School Bus Driver

Bus Driver

The Bus Driver at Sacred Heart School plays a critical role in ensuring the safe and timely transportation of students and staff to and from school and related activities. This position requires a dedicated professional who can navigate various routes efficiently while adhering to all safety and regulatory standards. The driver will be responsible for maintaining the vehicle in good working order and ensuring a comfortable and secure environment for all passengers. Effective communication with dispatchers, school personnel, and students is essential to coordinate schedules and respond to any issues that arise during transit. Ultimately, the role contributes significantly to the overall safety and satisfaction of the school community by providing reliable and responsible transportation services.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Supports and upholds the philosophy of Catholic education and the mission of the school
• Acts as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church
• Supports and adheres to the Code of Conduct and policies and procedures of the school and Diocese
• Abides by the Confidentiality Policy set forth in the Diocese Employee Handbook
• Operate school buses safely and efficiently along designated routes, ensuring timely pick-up and drop-off of students.
• Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections of the bus to ensure mechanical safety and cleanliness.
• Follow all Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations and school policies related to vehicle operation and student safety.
• Assist students in boarding and exiting the bus safely, including helping those who may require additional support.
• Communicate effectively with dispatchers and school staff to report any delays, incidents, or maintenance needs.
• Maintain accurate records of routes, mileage, fuel usage, and any incidents or accidents.
• Respond to emergencies or unexpected situations calmly and according to established protocols.
• Work overtime as needed to accommodate special events, schedule changes, or unforeseen circumstances.
• Responsible for all other duties, tasks, projects, and committees, as assigned.

Supervision Given and/or Received:

• Received: Minimal supervision given to this position.
• Given: This position provides feedback and guidance to managers, supervisors, and employees in the school and Catholic Center.

Internal Contacts:

• Principal, coaches, students and staff.

External Contacts:

• Local, state, and federal agency representatives

Working Conditions and/or Physical Requirements:

• Required to work some nights and weekends.
• Required to work in various climate conditions
• Lifting: Safely lifting 35 lbs. on a regular basis, 50 lbs. on an occasional basis.
• Balancing: Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling when walking, standing or crouching on narrow, slippery or erratically moving surfaces.
• Standing: Particularly for sustained periods of time.
• Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another.
• Use of Fingers: Picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand or arm as in handling.
• Grasping: Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm and being able to turn a key and doorknob and operate work tools.
• Communicating: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Conveying detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, clearly, and quickly.
• Repetitive Motions: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Visual Acuity:
• Climbing: Ability to ascend and descend, stairs, Body agility is emphasized.
• Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist.
• Kneeling: Bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees.
• Crouching: Bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine.
• Crawling: Moving about on hands and knees or hands and feet.
• Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
• Pushing: Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force to thrust forward, downward or outward.
• Pulling: Using upper extremities to exert force to draw, drag, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion.
• Feeling: Perceiving attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature or texture by touching skin, particularly that of fingertips.
• Hearing: Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels or with correction. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication and make fine discriminations in sound.
• Ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance and up to 60 pounds with assistance.

Travel Requirements:

• Frequent travel, by bus, may be required to Diocese Parishes and/or schools.

Education and Experience Preferred:

• Must have a high school diploma or G.E.D.
• Must have a valid State driver's license. Must maintain a valid Driver's License and auto insurance meeting diocesan minimum requirements.
• Valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class A with passenger endorsement.
• Proven ability to read and interpret maps and route instructions accurately.
• Knowledge of and compliance with DOT regulations and safety standards.
• Physical ability to lift and carry heavy items as required, including assisting students with mobility needs.
• Demonstrated experience in operating large vehicles and handling vehicle controls such as brakes and climbing stairs safely.

Knowledge and Skills Preferred:

• Active member of a Roman Catholic parish faith community
• Excellent communication skills and ability to clearly express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken word. Must be personable and able to converse intelligently and work effectively with contractors, students, and staff.
• Ability to honor and maintain confidentiality
• Ability to self-motivate, manage responsibilities, and work independently
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and utilize effective time-management techniques.
• Positive attitude, personable, ability to work effectively with all types of people
• Skill in critical thinking and planning

Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and evenings on an as-needed basis. Ability to work in various climate conditions

FLSA Designation: Non-Exempt