Bus Driver

Bus Driver

Dept/Div: Transportation                                                                FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

General Definition of Work

Transport students to and from school and other sites within designated route(s) and to ensure the safety of the student passengers while in and around a school vehicle. Receives general supervision within a framework of standard policies and procedures. Responsible for the safe operation of a school bus and for ensuring the safety of student passengers while meeting established bus schedules. 

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below 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.

Essential Functions

• Drives a school vehicle within a prescribed route(s) in accordance with time schedules.
• Picking up and discharging students at designated stops.
• May operate a special ramp bus; loads and unloads students in wheelchairs on and off the bus, inspecting wheelchairs for operational safety; operates ramp; positions and secures wheelchairs in the bus.
• Transports students and staff on field trips to various locations; planning necessary route(s) and stops as needed.
• Maintains order and proper discipline of student passengers according to district policy.
• Conducts daily safety and operational inspection of assigned vehicles.
• Reports needed mechanical repairs when necessary and appropriate.
• Services buses with gas, diesel fuel, and oil; checks when necessary.
• Performs periodical safety drills as required by law; completing necessary reports upon request.
• Maintains cleanliness of vehicle to ensure safe operating condition.
• Completes periodic mileage and other reports including passenger counts.
• Attends various meetings regarding safety, first aid, and training updates as required.
• Attends driver training programs to maintain current knowledge of Iowa Motor Vehicle and Education Codes as it applies to the operation of vehicles in the transportation of school children.
• Ability to speak clearly and intelligibly in radio communications.
• Effectively handles emergency situations, parent complaints, and special bussing requests.
• Ability to establish and maintain proper student conduct on school vehicles.
• Washes the bus as needed.
• Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Understands handbooks, procedures, and policies.  Ability to understand and follow simple oral and written directions; ability to read; ability to display thoroughness and cleanliness; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, students, and parents..

Education and Experience

High school diploma or GED, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Physical Requirements

This work requires the regular exertion of up to 10 pounds of force, frequent exertion of up to 25 pounds of force and occasional exertion of up to 50 pounds of force; work has no physical activity requirements; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; work requires visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, using of measuring devices, assembly or fabrication of parts within arm’s length, operating machines, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities; work occasionally requires wet, humid conditions (non-weather), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals and exposure to bloodborne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).

Special Requirements

• Valid Commercial Driver's License, (CDL), with passenger & airbrake endorsement and the Iowa School Bus Operator's permit.