School Bus Driver

About the Role

A bus driver operates a van or bus over designated routes, transporting school pupils or clients to and from school or other locations. This role may also involve private charter trips and working with loud, disruptive, or special needs individuals.

Responsibilities

• Drive a bus daily over designated routes in accordance with time schedules, loading and unloading pupils or clients at designated locations and schools.
• Transport school pupils and teachers on school activity trips.
• Perform pre- and post-trip safety inspections of the vehicle to ensure it is in proper working order.
• Perform a child check immediately after each run.
• Maintain good order and discipline among school pupils or clients.
• Follow company policies regarding pupil/client management and relations with parents, teachers, guardians, medical practitioners, medical facilities, and the public.
• Verify route turn-by-turn sheets and note any route changes as requested by the Operations Manager or Dispatcher.
• Make additional directional or landmark notations on bus route sheets to assist future new or substitute bus drivers.
• Observe and track route timing, such as total time en-route, time between stops, and loading/unloading times for route efficiency.
• Keep records and submit reports as required.
• Sweep, clean, and refuel buses.
• Report all mechanical deficiencies in writing promptly.
• Instruct students on safe riding practices and perform evacuation drills as directed.
• Escort school pupils across streets as required by law.
• Perform daily inspections of buses and associated equipment prior to transporting passengers.
• Conduct safe riding instruction and perform bus evacuation drills as directed.
• All other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• State-required Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with Passenger and School Bus Endorsements.
• Current report of Driver Physical Examination.
• Demonstrated proficiency in operating assigned vehicles, including extra equipment such as wheelchair lifts and air brakes under all road and weather conditions.
• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle as evidenced by a good driving record.
• Ability to physically perform the essential functions of the job.
• Ability to work in outside weather conditions, including exposure to heat, cold, wet, and/or humid conditions.
• Ability to work in a moderately loud environment.
• Regular and dependable attendance.
• Ability to successfully pass state and/or federal required background checks.
• Compliance with all company policies and procedures.

State-Specific Requirements

• State of California: Class B Commercial Driver’s License with Passenger Endorsement.
• Special Driver’s Certificate for School Bus.
• Current report of Physical Examination (DL51 and DL51A).
• First aid endorsement on the special driver’s certificate or a certificate of training in first aid and CPR, if required by local contract.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• At least 21 years of age with 3 years of driving experience.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving history (CDL preferred but not required).

Physical Requirements

The role involves the following physical tasks with varying frequency:

• Climbing: Frequently (e.g., getting on and off the vehicle to assist challenged riders).
• Walking: Occasionally (e.g., picking up the vehicle in parking lots, walking in bus aisles, inspecting the vehicle).
• Pushing/Pulling: Regularly (e.g., closing doors, pushing wheelchairs, operating emergency equipment).
• Reaching: Regularly (e.g., operating hand and foot controls, checking bus fluids).
• Repetitive Motions: Frequently (e.g., turning the steering wheel, shifting the transmission).
• Sitting: Frequently (e.g., driving a bus; must secure themselves in the factory-installed driver’s seat belt unassisted).
• Talking: Regularly (e.g., announcing streets, communicating with passengers, using the radio).
• Seeing: Frequently (e.g., monitoring traffic conditions, inspecting the vehicle, observing passengers).
• Hearing: Frequently (e.g., listening to traffic sounds, emergency vehicles, passenger inquiries, monitoring the radio).
• Stooping/Stretching: Occasionally (e.g., securing young or challenged passengers, inspecting under the bus).
• Standing: Occasionally (e.g., supervising passenger boarding and exiting, operating lift controls).
• Lifting: Occasionally (e.g., assisting passengers in emergencies, lifting wheelchairs or equipment, performing pre-trip inspections).
• Combination of Above: Rarely (e.g., assisting in simulated or real emergency evacuation situations).

Frequency Ratings: Rarely (1% of the time or less), Occasionally (2-15% of the time), Regularly (16-40% of the time), Frequently (41-100% of the time).