Bus Driver/Trainer

Primary Purpose

Operate school buses and related equipment to provide safe and orderly transportation of students and authorized passengers on assigned routes and activities. Assist the transportation department by training and mentoring prospective school bus drivers in accordance with Texas state requirements and district procedures.

Qualifications

Education/Certification

• Clear and valid Texas Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements required
• Valid TxDOT physical required
• Completion of School Bus Driver Safety Training 20-hour course required
• Certified School Bus Driver Trainer preferred or ability to become certified through the Texas Association of Pupil Transportation (TAPT) within district-established timeline
• Must maintain active membership with TAPT

Special Knowledge/Skills

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Ability to pass U.S. Department of Transportation alcohol and drug testing requirements and annual physical examination
• Ability to complete and maintain required bus driver safety training certifications
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
• Ability to use maps and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to follow routes and locate addresses
• Ability to manage student behavior and maintain appropriate student discipline
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to safely operate school buses and related equipment
• Ability to train, mentor, and evaluate prospective school bus drivers
• Knowledge of school transportation safety regulations and procedures

Experience

• Minimum of two (2) years of school bus driving experience required

Major Responsibilities and Duties

Vehicle Operation

1. Drive school bus daily following assigned routes and adhering to established schedules.
2. Drive bus to and from extracurricular activities and special events as assigned.
3. Anticipate traffic, weather, road conditions, and schedule changes and make necessary adjustments to ensure student safety and reduce delays.
4. Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections according to district and state specifications to ensure buses can be operated safely.
5. Maintain assigned bus in a clean condition and ensure appropriate fuel levels are maintained.
6. Report all accidents, vehicle damage, student injuries, and mechanical concerns and complete all required documentation and reports.

Student Management

1. Instruct students on proper safety procedures, including entering, exiting, and riding the bus safely.
2. Supervise students while boarding, riding, and exiting the bus, including street crossings when necessary.
3. Conduct emergency evacuation procedures when situations warrant.
4. Maintain appropriate discipline and effective behavior management on the bus.
5. Report student discipline concerns to appropriate administrators and communicate with parents and school staff when appropriate.

Driver Training Responsibilities

1. Train prospective school bus drivers in accordance with district procedures and Texas state transportation requirements.
2. Provide instruction on safe vehicle operation, pre-trip inspections, student management, emergency procedures, and transportation regulations.
3. Conduct behind-the-wheel and route training for new or prospective drivers.
4. Evaluate trainee progress and communicate performance concerns or recommendations to the transportation administration.
5. Assist with maintaining training documentation and records required by the district and state agencies.
6. Attend required TAPT training courses, workshops, and certification programs to maintain trainer qualifications.
7. Train potential drivers between regularly assigned morning and afternoon bus routes.

Safety

1. Observe all traffic laws and school bus safety regulations.
2. Ensure proper condition of all emergency equipment including first aid kits, fire extinguishers, reflective triangles, and other required safety equipment.
3. Correct unsafe conditions in work areas when possible and promptly report conditions that cannot be corrected immediately.
4. Report hazardous road or route conditions to supervisor.
5. Maintain all required safety certifications and follow district emergency procedures and safety protocols.

Other

1. Operate and monitor two-way radio equipment to communicate with the transportation office and other drivers.
2. Complete and maintain accurate records and reports including mileage, fuel usage, inspections, student counts, and training documentation.
3. Maintain professionalism and positive working relationships with students, parents, staff, and community members.
4. Perform other duties as assigned by the Transportation Director or supervisor.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None.

Equipment Used

School bus, two-way radio, Global Positioning System (GPS), safety equipment including reflective triangles, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, and other transportation-related equipment.

Working Conditions

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors

• Prolonged sitting and driving
• Frequent standing, walking, twisting, climbing, bending, stooping, and reaching
• Frequent climbing bus steps and assisting students when needed
• Light lifting and carrying on a regular basis
• Frequent exposure to extreme hot and cold temperatures, noise, vehicle fumes, and moving vehicles
• Work irregular and extended hours when required
• Maintain emotional control under stress and during emergency situations

Corsicana ISD (CISD) does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, military status, genetic information, or on any other basis prohibited by law. Additionally, the district does not discriminate against an employee or applicant who acts to oppose such discrimination or participates in the investigation of a complaint related to a discriminatory employment practice. Employment decisions will be made on the basis of each applicant’s job qualifications, experience, and abilities.

Employees with questions or concerns about discrimination based on sex, including sexual harassment should contact the CISD Director of Human Resources, the district Title IX coordinator. Employees with questions or concerns about discrimination on the basis of a disability should contact the CISD Transition Coordinator, the district ADA/Section 504 coordinator. Questions or concerns relating to discrimination for any other reason should be directed to the Superintendent at the Lee Education Center 2200 W. 4th Ave Corsicana, TX 75110, phone (903) 874-7441.