Bus Driver

Bus Driver – Transportation Department

Starting Date: Immediately

Under general supervision, operates a school bus on assigned routes and schedules to provide safe and efficient transportation so that students may enjoy the fullest possible advantage from the programs and offerings of the school system. Responsibilities include performing pre- and post-trip inspections, operating the bus, obeying all traffic laws and school bus regulations, observing safety regulations and standards, and maintaining discipline of students assigned to ride the bus.

The employee is also responsible for completing all required reports and securing the assigned bus before leaving the vehicle at the conclusion of a run or route. The employee must exercise tact and courtesy in maintaining acceptable relations with parents/guardians of students transported and with school personnel. Reports to a Transportation Supervisor for bus-driving duties.

• Perform required pre-trip and post-trip inspections and document inspections in accordance with Transportation Department Operating Instructions for bus drivers.
• Report mechanical defects or failures to the Transportation Supervisor or the Assistant Superintendent of Transportation.
• When the assigned bus is declared unfit for service, perform inspections on substitute school bus.
• Detect students still on board or incapacitated and identify vandalism or irregularities during post-trip inspection.
• Operate the assigned school bus on the route(s) and schedule provided by the Transportation Supervisor.
• Report any students added to or deleted from the route by the school principal that will necessitate a change in route, stops, or schedule.
• Obey all traffic laws and school bus regulations while operating the bus.
• Observe all safety regulations and standards for school buses, including clearing the bus and evacuating students quickly in an emergency.
• Maintain discipline of students assigned to ride the bus and establish a discipline plan consistent with school disciplinary objectives.
• Report undisciplined students to the responsible school principal and discharge students only at authorized school or bus stop locations.
• Ensure the bus is kept clean and free of papers, bottles, cans, food wrappers and other items that may present a safety problem.
• Report all accidents as required by Operating Instructions and remain at the scene until released by the on-scene transportation supervisor.
• Complete personal time card and required reports, including accident or incident reports.
• Remain in charge of all students aboard the bus at the time of an accident, determining injuries and maintaining safety.
• Secure the assigned bus before leaving the vehicle, including parking properly, taking a visual inspection for damage, checking for remaining passengers, and securing all windows and doors.
• Maintain acceptable relationships with parents/guardians and school personnel.
• Report stop-arm violations to the supervisor.
• Enforce regulations against smoking and eating on the bus.
• Complete training required by the state or local district.
• Perform other duties as assigned, which may include occasional custodial, maintenance, or school-based duties.

Graduation from high school and some experience driving large vehicles with experience in transporting humans preferred; or any equivalent combination of training and experience providing the required skills, knowledge and abilities.

Must possess and maintain a valid North Carolina Class A or Class B Commercial Driver’s License with school bus certification.

Must be physically able to operate a school bus. Must be able to quickly decelerate the bus and firmly apply the brake in an emergency. Must be able to turn the steering wheel rapidly. Must be able to begin seated with seat belt fastened, parking brake released, engine running, secure bus (parking brake set, key removed), rise from seat, exit through rearmost emergency exit, and assist passengers in exiting within 20 seconds.

Must exert up to 50 pounds of force…