SUBSTITUTE BUS DRIVER

POSITION GOAL
To safely transport students to and from school and school-related activities on an as-needed basis, in the absence of the regular bus driver, while maintaining a safe, orderly, and respectful environment on the bus.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of a High School Diploma or GED.
• Valid state-issued Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements.
• Clean MVD driving record; ability to meet SASI's and the state's insurability requirements.
• Current DOT physical examination and medical certification.
• Ability to pass required drug and alcohol testing, including pre-employment and random testing per FMCSA/DOT regulations.
• Bilingual (Navajo/English) preferred.
• Ability to pass a background check and fingerprinting as required for employment in a school setting.
• Completion of, or ability to complete, New Mexico Public Education Department school bus driver training/certification prior to transporting students.

NAVAJO PREFERENCE
Preferential consideration for employment will be given to persons of documented Navajo tribal membership who meet the qualifications above, in accordance with the requirements of the Navajo Preference in Employment Act.

ADDITIONAL PREFERENCES

• Knowledge of the language(s), traditions, and culture of the Shiprock community.
• Knowledge of the physical, economic, and social environment of the Shiprock community, including bus routes and road conditions in the area.
• Knowledge of appropriate professional relationships with Native American students and parents.
• Ability to be dependable, punctual, and available on short notice, including early morning and afternoon shifts.
• Ability to understand, speak, read, and write the English language.
• Ability to maintain harmonious interpersonal relationships on the job, with SASI staff, students, parents, and community members.
• Ability to determine when to refer problems and situations to a higher authority and the willingness to do so.
• Prior experience driving a school bus or operating similar commercial vehicles.
• Ability to remain calm and exercise sound judgment in emergency situations.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Complies with, supports, and efficiently carries out all responsibilities in accordance with SASI policies and procedures.
• Represents SASI in a professional manner that enhances community understanding of the program.
• Maintains a high personal standard of professional and ethical conduct.
• Interacts with staff, students, parents, and visitors in a welcoming and friendly manner.
• Works as a team member with all SASI staff, including transportation department dispatchers and mechanics.
• Protects the confidentiality of student and personnel information.
• Reports to the transportation department promptly at the designated time to receive route assignments and instructions.
• Conducts and documents required pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections, and reports any mechanical issues or safety concerns immediately.
• Operates the assigned school bus safely and in compliance with all traffic laws, SASI policies, and state/federal transportation regulations.
• Follows assigned routes and schedules as closely as possible; notifies dispatch promptly of delays, route changes, or issues.
• Maintains order and discipline among student passengers, enforcing bus safety rules; refers ongoing behavior issues to school administration as needed.
• Assists students, including those with disabilities or special needs, with safe boarding and exiting of the bus as required.
• Accounts for all students on assigned routes, including at pick-up and drop-off points.
• Responds appropriately to emergencies (medical, mechanical, weather-related, or behavioral) following SASI emergency procedures.
• Maintains a clean, safe, and orderly bus interior and reports vandalism or damage.
• Completes required trip logs, mileage reports, and incident reports accurately and on time.
• Participates in required trainings, safety drills, and in-services as scheduled by the Transportation Supervisor.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Transportation Director/Supervisor or designee.

AVAILABILITY
Substitute bus drivers are called on an as-needed, day-to-day basis and are not guaranteed a set number of assignments. Assignments may include regular morning/afternoon routes, field trips, athletic or activity trips, and may require early morning, afternoon, or occasional evening/weekend availability.

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Work is performed primarily while operating a school bus over varying road and weather conditions, including unpaved or rural roads. Requires the ability to sit for extended periods, exercise quick reflexes and sound judgment, and physically assist students in emergencies (e.g., operating emergency exits, evacuating the bus) as needed.

EVALUATION
Will be evaluated in accordance with Shiprock Associated Schools, Inc. policies and procedures.

CERTIFICATION
The statements outlined in this position description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. This is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be required.