Bus Driver

The individuals assigned to this position are responsible for driving Bedford County Parks and Recreation Department (BCPRD) vehicles for various programs and outdoor recreation trips year-round, including occasional weekends. Trips vary in length from a few hours to all day. Individuals may be offered additional non-driving related program duties from time to time. The position is within the BCPRD and work is performed in association with the department’s Program Coordinator and with supervisory direction from the Director of Parks and Recreation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Must be able to operate vans/bus with up to 21-passengers capacity.
• Maintains a safe, fueled, and clean bus.
• Basic knowledge of mechanical system of bus and be able to conduct a visual pre and post bus inspection and drive for several hours at a time.
• Ability to follow the itinerary of the assigned trip and to maintain the schedule.
• Supervise and transport participants in planned activity. Maintain contact with participants and monitor throughout activity in conjunction with the Recreation Program Coordinator.
• Be familiar with senior citizens and the potential physical difficulties that may occur during a trip.
• Maintain confidentiality of patron information and documentation.
• Keep accurate records of any incidents, property damage, and/or accidents involving program participants or employees. Verbally report items of concern to Program Coordinator; prepare written reports, as necessary.
• Demonstrated ability to handle emergencies.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to communicate courteously, clearly, tactfully, and persuasively.
• Accomplishes all tasks as appropriately assigned or requested by management.
• Participates in employee meetings and training as needed.
• Performs special projects as assigned.
• Meets attendance requirements and maintains the highest level of dependability.
• Consistently demonstrates ability to respond to changing situations in a flexible manner in order to meet current needs and reprioritizes work as necessary.

Qualifications

Education / Experience

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Must have the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with the public, co-workers, and volunteers. Must be able to promote good public relations and maintain effective interpersonal relations. Must be able to safely operate a motor vehicle in a noisy environment, and under a variety of traffic situations. Must be able to interact with older adults with varying levels of mobility and ability.

Certifications / Licenses

Must possess a valid Class C Commercial's Driver's License with a P (Passenger) endorsement from the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities. Ability to speak and hear to exchange information, ability to sit or stand for extended periods. Walk and climb hills or stairs and uneven surfaces and trails. Visual acuity to observe program participants; manual dexterity to operate a motor vehicle; lift and move equipment and/or supplies up to 50 lbs.; must be physically able to maneuver and control the bus under all driving conditions; able to use and control all equipment on the bus including but not limited to wheelchair lift; have sufficient strength and agility to assist senior participants as well as any other participants needing assistance in boarding and evacuating the bus.

Environmental Factors

The worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, extreme cold, extreme heat, dust, noise, vibration, hazards, and atmospheric conditions.