Transportation - Bus Driver

Purpose Statement

The job of Transportation - Bus Driver is done for the purpose/s of safely transporting students in conventional and special-needs buses, to and from school classes and excursions over pre-defined routes; conducting pre/post trip safety checks; maintaining bus cleanliness; reporting mechanical operational issues and safety concerns to appropriate personnel.  Bus Drivers are responsible for ensuring safe and reliable transportation of passengers during transport, loading and unloading from buses.

This Job reports to Assigned Supervisor

Essential Functions

• Assesses incidents, complaints, accidents and/or potential emergency situations (e.g. road hazards, medical emergencies, weather conditions, accidents, etc.) for the purpose of taking appropriate action to address the situation and ensure the safety of passengers.
• Attends unit meetings, in-service training, workshops, etc. (e.g. District bus schedules, special needs equipment changes, IEP information, bus aide provision, changes in regulations, etc.) for the purpose of gathering information required to successfully perform the Bus Driver's job functions, and maintaining licensing requirements.
• Communicates with students, parents, bus aides, and other school personnel on a wide variety of issues

(e.g. scheduled stops, established routes, route conditions, potential emergencies, bus equipment ,student medical conditions, complaints, etc.) for the purpose of responding to inquiries, providing and clarifying important information or concerns, reporting observations that may impact the continued reliability and safety of transportation services.

• Conducts required bus evacuation drills for the purpose of orienting students to safe procedures in the event of a need, to efficiently and safely exit a bus during an emergency, and complying with established regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrates expertise (e.g. conducting pre-trip inspections, identifying route issues, finding solutions for special needs equipment needing repair, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring that bus routes driven are safe. And in compliance with all laws and regulations.
• Drives school buses while adhering to all traffic laws and regulations for the purpose of transporting passengers safely and and on schedule, over defined scheduled routes, to and from schools, extracurricular activities.
• Handles emergencies such as an accident or medical issues (e.g. collaborating with bus aide, medical staff, District administration, etc.) for the purpose of taking appropriate actions to ensure the safety and well-being of students and other passengers, that may involve contacting emergency services or implementing established protocols.
• Maintains accurate records and documentation (e.g. routes, schedules, student attendance, special needs, and behavior incidents that occur during transportation, etc.) for the purpose of monitoring and addressing any issues that may arise during transportation, and ensuring conformance with established protocols and regulations.
• Monitors students and other passengers during transit to maintain a safe and controlled environment on the bus (e.g. passengers requiring assistance entering and/or exiting the bus, inappropriate and unsafe student behaviors, etc.) for the purpose of taking immediate action and communicating with appropriate school personnel for follow-up on issues that need to be addressed; ensuring the safe transportation of all passengers.
• Performs pre and post trip inspections before and after each trip to address any immediate mechanical issues or safety concerns (e.g. clean interior and exterior, adequate fuel/oil/water levels, tire pressures, lights, brakes, mechanical operation, etc.) for the purpose of taking the appropriate action to maintain assigned vehicles in a safe and clean operational condition, and addressing established mandated requirements.
• Provides over time assistance (e.g. extra route driving, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining scheduled student transportation on District buses.
• Responds to incidents and/or inquiries for the purpose of ensuring immediate safety, complying with established policies and guidelines, and reporting to the appropriate parties.

Other Functions

• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the Transportation department.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform single, technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adhering to safety practices; administering first aid; applying pertinent codes, policies, regulations and/or laws; operating district vehicles, fire extinguisher, two-way radio, and standard office equipment;preparing and maintaining accurate records, exercising customer service focus; working collaboratively with bus aides.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions.  Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: emergency evacuation techniques; area streets and locations; basic vehicle maintenance; first aid; health standards and hazards; pertinent codes, policies, regulations and/or laws; safe driving practices; safety practices and procedures; two way radio communication; and utilizing wheelchairs, tie downs, child safety seats, lifts, etc. (by assignment).

ABILITY is required to schedule activities; gather, collate, and/or classify data; and consider a wide variety of factors when using equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using a variety of processes. Ability is also required to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with similar types of data; and utilize a variety of job-related equipment.  Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: being attentive to detail; communicating with diverse groups including school age riders; displaying tact and courtesy; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships; working overtime; exercising sound judgment; maintaining an understanding of the special needs of students and their parents; maintaining confidentiality; working independently while managing multiple situations effectively with constant distractions.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision following standardized practices and/or methods; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; operating within a defined budget. Utilization of some resources from other work units may be required to perform the job's functions. There is some opportunity to significantly impact the organization’s services.

Work Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands:

significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, frequent climbing and balancing, frequent stooping, kneeling,

crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 80% sitting, 10% walking, 10% standing. The job is performed under some temperature extremes and under conditions with exposure to risk of injury and/or illness.

Experience:             Job related experience is desired.

Education:               High school diploma or equivalent.

Certificates and Licenses

Bus Driver’s Certificate

Clearances

Criminal Background Clearance