Bus Driver Trainee

Bus Driver Trainee position in the Lucia Mar Unified School District Transportation department.

About the role

The Bus Driver Trainee transports students to and from school, following a preplanned route according to a definite time schedule. Responsibilities include regulating heating equipment and ventilation for passenger comfort, driving carefully in compliance with traffic regulations, and ensuring the safety of school children during loading, unloading, and transport. The role also involves instructing children in safety precautions and practices. Upon successful completion of the training program and meeting all minimum qualifications, the trainee will be promoted to School Bus Driver, including a new six-month promotional probationary period.

Schedule

• 192 work days per year (student days only, following the 192 Day Work Year Calendar)
• Monday through Friday
• 5 hours per day: 6:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Pay

Starting salary placement at $19.52 per hour.

Requirements

• Graduation from high school or its equivalent
• Valid California driver license for at least five years
• Successful DMV clearance to operate and transport students in district vehicles
• Knowledge of vehicle operation associated with a Basic Class C license
• Familiarity with California Vehicle Code and regulations pertaining to pupil transportation in California
• Knowledge of first aid practices
• Ability to read and interpret maps
• Ability to learn to operate a two-way radio using required codes
• Read and write in English at a level sufficient to perform required duties
• Upon successful completion of the bus driver training program, obtain appropriate State licenses to operate all school buses, including current MCSA 5875 and MCSA 5876 Medical Examiner Certificate

Responsibilities

• Attend and complete school bus driver training program
• Drive district vehicle safely in accordance with time schedules; transport students to and from homes, school sites, and on school-related trips
• Transport students, staff, and chaperones to various locations, adhering to departure and return times; collect and carry required forms (e.g., log book, trip sheet, maps)
• Operate a two-way radio
• Oversee loading and unloading of students at bus stops
• Operate special ramps on vehicles; load and unload students in wheelchairs, ensuring safety protocols (e.g., fastening seatbelts, securing wheelchairs)
• Maintain order and enforce district and department policies regarding student discipline; document and report severe cases
• Perform daily pre-trip inspections on assigned vehicles
• Ensure vehicles are maintained in safe and clean operating condition; report mechanical repairs, refuel, and follow security procedures
• Sweep interior of school buses daily; wash windows as needed; assist with other bus maintenance as required by Vehicle Code
• Confer with parents, supervisors, and staff regarding transportation needs; plot, document, and adjust routes for new or dropped students
• Monitor students with special health problems; administer first aid as required and call for emergency assistance when needed
• Maintain records and reports, including daily check-out reports, mileage, routing, maintenance, and time schedules
• Attend meetings, programs, and in-service trainings as assigned
• Keep all required licenses and certificates current
• Notify appropriate individuals of any delays in scheduled routes
• Assist with other routes during breakdowns or unusual circumstances
• Obey all traffic laws and observe safety regulations for school vehicles
• Perform district vehicle evacuation drills for assigned routes each school year
• Assist with supervision of students or other duties at school sites between routes or during emergencies
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Essential Job Functions

Physical

• Stand and sit for extended periods
• See and read printed matter with or without vision aids
• Hear and understand speech at normal levels
• Speak English clearly so others may understand at normal levels
• Stand, walk, stoop, twist, bend over, grasp, reach overhead, push, pull, and move objects up to 25 pounds to waist height; occasionally up to 40 pounds
• Move throughout buildings and school grounds as necessary

Mental

• Concentrate on a single task for up to three hours at a time
• Learn quickly and adapt to technology, machinery, instructions, and task methods
• Meet deadlines for work assignments
• Speak and write in a clear, concise manner

Social

• Interact daily with school staff, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills and cooperative attitudes
• Convey patience and understanding toward students, parents, staff, and community members
• Maintain consistent attendance due to the interdependent nature of the role
• Respect the privacy of confidential information, including student grades and progress

Benefits

Eligibility for classified health plans as per district rates and procedures.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Present a social security card prior to the first day of employment
• Provide proof of tuberculin risk assessment
• Pass State and Federal fingerprint clearances
• Complete all pre-employment training, including Child Abuse Reporting and Sexual Harassment/Abusive Conduct

This position is designated as a Mandated Reporter under California state regulations. The employee is required to report observed, suspected, or actual child or elder/dependent abuse or neglect to appropriate agencies.