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. Work involves performing pre‑and post‑trip inspections of the bus; operating a bus; obeying all traffic laws and school bus regulations while operating the bus; observing all safety regulations and standards for school buses;

and maintaining discipline of students assigned to ride the bus. 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. Employee must exercise tact and courtesy in maintaining acceptable relations with parents/guardians of students transported and with school personnel. Reports to Director of Transportation for bus driving duties.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs required pre‑trip and post‑trip inspections and documents inspections as required by Transportation Department Operating Instructions for bus drivers.
• Reports mechanical defect(s) or failure(s) to either the Director of Transportation, the Transportation Assistant, or the mechanic on‑duty at school bus garage. If the assigned school bus is declared unfit for service, performs inspections on a substitute school bus.
• Detects students who may still be on board the school bus asleep or incapacitated and any irregularities or vandalism to the bus interior during post‑trip inspection.
• Operates the assigned school bus on the route(s) and schedule provided by the Director of Transportation or the Transportation Assistant.
• Reports changes in student routing to the Director of Transportation or Transportation Assistant when the principal adds or deletes students from the route.
• Obeys all traffic laws and school bus regulations while operating the bus.
• Observes safety regulations and standards for school buses, including clearing the bus and evacuating students quickly in an emergency.
• Maintains a copy of the current Handbook for the School Bus Driver and the Safety Assistant; refers to it periodically for guidance and for answering questions.
• Maintains discipline for students assigned to ride the bus and establishes a discipline plan consistent with school disciplinary objectives, with progressive consequences for misbehavior and rewards for compliance.
• Reports undisciplined students to the responsible school principal. Transports only authorized students and discharges them only at authorized school or bus stop locations.
• Keeps the bus clean and free of papers, bottles, cans, food wrappers and other items that may present a safety problem.
• Reports all accidents as required by Transportation Operating Instructions and remains at the scene until released by the on‑scene transportation supervisor.
• Completes personal time card and required reports, including reports related to any accident or incident aboard the bus.
• Remains in charge of all students aboard the bus during an accident, determining the existence and extent of injuries and maintaining passenger safety.
• Secures the assigned bus before leaving the vehicle at the conclusion of a run or route, ensuring proper parking, visual inspection for damage, removal of the all‑out flag or lifting of the child‑minder alarm, and securing all windows and doors.
• Maintains acceptable relationships with parents/guardians of students transported and with school personnel.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

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

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

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

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Physical Requirements: Must be physically able to operate a school bus, quickly decelerate and apply the brake in emergencies, turn the steering wheel…