School Bus Operator

About the role

This position is responsible for transporting students to and from school bus stops, extracurricular activities, planned events, and school facilities while ensuring their safety and adherence to established driving procedures and safety precautions.

Responsibilities

• Operates transportation vehicle with heightened awareness of driving conditions and surroundings, following safety precautions and driving procedures.
• Stops vehicle at assigned locations and assists passengers on and off; assumes responsibility for passenger safety.
• Instructs children in safety precautions, conducts emergency evacuation drills, takes attendance, and verifies students boarding and exiting the bus.
• Maintains discipline on the bus; reports unruly behavior to school administrators and route managers.
• Signals children when to cross streets or highways and ensures their safe crossing before departure.
• Performs pre- and post-trip safety inspections using the department checklist; maintains vehicle cleanliness and sanitation.
• Ensures the bus meets regular mechanical maintenance schedules; reports vehicle defects or issues to superiors and monitors mechanical condition (e.g., gasoline, oil, fluids, tires, brakes).
• Works with transportation staff to plan and operate safe and efficient routes; reports route concerns to the route manager.
• Prepares daily logs and reports of transportation activities.
• Familiarizes Bus Assistants with transportation procedures and emergency evacuation protocols.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Valid Class “B” Commercial Driver License with passenger, school bus, and air brake endorsements.
• Minimum of 5 years holding a driver’s license.
• Must pass a DOE physical.
• May be required to possess and maintain a current First Aid Certificate and/or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certificate.
• Must not have any of the following DOT disqualifiers:
  • DUI, DWI, or BUI convictions.
  • Leaving the scene of an accident.
  • Reckless driving.
  • More than 8 points on driving record in the last 5 years due to traffic violations.
  • Insulin-dependent diabetes.
  • Heart implant.
  • Seizures or epilepsy.

Skills

• Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions.
• Knowledge of Florida motor vehicle laws, rules, and regulations.
• Knowledge of District School Board policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of record-keeping principles and practices.
• Knowledge of safety principles, practices, and equipment related to the work.
• Knowledge of First Aid and CPR procedures.
• Knowledge of techniques for managing children, parents, and situations that may arise during transportation.
• Knowledge of medical and mechanical equipment used by disabled students.
• Ability to drive a school bus or van skillfully and safely.
• Ability to maintain accurate records of work performed.
• Ability to use a two-way radio.
• Knowledge of defensive driving techniques.
• Ability to read and understand road signs.
• Ability to maintain order and discipline on a school bus with 16 or more students.
• Ability to operate special needs-equipped buses.
• Ability to think clearly and take effective action in emergency situations.
• Ability to make sound decisions under pressure.
• Ability to control students, give orders, and gain compliance.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with parents and others contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to deal effectively with disabled/special needs individuals and those requiring assistance.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to drive a school bus or other vehicle and assist special needs/disabled students in loading and unloading.
• Lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Read printed materials and communicate in person and over a radio.
• Perform physical tasks including climbing, crouching, feeling, fingering, grasping, handling, hearing, kneeling, mental acuity, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, talking, visual acuity, and walking.

Working Conditions

Employees in this position work in a safe and secure environment that may periodically have unpredicted requirements or demands.

Pay

Pay Grade: Educational Support - 14 (as per the ESP Salary Schedule).