Bus Driver

School Bus Driver

Provides for the safe, efficient, and courteous transportation of students according to the regulations of the state of Ohio, Ohio Department of Education, and the policies of the board. Uses each contact with the public as an opportunity to promote a positive impression of the school district.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Meets all mandated health requirements (e.g., a negative tuberculosis test, etc.).
• Attainment of legal age and physically/mentally qualified as defined in the current Ohio Revised Code, Ohio Pupil Transportation Operation & Safety Rules, and, as determined by board policy.
• Satisfactory completion of the Ohio Pre-Service School Bus Driver Training Program and subsequent in-service training requirements.
• Holds a current Commercial Drivers License (CDL) with a school bus endorsement.
• Holds a current bus driver's certificate issued by the superintendent.
• A current American Red Cross first-aid certificate is desirable.
• Subject to Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles driving record checks (abstract).
• Provides documented evidence of a clear criminal record and is subject to subsequent periodic re-verification.
• Subject to pre-employment and ongoing random drug tests.
• Ability to physically manage students with disabilities if necessary.
• Ability to anticipate and deal with stressful traffic and weather conditions.
• Demonstrates maturity and the ability to work with students and their families.

Responsibilities and Essential Functions

The following skills and duties are representative of performance expectations. A reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform essential functions.

• Operates the bus according to all motor vehicle laws. Practices defensive driving techniques. Maintains established routes and time schedules. Notifies the transportation supervisor of unusual circumstances that require a departure from the regular schedule. Note: The priority is safety even if delays disrupt the bus schedule.
• Transports only authorized passengers. Picks up and unloads students only at approved stops. Helps the transportation supervisor to keep route sheets up-to-date. Offers suggestions for more efficient routing. Waits for authorization before making changes except during an emergency.
• Performs pre-trip and post-trip safety inspections of the school bus as defined in the Ohio Pupil Transportation Operation and Safety Rules (Ref. 3301-83-11). Checks fire, emergency equipment, and first aide supplies. Reports irregularities immediately and takes appropriate action to ensure passenger safety.
• Prepares written time schedules and passenger lists for state reports as needed.
• Completes required reports (e.g., miles driven, number of passengers, field trip forms, gasoline slips, etc.).
• Supervises students on the bus during loading and unloading procedures.
• Offers help when students ask for or their behavior suggests they need assistance. Avoids being intrusive. Allows students to seek their highest degree of independence. Solves student concerns discreetly.
• Helps students with disabilities (e.g., physical assistance, operation of the wheelchair lift, etc.). Ensures that wheelchairs are properly positioned, locked, and secured before the bus starts.
• When aware of passengers with medical or special health considerations, anticipates and is prepared to offer assistance during an emergency. Follows prescribed first aid policies and procedures.
• Monitors and controls passenger's behavior. Teaches self discipline. Enforces safety rules. Upholds the student conduct code according to district policy. Protects the due process rights of students. Reports persistent discipline problems to the appropriate authority.
• Strives to develop rapport with students, staff, parents, and the public. Responds to requests and complaints promptly and tactfully. Offers and accepts constructive suggestions diplomatically. Respects the personal confidences and privacy needs of individuals.
• Reports evidence of suspected child abuse as required by law.
• Assumes responsibility for the interior cleanliness of the bus.
• Participates in the district's bus safety program as directed.
• Reports the license plate number of vehicles that fail to comply with the law to an appropriate law enforcement agency.
• Monitors bus communication equipment. Uses tact and procedural correctness to send and receives information.
• Immediately reports all traffic citations, accidents, or property damage incurred during the performance of assigned duties.
• Accurately document all accidents and injuries using standardized district forms.
• Reports hazardous conditions along the bus route to the transportation supervisor and/or appropriate district staff.
• Follows approved procedures for evacuation of the bus during emergencies.
• Conducts emergency evacuation drills that comply with current state statutes.
• Reports equipment malfunctions in writing.
• Fuels the vehicle and maintains fluid levels (e.g., oil, windshield washer, brake, transmission, etc.). Documents gas consumption and mileage.
• Complies with district rules, procedures, and negotiated agreements when transporting students and staff on field trips.
• Participates in training necessary to maintain a commercial drivers license.
• Participates in staff meetings and professional growth activities as directed.
• Serves as a role model for students. Demonstrates personal integrity, responsibility, impartiality, respect, and courtesy.
• Performs other specific job-related duties as directed.

Abilities Required

• Demonstrates professionalism and exemplary personal conduct.
• Uses interpersonal skills to promote a favorable image of the school district.
• Works cooperatively to support a successful team effort.
• Expresses ideas effectively using verbal, nonverbal, and writing skills.
• Carries out prescribed actions efficiently with limited supervision.
• Intervenes to avert problem situations and resolve conflicts.
• Travels to meetings and work assignments.
• Maintains an acceptable attendance record and is punctual.
• Reacts productively to interruptions and changing conditions.
• Lifts, carries, and/or moves bus supplies and equipment.
• Lifts, moves, and/or positions children. Helps students using mobility devices (e.g., wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, etc.) and adaptive equipment.
• Performs activities that require stooping, kneeling, and/or crouching.
• Reads and interprets regulations, manuals, instructions, maps, etc. Visualizes bus routes.
• Climbs and works from a stool or step ladder that requires balancing skills.
• Discerns sound variances in equipment.

Supervisory Responsibility

Under the direction of the transportation supervisor: provides instructions and communicates expectations to assigned bus aides.

Working Conditions

Exposure to the following conditions may range from remote to frequent based on circumstances and factors that may not be predictable.

• Potential for exposure to blood borne pathogens and communicable diseases.
• Interaction with disruptive and/or unruly individuals.
• Exposure to student commotion.
• Exposure to adverse weather conditions and seasonal temperature extremes.
• Duties require operating and/or riding in a vehicle.
• Duties may require working under time constraints to meet deadlines.
• Duties may require working during the evening and/or weekend.
• Exposure to personal hygiene products and medications.
• Exposure to air borne particulates, vapors, and odors.
• Exposure to loud noises and equipment vibrations.
• Duties may require contact with oily/greasy tools and equipment.

Job performance is evaluated according to the policy provisions adopted by the Sidney City School District Board of Education.

The Sidney City School District Board of Education is an equal opportunity employer offering employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability. The board requires that employees comply with the statutory responsibilities cited in the Ohio Revised Code, the rules and regulations of the Ohio Department of Education, and all local and Federal mandates. This job description does not imply that these are the only duties and responsibilities to be performed. This job description is subject to change in response to funding variables, emerging technologies, improved operating