Bus Driver Class 3 - Lead Driver

Bus Driver Class 3 - Lead Driver

Des Moines Public School District Transportation – Des Moines, Iowa.

Title: Bus Driver Class 3 - Lead Driver

Department: Transportation

Reports To: Director of Transportation

Position Type: Full Time

FLSA Status: Non Exempt

Schedule: 230 days, 8‑hour day

Starting Date: To Be Determined

Basic Function: Operate a school bus in a safe and efficient manner, providing continuous independent judgment and ensuring passenger safety.

• Provide guidance and training to bus drivers and associates as directed.
• Operate the school bus safely, effectively, and proficiently.
• Perform visual bus safety inspection at the start of each route.
• Comply with all pre‑trip and post‑trip procedures and expectations.
• Report all vehicle damage and repair items using established procedures.
• Maintain interior and exterior cleanliness and appearance of the school bus.
• Maintain appropriate student behavior on the bus and report policy infractions.
• Assist in preventing loss or damage to property and mechanical issues.
• Maintain a Motor Vehicle Record that meets District guidelines.
• Assist in inspection, operation, and use of specialized equipment for students with additional accommodations (e.g., wheelchairs, safety vests).
• Complete required online training modules.
• Utilize a computer for District and Department email communications and online training.
• Attend professional development sessions.
• Adhere to District policies and Department work procedures.

• Attend work on a prompt and regular basis.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Maintain satisfactory and harmonious working relationships with the public, students, and other employees.
• Assist with other duties as may be assigned.

Required:

• Twenty (20) years of age or older.
• Ability to obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) prior to hire.
• Ability to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) within 60 days of hire.
• Working knowledge of city and school locations.
• Ability to use a computer to complete required online training.
• Effective communication skills.
• For internal candidates: meets or better rating on employee evaluation criteria, ≤10 days of absence in the past 12 months, zero formal discipline incidents, and meets all other stated requirements.

Desired:

• Ability to support the behavioral, health, and safety needs of students, including those with additional accommodations.

• Standing – Occasional 1%‑32%
• Walking – Occasional 1%‑32%
• Sitting – Constant 67%+
• Bending/Stooping – Occasional 1%‑32%
• Reaching/Pushing/Pulling – Frequent 33%‑66%
• Climbing/Stairs – Occasional 1%‑32%
• Driving – Constant 67%+
• Lifting (75 lbs.) – Occasional 1%‑32%
• Carrying (10 ft.) – Occasional 1%‑32%
• Telephone – Occasional 1%‑32%
• Computer – Occasional 1%‑32%
• Other – Occasional 1%‑32%

• Inside – Frequent 33%‑66%
• Outside – Frequent 33%‑66%
• Extremes of temperature/humidity – Frequent 33%‑66%

• Insurance (health, dental, vision) as per District policy.
• Retirement plan contributions.
• Paid time off.
• Professional development opportunities.