.
• Communicate bus rules, safety, and behavior requirements to passengers; address and document severe disciplinary issues; and communicate with students' parents/guardians and/or school staff to resolve inappropriate or unsafe behavior.
• Complete required forms, records, and reports as per state or local district policies.
• Maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, staff, and the general public.
• Ensure the bus is clean, safe, and well-maintained; report needed mechanical repairs, sweep the interior, pick up and empty garbage, wash windows, and keep the driver's area free of loose items.
• Follow the procedures, policies, and requirements of the West Valley School District Transportation Department.
• Be available to transport students out of town in the afternoon/evening and, occasionally, until late at night.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications include:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum age of 21 years.
• Valid state driver's license, including a Class B CDL with appropriate endorsements.
• Current Washington State School Bus Driver's Authorization.
• Valid Medical Examiner's Certificate certifying the medical ability to drive a school bus.
• Pass pre-employment drug test and periodic random drug testing.
• Maintain a current First Aid/CPR card.
• Successful Washington State Patrol and Federal Bureau of Investigation fingerprint clearance.
• I-9 form for verification of identity and employment eligibility in the United States.
• Completion of all district-required training within thirty (30) calendar days from the hire date.

Knowledge and skill requirements include:

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to relate well to students and maintain order on the bus.
• Sufficient command of the English language to communicate effectively with students, parents, district staff, and other concerned individuals.
• Adequate strength and agility to move about in an overturned bus if necessary and assist students with evacuation.
• Ability to maintain cooperative relations with employees, management, and the public.

Working conditions involve operating a school bus under various weather conditions and traffic scenarios. The job requires physical tasks such as lifting, moving, and carrying equipment. Employees may encounter common infectious diseases from students and should take precautions to minimize exposure to bodily fluids and cleaning agents. Diesel fumes may be present during student pick-up and drop-off, and the role involves working outdoors in adverse weather conditions. Exposure to noise from students and the school bus.

Physical demands include crouching, bending, pushing, pulling, and other non-routine movements. Employees will attend to students' hygiene and may need to lift up to 50 pounds. Additionally, flexibility is required, as the position may involve transporting students out of town in the afternoon, evening, and occasionally late at night.