School Bus Driver or Driver Trainee

Job Title: Driver, School Bus

Building/Department: Transportation Department

Reports to: Transportation Supervisor

Summary: The Bus Driver, under the direction of the Transportation Supervisor, is responsible for the safe and efficient transportation of students within the Three Rivers Community School District. This role involves ensuring the safety of all passengers by maintaining a hazard-free environment on the bus and adhering to all traffic and safety regulations. The Bus Driver will manage daily bus operations, perform pre-trip inspections, and respond appropriately to emergency situations. This position is pivotal in providing a reliable and professional transportation service, contributing to the overall success of the district's educational mission.

Education and Experience:

• Minimum 18 years of age and possession of a high school diploma or GED.
• Ability to safely lift and maneuver up to 45 pounds to assist students with boarding, equipment, or in emergency situations.
• Must possess, or be able to obtain within 60 days, a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with B, P, and S endorsements, as well as Air Brake endorsement.
• Successful completion of all required training to become a certified school bus driver (paid training provided to candidates).
• Must pass the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) physical examination annually.
• Must pass the Department of Transportation (DOT) physical as required.
• Meet and maintain the competency levels of driving skills as set by the District and Michigan Department of Education.
• Demonstrate a history of safe driving performance in accordance with District and Michigan Department of Education standards.
• Comply with Federal DOT drug and alcohol testing requirements.
• Maintain a valid Michigan Driver’s License at all times.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills to effectively interact with students, parents, and staff members.
• Strong sense of responsibility, patience, and a genuine desire to work with children in a fast-paced environment.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Adhere strictly to all established policies, practices, and procedures as outlined by the Transportation Supervisor regarding assigned duties and responsibilities.
• Follow established policies and procedures for assigned duties.
• Effectively interact with students of all ages, demonstrating patience and understanding of individual needs.
• Maintain clear and professional communication with students, parents, colleagues, and the community.
• Collaborate with the team to promote a positive work environment.
• Safely operate all assigned school buses.
• Adhere to designated schedules and routes, seeking supervisor approval for adjustments.
• Conduct pre-trip inspections and report vehicle defects using designated channels.
• Demonstrate knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations regarding school bus operation.
• Respond appropriately and independently in emergency situations.
• Ensure students enter and exit the bus safely and orderly.
• Attend all scheduled staff meetings and training sessions as required.
• Uphold student confidentiality at all times.
• Perform any additional duties as assigned
• Maintain a consistent and reliable on-site work schedule

Qualification Requirements: To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Language Skills: Ability to communicate clearly and concisely with students, staff, and parents/guardians in a professional manner. This may include giving instructions, providing feedback, and resolving conflicts.
• Mathematical Skills: Basic math skills are necessary for tasks keeping track of student attendance on the bus or occasionally assisting with route planning (distance or timing).
• Reasoning Ability: Ability to prioritize tasks, make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment, and solve problems independently. Ability to follow established procedures and adapt to changing situations

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit; frequently walk and stand and reach with hands and arms; frequently required to bend, kneel or squat; occasionally lift and carry up to 45 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision; very good depth perception; and the ability to communicate through speech. The position requires a high amount of physical activity.

Work Environment: The work environment is primarily on school buses, both during transportation routes and while parked at school locations. This role involves frequent interaction with students, bus drivers, and school staff. Bus Driver may encounter varying weather conditions and must be prepared to assist students in safely boarding and exiting the bus in all circumstances.

Union Representation: This position is Unionized. Salary, terms and other conditions of employment established by the TRESPA Collective Bargaining Agreement.

FLSA Status: This is a Non-Exempt FLSA position. Non Exempt employees are eligible for overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Reasonable Accommodations: Three Rivers Community Schools is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants with disabilities. To request an accommodation during the application process, please contact the Human Resources Office at 269-273-1104.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement: Three Rivers Community Schools is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of Three Rivers Community Schools that no person shall, on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category, (collectively, "Protected Classes"), be excluded from participation in, be denied benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination during any program, activity, in hiring or in employment.

Additional Information:

• Schedule: 180 days per year, generally following the TRCS Academic Calendar. Includes non-working days during winter, spring, and summer breaks, as well as designated holidays.