School Bus Driver
Licensed commercial driver responsible for safe student transportation
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About Our Organization
We are committed to providing exceptional educational services and creating a positive learning environment for our students, staff, and community. Our organization values integrity, collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to excellence in everything we do.
Position Overview
The School Bus Driver is responsible for safely transporting students to and from school, field trips, and extracurricular activities. This critical shortage area position requires a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with passenger and school bus endorsements. The driver must maintain strict adherence to safety protocols, traffic laws, and district policies while ensuring the well-being of students during transport.
Responsibilities
Student Supervision
- Supervise student behavior and enforce safety rules and regulations
- Monitor students and provide appropriate assistance as needed
- Respond appropriately to emergencies including medical situations and behavioral incidents
- Communicate effectively with students, staff, and parents regarding student behavior and incidents
- Complete required documentation including incident reports and behavior logs
- Maintain order and discipline while fostering a positive environment
- Attend mandatory safety meetings and training sessions on student supervision
Additional Responsibilities
- Safely operate school buses and other district vehicles in compliance with all traffic laws and regulations
- Conduct pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections and report any mechanical issues
- Maintain accurate route schedules and ensure timely arrival at designated stops
- Complete required documentation including route sheets, incident reports, and mileage logs
- Communicate effectively with transportation dispatchers and school staff
- Assist students with special needs including securing wheelchairs and mobility equipment
- Attend mandatory safety meetings, training sessions, and professional development
- Maintain cleanliness and basic maintenance of assigned vehicle
- Follow all district policies, procedures, and transportation department guidelines
Required Qualifications
Commercial Driver's License
Valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class B or higher with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements. Clean driving record with no serious traffic violations. Minimum age of 21 years (as required for CDL).
Additional Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Ability to pass pre-employment and ongoing drug/alcohol screening
- Ability to pass background check and fingerprint clearance
- Physical ability to assist students and operate bus equipment
- Excellent driving skills and knowledge of traffic laws
- Ability to work split shifts (morning and afternoon routes)
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous school bus driving experience
- Experience working with children or in an educational setting
- First Aid and CPR certification
- Defensive driving certification
- Knowledge of local routes and traffic patterns
Skills & Competencies
- Excellent driving skills and defensive driving techniques
- Strong knowledge of traffic laws, regulations, and school bus safety requirements
- Ability to maintain composure and make sound decisions in emergency situations
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills for working with students, parents, and staff
- Patience and ability to manage student behavior appropriately
- Attention to detail for route navigation and vehicle inspections
- Physical ability to assist students with special needs
- Time management and punctuality
- Basic mechanical knowledge for vehicle inspections
Work Environment
For Split Shift Work Schedules
This position requires working split shifts, typically early morning (6:00-9:00 AM) and afternoon (2:00-5:00 PM) routes. The role may require additional hours for field trips, athletic events, or extracurricular activities.
Additional Work Environment Details
This position operates primarily in a school bus or district vehicle, working in all weather conditions and must be prepared for various road and traffic situations. The role involves regular interaction with students, parents, school staff, and transportation department personnel.
Physical Requirements
Physical Demands
This position requires the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull objects weighing up to 50 pounds or more on a regular basis. The role involves frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, and reaching. Employees must be able to work in various weather conditions and environments, including outdoor settings. The position requires manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and the ability to operate tools and equipment safely. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Additional Physical Requirements Specific to Bus Driving
- Ability to sit for extended periods while maintaining alertness
- Ability to assist students with mobility needs including securing wheelchairs
- Sufficient vision and hearing to operate vehicle safely and monitor student behavior
- Ability to perform emergency procedures including evacuation drills
Benefits & Perks
Standard Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, holidays, and professional development opportunities. Additional benefits may vary based on employment status and location.
In Addition to Our Standard Benefits Package
Transportation staff receive:
- Split shift premium pay
- Paid training and CDL renewal assistance
- Annual safety bonus for perfect attendance and safety record
- Uniform allowance and safety equipment provided
- Critical shortage area incentives (as applicable)
Legal & Compliance
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
At-Will Employment
This position is at-will, meaning either the employee or the employer may terminate employment at any time, with or without cause or notice, except as may be limited by applicable law or collective bargaining agreement.
Background Check Policy
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include criminal history, employment verification, and reference checks, as permitted by applicable law.
Safety Sensitive Position & Drug Testing
This is a safety-sensitive position as defined by applicable regulations. All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. Employees in this position are subject to random drug and alcohol testing, post-accident testing, reasonable suspicion testing, and return-to-duty testing as required by law and district policy. A positive test result or refusal to submit to testing may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.