Bus Driver

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The purpose of the position is to safely transport students to and from various schools, bus stops, extracurricular activities, planned events, and school facilities. Drivers in this classification are responsible for assisting students in and out of the transportation vehicle. Tasks may involve the ability to exert moderate physical effort, involving some combination of reaching or bending, and that may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (12-50 pounds). Performs related work as necessary.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

• Operates transportation vehicle with a heightened awareness of driving conditions and surroundings and in observance of established safety precautions and driving procedures.
• Meet all requirements as set forth by Federal and State regulations.
• If applicable, ensure that passengers are fastened securely and properly in seats, car seats, or seat belts when the bus is stationary and in motion, according to the criteria developed by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
• Assures timely pick-up and discharge of all passengers.
• Adheres to all traffic laws.
• Stops vehicle at assigned locations and destinations, and assists passengers on and off vehicle (if needed); renders sensitive assistance to riders with special needs; assumes responsibility for the safety of all passengers.
• Instructs children in safety precautions and practices; maintains discipline; reports unruly behavior to school administrator.
• Signals children when to cross the street or highway and assures that children have safely crossed before departure of the bus.
• Performs safety inspections and general maintenance of the vehicles; maintains vehicle cleanliness and sanitation.
• Assists with planning and operation of transportation routes; identifies efficient routes for daily activities; prepares daily logs and reports of transportation activities.
• Assures bus meets regular maintenance schedules: reports defects or problems with vehicle to supervisor.
• Works with transportation staff to effectively and safely provide public school system transportation.
• Familiarizes Bus Assistants with all phases of emergency evacuation; coordinates with volunteers to assist as necessary.
• Attends required in-service training.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities:
Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions.
Ability to read and write English.
Knowledge of all local, State, and Federal driving laws and regulations as they relate to public transportation.
Knowledge of transportation vehicle operations and general maintenance.
Considerable knowledge of City roads and transportation routes; ability to read and interpret public road maps.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental personnel, students, and faculty.
Skill in providing sensitive customer service to special needs individuals.
Skill in the operation of transportation vehicles.
Ability to climb, bend, stoop, kneel, reach, sit stand, crawl under vehicles, and walk unaided.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Ability to work outdoors for extended periods of time with exposure to fluctuations in temperature and weather.
Ability to work flexible hours.
Knowledge of basic School District work policies and guidelines; knowledge of departmental practices and procedures.

Education / Certifications / Experience:
CPR/First Aid Certification preferred; High School Diploma or GED; supplemented by one (1) two (2) years experience in student transportation, public transportation or related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Must possess and maintain the appropriate commercial driver's license (Passenger/Student endorsement) valid in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and an acceptable driving record. Must meet the physical requirements as prescribed by the Department of Transportation of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

Must have the ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time; exhibit manual dexterity to dial a telephone, to enter data into a computer; to see and read a computer screen and printed material with or without vision aids; hear and understand speech at normal classroom levels, outdoors and on the telephone; speak in audible tones so that others may understand clearly in normal classrooms, outdoors and on the telephone; physical agility to lift up to 25 pounds; and to bend, stoop, climb stairs, and reach overhead.