Bus Driver - Trainee

Jeffco Public Schools (Jeffco) is located in Jefferson County, Colorado. It is the second largest school district in Colorado serving 69,000 students across 155 schools. With 14,000 employees, the district is the largest employer in Jefferson County and has provided educational excellence for more than 70 years.

Jeffco embraces the spirit of the West and the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountain region with the county spanning more than 770 square miles running the length of the western edge of the Denver metropolitan area. The district is diverse in both population and geography, from urban to rural, including the mountain communities in the foothills west of Denver.

Overall, Jeffco has 31% of students that qualify for free and reduced lunch, an indicator of poverty, and 34% minority (25% Hispanic) student population. The district is implementing a new strategic plan, Jeffco Thrives 2025 that is focused on providing a world-class education that prepares all Jeffco students for bright and successful futures as local and global citizens. Come join us!

Jeffco Public Schools is a Single-State Employer. All candidates hired by Jeffco Public Schools must reside within the state of Colorado.

Bus Driver
Annual Position
FLSA: Nonexempt
FTE: .75000 , Hours/Day: 6.000 , Days/Year: 182
Salary Plan, Grade, Step: CSE - Bus Driver 182-8 , R48, 1
Pay Range: $26.61 - $32.64 Effective as of: 08-16-2024

Compensation schedules for Jeffco Schools can be found here. Starting salary for non-licensed roles is based on the candidate's relevant work experience and education. Additional considerations may be given for job-specific certifications and skills. Applicants should submit all relevant and verifiable education, training and work experiences at the time of application. Starting Salary for licensed educators is based on the step and lane schedule found here.

The successful new hire or rehired candidate will be responsible to complete and incur the fingerprinting and processing fee of $54.50 through an appropriate fingerprinting vendor and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, within 48 hours of offer acceptance.

SUMMARY: Designed for individuals seeking to become professional school bus drivers. Learn to safely and efficiently operate a bus to ensure the safe transport of passengers. Attend training sessions to understand driving regulations, practicing defensive driving techniques, and becoming familiar with various routes. Learn to perform pre-trip inspections, manage passenger interactions, and handle emergencies. Learn and abide by all Federal, State, and District rules and regulations. Pass a Colorado commercial driver's license (CDL) test upon completion of the training program.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Develop and apply advanced vehicle control techniques to ensure safety and efficiency. Practice additional driving safety measures, such as installing chains, and execute evacuation procedures as needed.

Enhance passenger safety awareness and learn effective passenger conduct management strategies during transit.

Collaborate with Transportation Para-Professionals to strategize behavior management approaches, emergency evacuation protocols, and response to medical emergencies.

Acquire skills in providing attentive care and assistance to passengers during boarding, disembarking, and street crossings.

Master the safe loading and unloading of passengers in wheelchairs using lifts. Gain proficiency in maneuvering wheelchairs on ramps, curbs, and within the bus interior. Learn to secure passengers' wheelchairs and fasten protective safety devices, car seats, lap belts, and T-straps while fostering a professional team dynamic with Transportation Para-Professionals.

Learn to conduct thorough inspections of equipment, instruments, safety devices, and vehicles to ensure compliance and optimal functionality before and after driving duties. Practice maintaining appropriate fuel, engine oil, and coolant levels.

Develop flexibility in driving special day trips, weekend excursions, or nocturnal routes as required.

Master the inspection and maintenance of the interior and exterior cleanliness of assigned buses.

Hone organizational skills by preparing and submitting records in a timely manner and maintain accurate route folders.

Develop proficiency in handling Pony Mail transfers to and from the bus and distribute them to designated schools or locations.

Learn effective communication skills by promptly reporting emergencies, breakdowns, delays, and accidents to the Transportation Manager.

Embrace additional responsibilities as assigned, fostering continuous learning and skill development.

Perform other duties as assigned

EXPERIENCE: No experience required. Previous truck or bus driving experience preferred. Experience working with children preferred.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING: High school diploma/GED preferred.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES & REGISTRATIONS: Must be 21 years of age and must maintain a valid Colorado driver's license with good driving history (must provide driving record at time of hire). Must obtain Commercial driver's license (CDL), Department of Transportation physical exam, and "B" License with P2-S endorsement upon completion of District training (within two weeks after hire), subject to random/post accident/reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing. CPR/First Aid within 90 days after hire.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Must demonstrate the ability to learn to operate various school buses, wheelchair lifts and restraining equipment; and bus wash upon completion of District training (within two weeks after hire).
The physical requirements, mental requirements and work environment factors described below 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.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to walk; climb or balance; and taste or smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus

MENTAL FUNCTIONS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to compare, communicate, use interpersonal skills, and negotiate. The employee is frequently required to analyze, coordinate, compute, evaluate, and compile. The employee is occasionally required to copy, instruct, and synthesize.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts; fumes or airborne particles; and vibration. The employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; toxic or caustic chemicals; and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

Jeffco Salary Schedules

Jeffco Benefits

The Jefferson County School District does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, pregnancy, or gender.