School Bus Driver

Time Schedule: 9–12 months. Salary: $28.60–$31.77 per hour. Reports to: Director of Transportation & Executive Director of Operations. Employment Status: Classified – Regular. FLSA Status: Non-Exempt. Probationary Period: 120 days.

About the role

Safely transport students to and from school and all school-related events; comply with federal and state laws, and board of education rules and mandates that pertain to school bus drivers.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• Possess and maintain a valid State of Ohio Class B commercial driver's license (CDL) with school bus endorsement
• Must pass annual medical physical
• Must complete bus driver recertification every six years as required by state law
• Required to pass random drug and alcohol testing
• Pass BCI background check
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Supervisor and/or Board of Education may find appropriate

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to work effectively with others
• Ability to communicate ideas and directives clearly and effectively both orally and in writing
• Ability to read and understand verbal and written instructions, written warnings and labels
• Effective active listening skills
• Organizational and problem-solving skills
• Basic first aid
• Familiar with all materials in Ohio Pre-service Bus Driver Training Manual
• Familiar with all materials in Ohio Pupil Transportation Operation and Safety Rules
• Obey all traffic laws
• Observe all mandatory safety regulations for school buses
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to read and understand road maps
• Trained in student management, and handling of special needs children
• Ability to log in and navigate district required software, e.g., Public SchoolWorks, email, etc.
• Such alternatives to the above knowledge, skills, and abilities as the Supervisor and/or Board of Education may find appropriate

Essential Functions

• Ensure the safety of students
• Transport students safely and efficiently to and from school and school-related events
• Follow assigned bus routes and schedules
• Maintain required records and information
• Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections as required and report problems
• Keep the assigned bus neat and clean
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge and awareness of changes in driving laws as they apply to transporting school children
• Obey all traffic laws
• Observe all mandatory safety regulations for school buses
• Maintain pupil control and report any violations to the proper authorities as prescribed
• Notify the transportation director and mechanics in case of mechanical failure or lateness
• Discharge students only at authorized stops
• Report all accidents and complete required reports
• Report any hazardous conditions along the existing route to the transportation supervisor
• Attend bus driver meetings and be available in the event of emergency dismissal
• Notify the transportation supervisor in case of illness in order to permit time to secure a substitute driver
• Conduct front door, rear door, and combined front and rear door emergency evacuation drills
• Prepare reports, route maps, schedules, pupil lists, and accident reports as required
• Make contact with the public with tact and diplomacy
• Maintain respect at all times for confidential information
• Interact in a positive manner with staff, students, and parents
• Attend meetings and in-services as required
• Immediately report any change in driving status, traffic charges, or convictions, and criminal charges and convictions to the employer
• Promote good public relations
• Such alternatives to the above essential functions as the Supervisor and/or Board of Education may find appropriate

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Warm up the engine gradually in cold weather
• Exercise responsible leadership when on out-of-district school trips
• Maintain records of fuel, oil usage, and mileage
• Make detours on routes when needed
• Occasional requirement to lift students and push wheelchairs
• Occasional requirement to transport students to emergency evacuation locations
• Fill out incident reports regarding the code of student behavior violations
• Conduct a school bus safety program for all bus students in grades K–3 during the first 3 weeks of school as required by state law
• May be asked to participate in discipline meetings with school personnel
• Training to recognize signs of abuse or neglect, and the signs of drug or alcohol abuse
• Follow rules as outlined in the driver's manual
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Transportation Supervisor

Equipment Operated

• Bus
• Other passenger vehicles legal for the transportation of students
• Refueling equipment
• Pressure washer
• Safety equipment on the bus (fire extinguisher)
• Wheelchair lift and wheelchair securement devices
• Mobile communication devices (e.g., two-way radio)
• Required safety equipment found on school vehicles
• First aid kit and body fluid kit
• Various handheld items, e.g., tire iron, oil can, flares, broom, dustpan, flashlight, squeegee

Additional Working Conditions

• Occasional exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and tissue
• Ability to operate the bus or vehicle in inclement weather conditions
• Frequent interaction with unruly children
• Occasional requirement to lift and carry bus supplies up to a maximum of 65 pounds
• Occasional requirement to push and pull up to a maximum of 300 pounds (on wheels)
• Requirement to climb steps on the bus, and to check bus fluids through the bus back emergency door, bumpers to adjust mirrors, or clean the windshield
• Stooping, kneeling, and crouching during inspections
• Requirement to balance when adjusting side mirrors
• Extensive sitting, up to two hours at a time
• Exposure to high levels of noise
• Repetitive hand motion
• Occasional requirement to carry bus students in an emergency evacuation
• Exposure to various fumes, i.e., carbon monoxide and diesel fuel
• Frequently move around the workspace and travel throughout the school building
• Frequently move and position oneself as necessary to access and operate equipment
• Employee shall remain free of any alcohol or non-prescribed controlled substance use in the workplace throughout employment with the District