What are the responsibilities and job description for the Bus Driver position at Alabama State Department of Education?
Job Title – Bus Driver
Supervised by/Reports to: School principal or designee, and/or Transportation Supervisor and Coordinator
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Job Goal:
- To provide safe and efficient transportation for all students and staff as designated.
Qualifications:
- Possess and maintain a valid Alabama bus driver certificate and commercial driver’s license (CDL) in accordance with bus route/assignment, including special education recertification as applicable.
- Maintain a current Department of Transportation (DOT) physical as required by Board Policy.
- Ability to meet suitability criteria for employment and/or certification/licensure under the Alabama Child Protection Act of 1999 and Act No. 2002-457.
- Show aptitude or competence for assigned responsibilities.
- Possess and maintain an acceptable motor vehicle record including no DUI convictions.
- Possess successful drug screening results and be subject to and pass subsequent drug screening tests.
- Competent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to operate a school vehicle over an assigned route according to a defined time schedule, which may require driving during pre-daylight and dusk periods.
- Physical dexterity, coordination, mobility and visual acuity to safely operate school bus or other system-owned vehicles and perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections.
- Ability, agility and stamina to engage in prolonged sitting, stooping, kneeling, crawling, bending, turning and reaching.
- Ability to lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to exert up to 30 pounds of force.
- Physical ability to perform all duties and responsibilities as specified by state and federal regulations, including but not limited to pre-trip inspections, post-trip inspections, and bus evacuations.
- Ability to be punctual and in regular attendance.
- Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable.
Performance Responsibilities and Essential Functions:
- Meets all current State and federal regulations for driving safety and school bus operation.
- Complies with all Board regulations and policies.
- Adheres to all traffic laws and driving safety rules.
- Prepares and submits monthly school bus report (Form TR1 or other required form).
- Prepares and submits an accident report when involved in an accident (TRIII or other required form).
- Performs daily pre-trip inspection of the bus and completes and submits form (TRV or other required form). Performs post-trip inspection of the bus.
- Follows the prescribed pre-determined route unless the principal and/or Transportation Supervisor and Coordinator alters the route to serve the needs of the students.
- Demonstrates behavior that promotes safety as the primary responsibility of the bus driver.
- Maintains a clean bus.
- Maintains discipline while students are on the bus.
- Reports students with discipline problems to the proper authority.
- Reports all accidents immediately to the transportation office and other appropriate officials; follows school system procedures related to accidents and post-accident activities.
- Regulates heating, cooling and ventilation of the bus or vehicle for the comfort and safety of passengers.
- Notifies supervisor and/or other appropriate authorities in case of mechanical failure of bus or lateness.
- Maintains and uses communications and/or surveillance equipment on buses according to school system regulations.
- Maintains cooperative and appropriate relationships with students, parents, community members and other employees.
- Keeps to the assigned driving schedule and picks up and discharges students only at authorized stops.
- Prepares for and assists students in evacuating the bus when necessary.
- Transports and maintains school bus safety equipment, first aid equipment as designated.
- Transports students on field trips and outings, athletic events, and other extracurricular or co-curricular events (evenings, nights, or other times) as assigned.
- Attends scheduled trainings.
- Performs duties in a courteous, professional manner.
- Maintains appropriate confidentiality regarding school/workplace matters.
- Demonstrates initiative in identifying potential problems and/or opportunities for improvement in areas of responsibility.
- Reports potential problems, unusual events, or work irregularities to appropriate administrative or supervisory personnel.
- Responds to inquiries, requests, constructive feedback, concerns and/or complaints in a timely and positive manner.
- Maintains and submits reports, records, and correspondence in a timely and accurate manner.
- Properly uses and cares for tools, equipment, and material resources of the school system and effectively supervises and monitors others in the care, maintenance, and use of tools, equipment, and inventory.
- Adheres to school system rules, administrative procedures, local Board policies, and state, federal, and local regulations.
- Reports absences and takes leave in accordance with Board policies and procedures.
- Reports promptly all mechanical needs to the appropriate person.
- Performs other job-related duties as assigned by supervisor(s).
Terms of Employment: Regular employee contract with attention to bus driver requirements for routes and days assigned to drive; salary based on Board approved salary schedule.
Evaluation: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the State Department of Education and/or Baldwin County Board of Education policy on evaluation of classified personnel.
The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to
this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of
personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities as needed.