Bus Driver Trainee (SY26-27)

About the role

Under immediate supervision, is responsible for learning to safely operate a passenger bus used to transport students and for performing minor maintenance tasks; performs related duties as required.

Training program requirements

Candidates accepted into the training program must fulfill the following requirements to successfully promote to a bus driver:

• Pass background check
• Pass drug test
• Pass physical
• Obtain required permit(s)
• Pass training program
• Obtain required CDL licensure — licensure MUST be obtained within 2 weeks from completion of training

Candidates who do not pass the required training course and/or do not obtain the required licensure within the deadline will be released from the position.

Examples of work

• Learns to drive a school bus on established routes, field trips, extra-pay trips, and athletic routes picking up and discharging students at designated locations
• Learns to assist students with special needs to insure their safe transport
• Learns to insure that all special needs equipment is utilized properly
• Learns to supervise the behavior of the students on the bus through verbal direction for the purpose of their safety
• Learns to conduct emergency evacuation drills to train students in proper safety evacuation procedures
• Learns to consult with principal or designee when behavior problems arise that cannot be resolved on the bus
• Learns to clean and wax interior and exterior of bus using a broom, mop or cloth to insure cleanliness as needed
• Learns to perform pre-trip inspection each time the bus leaves the compound and learns to maintain appropriate records
• Learns to develop a route directional map
• Learns to report all mechanical defects in writing to maintenance personnel to schedule repair
• Learns to follow various departmental procedures as documented in the Bus Driver Handbook

Minimum qualifications

• Possession of a valid OHIO driver's license
• Five (5) years of legal driving experience
• Must be at least 21 years of age

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Thorough knowledge of the Ohio Motor Vehicle Laws
• Thorough knowledge of Ohio Pupil Transportation Operation and Safety Rules and Procedures
• Thorough knowledge of Ohio Commercial Driver's License Standards
• Considerable knowledge of daily school bus maintenance procedures
• Skill in safe school bus operation
• Ability to enforce pupil safety procedures
• Ability to interact successfully with pre-school, elementary, middle, high school, and students with special needs
• Ability to interact successfully with principals and teachers
• Ability to read and understand written information
• Ability to recognize bus malfunction from clash gauges or unusual noises
• Ability to read and understand a map
• Ability to add oil, water, windshield washer fluid, and antifreeze when needed
• Ability to modify time schedule by addition and/or subtraction of times
• Ability to maintain written records

Pay

This position starts at $18.50 per hour. After successful completion of the training program this position has the potential to become a permanent Bus Driver at $23.04 per hour.