Job Goal:

To operate a school bus and transport students and other authorized personnel safely and efficiently via specified routes to and from schools and various school-sponsored activities while observing established safety regulations and school system policies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conducts pre-trip school bus safety inspections as required by federal and state laws to include observing visual defects and checking operating systems to include brakes, horn, lights, emergency flashers, extended stop arms, and door-opening devices.
• Operates the vehicle safely and expediently over an assigned route, picking up and delivering only authorized students at assigned bus stop locations.
• Adheres to assigned time schedules, which may require driving during pre-daylight and dusk periods, and makes every effort to be on time while ensuring safety.
• Obeys all traffic laws and transportation practices as outlined in the Commercial Driver License manual, school system procedures, Board policy, and local ordinances.
• Observes all mandatory safety regulations for school buses and keeps all emergency exits clear of obstructions.
• Aids in the loading and unloading of students needing assistance in boarding, as well as those with special needs, via stairs or lift mechanisms; ensures wheelchairs, car seats, and other restraining devices on the bus are properly secured.
• Monitors students at designated crossings to ensure students have safe passage.
• Maintains student discipline on the bus and enforces rules governing student conduct; reports undisciplined students to the proper authority and documents behaviors according to established procedures.
• Monitors student riders for any suspected child abuse, sexual harassment, bullying, bodily fluids cleanup, and medical conditions (e.g., diabetic shock, seizures, respiratory conditions, etc.).
• Drives students and teachers on field trips, extracurricular activities, and other special events and school-sponsored activities as assigned, often in evenings and at night.
• Returns the school bus to the assigned bus lot, performs post-trip safety inspections, picks up trash and items left behind by riders, ensures interior cleanliness, and secures the bus according to established procedures.
• Checks oil and tires, maintains all fluids at the proper levels, and fuels bus per department guidelines.
• Completes and submits various forms, logs, reports, seating charts, and other documentation and route data to the Director of Auxiliary Services.
• Communicates effectively with the Mechanic to report any vehicle malfunctions, mechanical failures, safety deficiencies, maintenance needs, etc.
• Confers with the Director of Auxiliary Services to report issues and discuss any needs or concerns related to scheduling, routing, maintenance, safety, behavior, etc.
• Works cooperatively with school system leadership and local law enforcement as necessary to address transportation issues, including assessing accident scenes, completing accident and violation reports, providing requested information, and resolving concerns and/or complaints.
• Conducts semi-annual bus evacuation drills as required and implements evacuations as required in an emergency to include safely exiting from the rear of the school bus.
• Attends approved trainings, activities, and events to address professional learning needs and maintain required certifications.
• Performs other job-related duties as required.

Qualifications (minimum education, licensure, skills, and/or experience):

• High school diploma or education equivalent
• Valid Alabama driver’s license
• Valid Commercial Driver License with P & S endorsements
• Valid Alabama School Bus Driver certificate
• DOT Health card or Alabama School Bus Driver Physical Examination Report

Note: This job description is subject to change at any time. While this job description reflects delegation of essential duties and responsibilities, it does not exclude or restrict management’s right to assign or reassign tasks, duties, or responsibilities to this job at any time.