Bus Driver

General Responsibilities

The position is responsible for operating and transporting school‑aged children and other authorized personnel safely and efficiently to and from schools and special events. Applicants will complete classroom and behind‑the‑wheel training organized by the Office of Transportation Services and earn a Virginia commercial driver’s license (CDL). Drivers, assistants, and substitutes hired by the school division are paid for training time.

Fully benefited bus drivers and assistants receive a full range of benefits, including health insurance, dental insurance, sick leave, personal reasons leave, life insurance, disability coverage, a wellness program, and flexible hours.

• Conduct a daily pre‑trip safety inspection of the vehicle prior to transporting children according to state‑mandated guidelines.
• Conduct semi‑annual bus evacuation drills as required by the Department of Education.
• Report operating and equipment deficiencies.
• Maintain safety equipment and report unsafe bus conditions.
• Adhere to the preventive maintenance schedule.
• Complete required forms and reports in an accurate and timely manner.
• Obey all traffic laws and observe mandatory safety regulations for school bus operations.
• Maintain assigned schedule and discharge students only at authorized stops.
• Transport only authorized students.
• Load bus according to established procedures.
• Assign seats to all students and follow the designated route schedule.
• Ensure that all pupils are accounted for and all runs are covered.
• Transport students on field trips, athletic events, and other extracurricular events, often in the evening and at night as assigned.
• Ensure passenger safety and maintain discipline on bus.
• Conduct periodic emergency bus evacuation drills.
• Notify proper authorities in case of bus breakdown or deviation in schedule.
• Report all accidents immediately, requesting police or ambulance service as needed; complete required accident reports.
• Wash bus; clean bus inside and out; fuel bus as required.
• Make bus available for periodic maintenance.
• Attend all scheduled meetings.
• Perform related work as required.

Possess good knowledge of the procedures and federal/state laws governing the safe operation of a school bus; general knowledge of the problems involved in operating a school bus; knowledge of the geography of the city and the location of streets; skill in the safe operation of a school bus; ability to operate the vehicle safely over an assigned route according to a definite time schedule, which may require driving during pre‑daylight and dusk periods;

ability to detect malfunctioning equipment; ability to assist children with patience and understanding; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school officials, parents, associates, and students.

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• A comparable amount of training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.

Must have the use of sensory skills to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public, which includes seeing, reading, talking, hearing, handling, and feeling objects and controls. Frequent sitting, grasping, repetitive motion, reaching, and driving. Occasional walking, standing, bending, balancing, climbing, and fingering. Work involves moderate exposure to extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, extreme vibrations, hazards such as moving vehicles and mechanical parts, and/or loud noises.

Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally and over 50 pounds rarely. Requires timely and regular adherence to established work schedules. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks.

• Possession of a valid Virginia Commercial Driver's License.
• Completion of the Bus Driver Training Program offered by the school system.
• Have a yearly physical examination as required by the Code of Virginia and regulations of the Board of Education.
• Regular and reliable attendance is essential.

Director of Transportation.

Full range of benefits including health insurance, dental insurance, sick/annual leave, paid life insurance, disability coverage, wellness program, tuition reimbursement, professional development, and membership in the Virginia Retirement System. Paid CDL training is also offered.