DARE COUNTY SCHOOLS

Lead Bus Driver
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Term: 10 Months
Reports To: Director of Transportation

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
  
  
• Minimum 18 years of age with at least six (6) months of driving experience.
  
  
• Possess and maintain a valid North Carolina Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with proper school bus endorsements.
  
  
• Must hold and maintain a current Bus Driver’s Pocket Card.
  
  
• Must pass DOT drug and alcohol testing.
  
  
• Strong organizational, communication, and record-keeping skills preferred.
  
  
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, parents, and community stakeholders.
  
  

Position Summary

The Lead Bus Driver supports the safe and efficient operation of Dare County Schools’ transportation services by performing all duties of a school bus driver while also providing administrative support to the Director of Transportation. This position serves as a point of contact for drivers, assists with daily operational tasks, supports routing and communication needs, and helps ensure compliance with state and district transportation guidelines.

Essential Job Functions

Bus Driver Responsibilities

• Maintain proficiency in all required and recommended school bus driving skills.
  
  
• Ensure the safety and supervision of students while boarding, riding, and exiting the bus.
  
  
• Maintain a high standard of student conduct and enforce safety procedures.
  
  
• Discharge students only at authorized stops and transport only assigned students.
  
  
• Perform daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections and maintain bus cleanliness.
  
  
• Operate the bus on assigned routes and schedules as provided by the Transportation Office.
  
  
• Obey all traffic laws, district policies, and state regulations governing school bus operation.
  
  
• Report safety violations, disciplinary concerns, mechanical issues, or routing needs to appropriate personnel.
  
  
• Attend required safety meetings and training sessions.
  
  
• Maintain professional and courteous relationships with students, parents/guardians, and school personnel.
  
  
• Safely operate wheelchair-equipped buses and ensure proper securement of mobility devices.
  
  
• Perform other driving-related duties as assigned by the Director of Transportation.
  
  

Administrative Support Responsibilities

• Assist the Director of Transportation with daily office operations, scheduling, communication, and documentation.
  
  
• Monitor driver attendance and communicate staffing or route coverage needs.
  
  
• Assist with collecting, reviewing, and submitting transportation reports, including safety logs and compliance documentation.
  
  
• Support TIMS routing updates by reporting student additions, removals, and stop adjustments.
  
  
• Coordinate with substitute drivers to ensure adequate route coverage.
  
  
• Serve as a liaison between bus drivers and the Transportation Office.
  
  
• Support the onboarding and orientation of new drivers.
  
  
• Maintain accurate files, records, and communications for the Transportation Department.
  
  
• Prepare materials for meetings, safety trainings, audits, or inspections.
  
  
• Communicate with parents, schools, and community members regarding transportation matters when directed.
  
  
• Perform other administrative duties as assigned by the Director of Transportation.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of state and district transportation laws, regulations, and procedures.
  
  
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
  
  
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills.
  
  
• Proficiency with email, basic office software, and district communication systems.
  
  
• Ability to remain calm and effective in emergency or high-stress situations.
  
  

Physical and Cognitive Requirements

The major physical and cognitive requirements listed below are applicable to this job classification within Dare County Schools.

Work in this classification is considered medium physical work, requiring:

• The exertion of 50 pounds of force occasionally,
  
  
• Up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and
  
  
• Up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
  
  

Must be able to:

• Walk, lift, reach, stoop, stand, grasp, balance, climb, kneel, and crouch.
  
  
• Work in various indoor and outdoor environments with exposure to weather changes, noise, vibrations, job hazards, and atmospheric conditions.
  
  
• Use visual acuity for depth perception and color perception.
  
  
• Visually inspect small defects and/or small parts.
  
  
• Use a variety of measuring devices.
  
  
• Operate motor vehicles and job-specific equipment according to instructions.
  
  
• Observe surroundings and activities for safety and situational awareness.
  
  
• Hear sufficiently to accurately perceive information at normal speaking levels.
  
  
• Communicate clearly using spoken word to express or exchange ideas.
  
  
• Safely work in situations with possible exposure to bloodborne pathogens, using required personal protective equipment.
  
  
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.