School Bus Driver

Job Description:

• Operates the motor vehicle that could be upwards of 40 feet in length and are typically 71 or 77 passengers in size. The vehicles are powered by gas or diesel fuel. The vehicle has an automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes, unless otherwise noted. Drivers must interact with passengers in a courteous, respectful, and professional manner, and respond to passengers’ requests and/or questions. Drivers are fully responsible for the safety and satisfaction of their passengers.
• Drivers are scheduled for shifts lasting between one (1) hour and fourteen (14) hours. If drivers are performing a home-to-school (HTS) or school-to-home (STH) route, typically this schedule will be a split shift, with two (2) hours in the morning time and two (2) hours in the afternoon. If the driver is scheduled for a charter, this schedule varies greatly, and could consist of 1 hour up to 14 hours in duration. Drivers are not to work past fourteen (14) hours, unless approved by management, and will remain in compliance with the HOS requirements set forth by the US DOT.

Tasks Assigned to the Driver:

• Perform routine walk-around visual inspection on the bus prior to the bus leaving the yard. This includes, but not limited to the lights, brakes, emergency exits, and any other safety devices.
• Report any defects using the ZONAR wand or DVIR, dependent on the vehicle.
• Monitor the entry and exit of passengers using the front service door.
• Interact with passengers, co-workers, and the general public in a courteous, respectful, and professional manner, and be responsive to any questions or requests.
• Assist passengers into the vehicle when use of the wheelchair ramp is required.
• Regulate heating equipment and ventilation of the bus for comfort of the occupants.
• Attend safety meetings as required.
• Maintain a professional appearance, including wearing any company attire and appropriate footwear.
• Operate the two-way radio as needed.

Necessary Skills and Abilities:

• Must have knowledge of safety standards and practices related to bus operations.
• Ability to operate a bus in a safe and efficient manner
• Must have knowledge of applicable motor vehicle laws and regulations
• Ability to interact with others in a professional and courteous manner
• Must have the ability to learn and implement standard procedures, regulations, and requirements with respect to operating buses for the company.
• Must be able to work independently and make sound decisions based on common sense.
• Must be able to speak and write in English.
• Must have reliable transportation to work.
• Must possess and maintain DOT medical certification, CDL with appropriate endorsements, and any other licensure required for operation of the vehicle
• Ability to operate the two-way radio system
• Ability to pass all required security and background checks, including a safe driving record and acceptable work history.
• Must have the ability to perform the physical demands of the position, as outlined in the Physical Demands sections of this job description.

Machinery, Tools, Equipment, Personal Protective Equipment

• School buses with the possibility of power steering, power brakes, power mirrors, hydraulic wheelchair lifts, two-way radio, back-up camera, PA system, HVAC system(s), security cameras, and luggage shelves/racks.
• ZONAR wand for pre/mid/post-trip inspections; or
• Carbon copy DVIR for the above inspections
• Paper, pencil, clipboard
• Road hazard box with reflective triangles

Education / Training

• High school diploma or GED
• Must hold a valid licensure for the vehicle in operation (WILL TRAIN!)
• Class B CDL with S/P Endorsements and air brakes; or
• Class B CDL with S/P Endorsements and hydraulic brake (L) restriction
• Must have experience with driving. Preferred: More than 3 years of experience.

Other Qualifications:

• Must be eligible for employment in the United States, and be able to pass a background check.
• During the past 5 years must not have a conviction or citation for any of the following: more than two (2) moving violations and/or at-fault accidents of any kind; speeding over 15 mph above the speed limit; reckless driving; negligent driving; driving while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs; license suspended/revoked/canceled/restricted; hit and run; vehicular homicide; vehicular assault; eluding law enforcement; leaving the scene of an accident.
• During the past 3 years, must not have had an unfavorable result on a Department of Transportation drug and/or alcohol test.
• Must have valid DOT Medical Certification.
• Must be able to communicate effectively in both verbal and written English.