What are the responsibilities and job description for the School Bus Driver - Trainee position at Barr Transportation?
Position Summary
Barr Transportation is seeking motivated and safety-focused individuals to join our team as School Bus Driver Trainees. This is a paid training position designed to prepare candidates to become licensed school bus drivers. Trainees will receive instruction and hands-on training to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements and learn all company and state-required safety procedures.
Candidates who successfully complete the training program and meet all licensing and qualification requirements may be offered employment as either a Part-Time or Full-Time School Bus Driver with Barr Transportation.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Participate in classroom, behind-the-wheel, and hands-on training programs.
- Learn and follow all Maryland school bus laws, regulations, and company policies.
- Safely operate a school bus under supervision during training.
- Conduct pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections.
- Learn proper student management and safe loading/unloading procedures.
- Maintain professional communication with students, parents, school staff, and coworkers.
- Attend all scheduled training sessions and required meetings.
- Demonstrate safe driving habits and defensive driving techniques.
- Learn emergency procedures, evacuation drills, and accident response protocols.
- Maintain punctuality and dependable attendance throughout the training program.
- Complete all required documentation, testing, and certification requirements.
- Perform other duties as assigned by management.
Minimum Qualifications
- Must be at least 21 years of age.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a CDL with Passenger and School Bus endorsements.
- Ability to pass required background checks, fingerprinting, drug screening, and DOT physical examination.
- Ability to communicate effectively in English.
- Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment.
- Must be reliable, patient, and safety-oriented.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with children or in customer service preferred, but not required.
- Previous commercial driving experience is a plus.
Working Conditions
- Work is performed both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Position requires sitting for extended periods, climbing bus steps, and occasional lifting.
- Early morning, afternoon, evening, and weekend work may be required depending on route or training schedules.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle.
- Ability to assist students in emergency situations.
- Ability to meet all Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and Maryland school bus driver physical requirements.
Training and Licensing
Barr Transportation provides training assistance for qualified candidates seeking to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with appropriate endorsements. Continued employment is contingent upon successful completion of all training requirements, licensing requirements, and company evaluations.
Employment Opportunity
Upon successful completion of the trainee program, candidates may be eligible for hire as a:
- Part-Time School Bus Driver
- Full-Time School Bus Driver
Placement and scheduling will depend on company needs, route availability, and employee qualifications.