Bus Driver

Key Responsibilities

• Participate in an annual review, including onboard observation of your road performance by a State Certified School Bus Instructor.
• Attend a combination of annual classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training to ensure:
• Safe and efficient vehicle operation.
• Proficiency in running a fixed route, including loading, and unloading children, stopping at railroad crossings, and performing other specialized driving maneuvers.
• Basic first aid administration in case of injury.
• Emergency procedures, including vehicle evacuation.
• Operation of special equipment like wheelchair lifts and restraints.

Driving The Route

• Assist the Bus Aide in ensuring the safety and well-being of children.
• Follow the safest and most efficient assigned route, as determined by the Lead Bus Driver, the Transportation & Facilities Manager, and the Area Manager.
• Maintain the route schedule and inform parents of stop locations and times.
• Safeguard children by ensuring they are properly restrained before starting the bus engine in the afternoon.
• Ensure children are released only to authorized individuals.
• Safely load and unload children as per Centro's Transportation Manual.

Vehicle Maintenance

• Monitor and maintain all vehicle fluid levels.
• Keep the vehicle interiors clean.
• Clean the vehicle exterior as weather allows.

Other Duties

• Provide support for center-level Parent Night’s by offering transportation or other assistance as assigned.
• Perform a daily playground health and safety checklist when assigned by the Lead Bus Driver.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Current in-state Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a School Bus and Passenger endorsement or other state-specific criteria.
• CPR and First Aid Certification.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is preferred.

Physical Demands And Working Conditions

• Driving in various weather conditions.
• Able to lift to 55 pounds.
• Moderate to loud noise level in the work environment.

Why You'll Love It

• We are passionate about our work and the incredible children and families we have the privilege to support.
• We have been dedicated to Community and Family Engagement since 1975, have been operating Head Start Programs since 1991, and have experience managing programs in challenging, isolated, and underserved areas.
• Our curricula and programs are rooted in science, and we are committed to the professional growth of minority communities.
• Plus, our team includes bilingual and bicultural staff to ensure inclusive and culturally sensitive care.

Salary Description

$17.31-$23.80 per hour