School Bus Driver

Bus Driver Job Description

A 4.0 bus driver plays an integral role in providing a safe, orderly, and efficient transportation

service for students.

The position is responsible for operating a school bus and transporting school-aged children

and other authorized personnel safely and efficiently over specified routes to and from schools

and various activities. Position conducts pre-trip inspections; observes safety regulations and

policies; enforces student discipline on the bus; and performs related work.

Key Responsibilities

● Ensures the bus can be operated safely before driving and conducts pre-trip 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.

● Demonstrate ability to accurately and quickly learn, local street and road systems

● Operates the vehicle safely over an assigned route, picking up and delivering only

authorized students at assigned bus stops, and watches to ensure that no one hurrying

for the bus is left behind.

● Keeps assigned time schedules, which may require driving during pre-day light and dusk

periods, and makes every effort to be on time while ensuring safety.

● Hear and communicate orally when the bus is in motion. Communicate orally on a two-

way radio with transportation dispatch and emergency services while the bus is in

motion. Communicate effectively and positively with parents, students, staff and co-

workers.

● Ability to maintain and attend to students’ behavior while in transit, keeping students in

the correct seats, and to enforces established bus rules to minimize distractions while

driving

● Reports undisciplined students to the proper authority and compiles written reports as

requested in accordance with the bus driver handbook

● Conducts semi-annual bus evacuation drills as required by the Department of Education

and implements evacuations as required in an emergency to include safely exiting from

the rear of the school bus.

● Reports all accidents immediately, requesting police or ambulance service as needed;

assists injured persons until services arrive; and completes required accident reports.

● Maintains cleanliness of vehicle to ensure safe operating condition

● Maintains an adequate fuel level before, during, and after all trips

● Understand and comply with 4.0 School services policies and district policies, as well as

state and federal laws and regulations

Knowledge & Skills

● Follow oral and written directions

● Ability to establish effective working relationships with staff and students

● Flexible, friendly, and good at establishing quick rapport with students

● Work with frequent interruptions

● Maintain a timely schedule

● Maintain a high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality when dealing with students,

staff, and/or parent information

Physical Requirements

● May regularly lift and or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift and or move up to 50

pounds and occasionally lift and or move up to 100 pounds.,

● Moderate pushing and pulling, reaching in front of body and stretching overhead.

● Duties also require repetitive hand and foot motions, frequent standing, walking, sitting,

bending, squatting, stooping, kneeling and climbing.

● Visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, close

vision, distance vision, night/dusk vision, color vision, and peripheral vision.

● Vocal communication is required for communication on a two-way radio with

transportation staff and emergency services while the bus is in motion

● May be exposed to potential road hazards, including accidents, fumes from exhausts or

airborne particles, loud noises, vibrations from driving bus, and adverse weather

conditions

● May be exposed to potential physical hazards when assisting students on and off the

bus.

● May be exposed to potential biological hazards from student body fluids and possible

exposure of bacteria and communicable diseases

Special Requirements

● Have or obtain a valid driver license, with proper endorsements: CDL/Class B,

Passenger, and School Bus endorsement (may also need Air Brake Endorsement)

● Must have proof of good driving record

● Must have or obtain a current DOT medical card

● Attend orientation/training session and complete required 4.0 school services, district

and state credentialing requirements (background check, drug testing)

● Must remain in compliance with state/division regulations regarding the use of

controlled substances and alcohol as applied to school bus drivers

● Possession of a valid and appropriate Minnesota Driver's License

● Annual and recurring training is required to maintain this position