Bus Driver

About the role

The Bus Driver provides safe, courteous, and comfortable transportation for elementary, middle, and high school children on daily bus routes. Responsibilities include assisting children with boarding and exiting the bus, loading/unloading, and implementing safety measures during drills or emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Know, recognize, and obey road signs and signals by meaning, shapes, sounds, and colors.
• Exercise defensive driving skills, including self-control, alertness, foresight, and good judgment while operating the school bus.
• Conduct thorough pre-trip and post-trip inspections of the school bus.
• Maintain routes and schedules as planned by the local school board.
• Remain alert to hazards such as poor weather conditions, other vehicles, road conditions, and trains at railroad crossings.
• Report hazards along existing routes to appropriate school officials.
• Keep the exterior of the bus clean and adjust mirrors as needed; maintain a clean and sanitary interior, enforcing rules against eating and drinking on the bus.
• Transport only authorized students and maintain student discipline on the bus; report discipline referrals to the principal and Transportation Director.
• Exercise responsible leadership during out-of-district school trips when assigned.
• Complete reports on bus discipline as required by the local school board.
• Ensure students do not stand in the stepwell, loading area, or where they could fall out of the bus or obstruct the driver’s view.
• Report all accidents and notify the Director of Transportation or Shop Foreman of mechanical failures or schedule delays.
• Participate in semi-annual safety and procedures training.
• Perform at least two school bus evacuation drills each school year using appropriate emergency procedures.
• Complete basic written reports and follow written route instructions.
• Lead and attend staff meetings/trainings; serve on staff committees.
• Assume responsibility for professional growth, staying current with literature, research, and maintaining required licensure/qualifications.
• Maintain and accept responsibility for district-owned assets assigned to you, following district policies for acceptable use.
• Undergo periodic evaluations according to state and board policy procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with the Employee Conduct Policy, district, state, and federal policies, and the Mississippi Educator Code of Conduct.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Board of Education, superintendent, administrator, director, or district policy.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Current MDE Driver Certification or ability to obtain it.
• Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with “P” and “S” endorsements or ability to obtain.
• Pass a background check and agility test.
• Current DOT/Non-DOT physical or ability to obtain.
• Satisfactory participation in DOT Random Testing.
• Ability to complete basic written reports and follow written instructions.
• Regular, dependable, in-person attendance is essential.

Physical Demands

The physical demands include abiding by all health requirements set forth for school bus drivers. While performing duties, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear and frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands for fine manipulation, handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms. Occasionally, the employee may need to stoop, kneel, reach, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required include close vision.

Work Environment

The work environment is not a standard office setting but encompasses the entire active school campus, both inside and outside facilities. Noise levels are usually low to moderate but can occasionally be high.