Bus Driver

About the role

This position involves operating a school bus on scheduled routes and trips under all weather conditions, while ensuring the safety and control of student passengers. The role requires regular service, inspection, and cleaning of buses and related equipment, as well as accurate completion of required forms and records. The driver must be available, reliable, flexible, and adaptable to varying work hours and conditions.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate a school bus on scheduled routes and/or on all types of trips in support of district approved activities, both within and outside the school district boundaries
• Service, inspect and clean school buses and related equipment as required by state and district policy and/or procedures
• Operate and service all school bus equipment and accessories including but not limited to fire extinguishers, highway warning kits, snow chains, sanders, first aid kits, etc.
• Perform required operational and safety inspections of the school bus and all related equipment
• Maintain control of student passengers as related to safety
• Report unsafe acts or conditions which require the attention of the Transportation Supervisor, the Dispatcher, shop personnel or other school district officials
• Maintain a neat, clean personal appearance; work apparel should be appropriate for a professional and safe work environment
• At all times obey the laws of the State of Washington and regulations promulgated by the Superintendent of Public Instruction and State Board of Education regarding the operation of a school bus
• Perform other school bus driver related duties as directed by local school district policies, regulations and/or procedures
• Communicate effectively, responsibly and accurately with students, parents, co-workers and other school district staff
• Perform basic first aid as appropriate, which may include CPR
• Legibly and accurately complete state and district forms, records, timesheets, trip requests, route studies, trouble reports, misconduct reports, accident reports, and other clerical type activities as may be required
• Due to the characteristics of pupil transportation, must be available, reliable, flexible and adaptable to varying work hours and conditions
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities
• Assist in upholding and enforcing school rules, administrative regulations, and board policies
• Must have regular and consistent attendance

Qualifications

• Must be 21 years of age or older
• Must have a minimum of five years driving experience and provide a complete bus driver abstract from the Department of Licensing
• Successfully complete school bus driver training programs and courses established by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction and/or the school district prior to employment
• Must possess a valid Washington State School Bus Driver's Authorization
• Must meet and maintain school bus driver requirements set forth in WAC 392-144
• Ability to uphold board policies and follow administrative procedures
• Hearing capability must be sufficient to detect and distinguish traffic sounds occurring from any direction outside the bus, such as horns, whistles, sirens, trains, bells, etc., from a distance which will allow adequate time for defensive or evasive action to avoid a hazardous situation
• Vision must be 20/40 in best eye, with or without correction; approximately 140 degrees peripheral, which as a single criteria shall not be excluding; and depth perception adequate to reasonably determine distance and closing rate of other moving vehicles from a stationary or moving school bus. Eye coordination to avoid diplopia; color vision must be adequate to distinguish the colors of red, green and amber of a traffic light
• Ability to operate all hand and foot controls installed in a school bus as required by Washington State (minimum) School Bus Specifications
• Must be able to meet the physical and mental standards necessary to perform the duties, tasks and responsibilities of a school bus driver as described in this job posting
• Must be able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in written work
• Demonstrated ability to work as a team member and be able to project a positive, friendly and caring attitude toward others
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with people through organizational skills and commitment to follow through on task
• Must possess sufficient strength and agility to assist ill, injured or physically impaired students to enter or exit a school bus through the passenger service door and/or emergency exits as a normal routine, or when the bus has been damaged or has otherwise been rendered inoperable
• Must possess valid first aid and CPR cards (or obtain upon employment) and be willing to keep cards current
• Scores on district-administered achievement test which indicate appropriate skill and which are consistent with established standards

Education

High school diploma and/or equivalent; prior job related experience with increasing levels of responsibility

Pay

4.25 hours/day, 191 days/year. Pay Range: PSE 2 Salary Schedule

Benefits

This position is not eligible for medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance in accordance with the School Employee Benefits Board rules and regulations. Paid time off and other benefits are offered in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Public School Employees of Kelso Chapter #2.

Schedule

4.25 hours/day, 191 days/year