BUS DRIVER

BUS DRIVER GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

Under general supervision, operates a school bus on assigned route(s) and schedule to provide safe and efficient transportation so that students may enjoy the fullest possible advantage from the programs and offerings of the school system. This includes performing pre‑and post‑trip inspections of the bus, operating the vehicle while obeying all traffic laws and school bus regulations, 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 driver must exercise tact and courtesy in maintaining relations with parents/guardians of students transported and with school personnel, and reports to a school principal for bus driving duties.

• Perform required pre‑trip and post‑trip inspections of the bus and document inspections as required by the Transportation Department Operating Instructions for bus drivers.
• Report mechanical defects or failures to the Transportation Director, the mechanic on‑duty at the bus parking site, or the school bus garage.
• When the assigned school bus is unfit for service, perform pre‑ and post‑trip inspections on a substitute school bus.
• Perform post‑trip inspections to detect students still on board (asleep or incapacitated) and to detect any other irregularities or vandalism to the bus interior.
• Operate the assigned school bus on the route(s) and schedule provided by the Transportation Director.
• Report to the Transportation Director on the day of occurrence any students added to or deleted from the route by the school principal that will necessitate a change in the route, bus stops, and/or schedule.
• Obey all traffic laws and school bus regulations while operating the vehicle.
• Observe all safety regulations and standards for school buses, including clearing the bus and evacuating students quickly in an emergency.
• Keep a copy of the current Handbook for the School Bus Driver and refer to it periodically for guidance and to answer questions.
• Maintain discipline of students assigned to ride the bus, establishing a discipline plan consistent with school disciplinary objectives and providing a progressive plan of consequences and rewards.
• Report undisciplined students to the responsible school principal, discharge students only at authorized school or bus stop locations, and transport only authorized students.
• Keep the school bus clean and free of papers, bottles, cans, food wrappers, and other items that may present a safety problem.
• Report all accidents as required by the Transportation Director and remain at the scene of the accident until released by the on‑scene transportation supervisor.
• Complete personal time cards and required reports, including reports required in the event of an accident or incident aboard the bus.
• Remain in charge of all students aboard the bus at the time of an accident, determining the existence and extent of injuries and maintaining the safety of all passengers.
• Secure the assigned bus before leaving the vehicle at the conclusion of a run or route, including parking the vehicle properly, performing a visual inspection for damage or remaining passengers, and securing all windows and doors.
• Maintain acceptable relationships with parents/guardians of students and with school personnel.

High‑school graduation and some experience driving large vehicles with experience in transporting humans preferred; or any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides 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.

• Physical Requirements: Must be physically able to operate a school bus, quickly decelerate, apply brakes, turn the steering wheel, secure the bus, exit through the rearmost emergency exit, assist passengers in exiting within 20 seconds, and exert up to 50 pounds…