Cranston Public Schools is hiring experienced school bus drivers as well as seeking a number of individuals who would like to train to become a school bus driver. Cranston offers competitive wages and an excellent benefits package. Successful hires will become school department employees and members of Local 1322 of the Laborers' Union International. Driver trainees start at $15.00 per hour.

A bus driver, under general supervision, operates a school bus on assigned route(s) and schedule to provide safe and efficient transportation so that students may enjoy the fullest possible advantage from the programs and offerings of the school system. Work involves performing pre-and post-trip inspections of the bus; operating a bus; obeying all traffic laws and school bus regulations while operating the bus; observing all safety regulations and standards for school buses and maintaining discipline of students assigned to ride the bus.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Employee is also responsible for completing all required reports and securing the assigned bus before leaving the vehicle at the conclusion of a run or route.
• Employee must exercise tact and courtesy in maintaining acceptable relations with parents/guardians of students transported and with school personnel.
• Reports mechanical defect(s) or failure(s) to either the Lead Mechanic, Transportation Supervisor, or Director of Transportation.
• In the event the assigned school bus is declared unfit for service, performs pre- and post-trip inspections on substitute school bus.
• In accordance with Transportation Department Operating Instructions for bus drivers, performs required post-trip inspection, to detect students who may still be on board the school bus asleep or incapacitated and to detect any other irregularities or vandalism to the bus interior.
• Establishes a discipline plan that is consistent with school disciplinary objectives, as stated by the Director, and which provides a clear, progressive plan of consequences for students who cause disciplinary problems and rewards for those who maintain proper school bus safety standards.
• Discharges students only at the authorized school or bus stop locations.
• Keeps the school bus clean and free of papers, bottles, cans, food wrappers and other items which may present a safety problem.
• Reports all accidents as required by Transportation Operating Instructions and remains at the scene of the accident until released by the on-scene transportation supervisor.
• Completes personal time card and required reports, including reports required in the event of an accident or incident aboard the school bus.
• Remains in charge of all students aboard the bus at the time of an accident, determining the existence and extent of any injuries and maintaining the safety of all passengers.
• This includes parking the vehicle properly, making a visual inspection of the bus to check for damage and the possibility of remaining passengers and securing all windows and doors to protect the interior of the vehicle.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• CDL License; Class B with School bus and passenger endorsement
• Pass National BCI

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be required to sit for extended periods of time; bend at the waist, kneel or crouch; use close vision, color vision, peripheral vision and depth perception; and speak, hear and communicate effectively; The employee must be able to reach with hands and arms and display dexterity of hands and fingers.

Work environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be exposed to an environment typical of a bus driver. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud, and can be noisy at times. The employee will be exposed to a variety of childhood and adult diseases and illnesses, and weather conditions.

EVALUATION:

Performance of this job will be evaluated annually in accordance with provisions of the Bus Driver contract.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.