Bus Driver

Primary Purpose:

To provide safe and reliable transportation service by operating various school buses in transporting pupils to and from school as well as related activities. Maintains the highest level of ethical behavior with Campus Administrators, fellow employees and our community.

Education / Certification:

1. High School Diploma or GED is preferred.
2. Class B CDL License with P&S endorsements with an acceptable motor vehicle record as determined by the Department of Transportation and the Texas Education Agency. Motor vehicle records will be reviewed annually to ensure compliance with DOT and TEA standards.
3. Texas School Bus Driver Safety Training Certificate.

Special Knowledge / Skills:

1. Tact and diplomacy required in dealing with students, parents and all school district personnel.
2. Requires a high degree of attention and considerable dexterity in the control of the school bus. 
3. Must practice defensive driving at all times and avoid vehicular and industrial accidents by practicing safe driving and work habits.
4. Must have the ability to maintain effective pupil behavior management over groups of children.     

Experience / Other Requirements:

1. Experience as a commercial driver is preferred.
2. Must be at least 21 years of age.
3. Must pass a DOT health screening, drug-alcohol test, and criminal background check. 
4. Must be able to communicate effectively with parents, students and administrators.
5. As a safety sensitive employee, you will be subject to random substance abuse screening under Comal ISD policy. Must satisfactorily complete and pass all CDL training requirements within 30 days from start of training and attend safety meetings and in-service meetings in order to remain qualified.  
6. Ability to lift and assist students when necessary must be able to lift a minimum of 50pounds.
7. Must be willing to be certified in CPR & CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) if assigned a Special Needs routes.

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Operates school bus in a safe manner in accordance with state and federal laws and Comal ISD policy.
2. Transports students over assigned route, observing all traffic laws and safety regulations.
3. Performs vehicle Pre- and Post-trip inspections in accordance with state laws and Comal ISD policy on a daily basis.
4. Reports any mechanical problems to shop personnel in accordance with Comal ISD procedure and does not operate an unsafe vehicle.
5. Must be able to physically assist passengers in evacuation of the vehicle in case of emergency.
6. Must report to duty on time and maintain their route on time and in a safe manner.
7. Must immediately report any accident or incident per Comal ISD policy.
8. Exercises student management through communication and discipline per Comal ISD policy.
9. Report any difficulties or changes in students needs to the Area Supervisor.
10. Required to keep the interior of the assigned vehicle clean and presentable.
11. Required to present and maintain a neat and clean professional appearance and personal hygiene at all times.
12. Must make sure vehicle is properly fueled according to Comal ISD procedures.
13. Must complete all required paperwork (including route change sheets, time recording, and vehicle repair requests) and submit in a timely manner.
14. Maintains a cooperative attitude with fellow employees, supervisors, parents, and school personnel; always promoting teamwork.
15. Required to prepare vehicle for inclement weather conditions. Securing buses, shutting off all power and closing all windows.
16. Must be able to follow route(s) and adhere to established schedules.
17. Responsible to keep current Class B CDL license w/ P&S endorsements, TEA certifications and any other requirements.  Notify appropriate personnel of upcoming expirations.
18. Responsible for properly maintaining district records, adhering to all policies set forth by the district for records maintenance and learning the records retention schedule for department records.
19. Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

None.

Equipment Used:

Operate power lifts and ramps, fire extinguisher, evacuation blanket or ramp, first aid kit, body fluids management kit, wheelchair tie downs, seat belts and/or vest restraints, chocks, belt cutter; back support belt and other equipment deemed necessary.

Working Conditions:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Conditions include operating in inclement weather, heat and humidity (most buses are not air conditioned), enduring a bumpy ride, and exposure to possible injury due to traffic accidents.
2. Continual walking (to, inside, and around bus), sitting, standing, squatting, stretching, bending, kneeling, stooping, twisting, turning, climbing bus steps, pushing, pulling, carrying, reaching, repetitive hand and arm motions (steering, driving, shifting), lifting (50 lbs. or more), talking (announcing streets, talking on radio), seeing (traffic lights, inspections, passengers, stopped vehicles, traffic conditions), hearing (traffic sounds, emergency vehicles, passengers, radio, mechanical problems).
3. Must be physically able to climb in and out of the school bus emergency doors to evacuate the bus in an emergency.
4. There is a considerable exposure to dust, traffic fumes, and high noise level from both outside traffic as well as from passengers. 
5. Maintain emotional control under stress; may occasionally work with students with disabilities and/or screaming children and may occasionally deal with life threatening emergencies.