Special Events & Activities Driver

JOHNSTON COUNTY SCHOOLS

Job Description

TITLE: Special Events & Activities Driver

JOB GOALS: 

An employee in this position will exhibit high moral character. The Non-Faculty Activity Bus Driver will ensure safety of every student being transported. The driver will ensure that every student will be transported to and from their assigned destination safely and on time. This driver will effectively communicate with the school administration and faculty regarding the details of every assigned field trip to ensure that the needs of the schools are met.  

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or the equivalent from appropriately accredited school. 
• Must be 18 years of age with six (6) months driving experience.
• Must meet all Department of Motor Vehicles requirements as outlined in the School Bus Driver handbook.
• Must possess and maintain a current North Carolina commercial driver’s license with proper endorsements and have an active Bus Driver Certificate.
• Must possess a DOT Medical Card.
• Must pass a DOT drug and alcohol test. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Comply with all federal, state and local laws, policies and regulations, including traffic laws.
• Comply with the bus operating procedures established by Transportation Services.
• Observe all mandatory safety regulations for school and activity buses such as traffic laws and bus inspections.
• Maintain proficiency in driving skills.
• Complete all reports and safety inspections required by Transportation Services.
• Follow assigned bus routes, drop students off only at their assigned destination, and comply with the planned schedule provided by principal or designee; report any necessary changes to the schedule or route to the principal or designee.
• Ensure safety and care for students boarding, riding, and departing the bus. Always use proper loading and unloading procedures.
• Maintain discipline when students are on the bus; report infractions of bus safety rules to the principal or designee.
• Allow only authorized students to ride the bus; keep a count of all students on the bus and inform the principal or designee of any student that leaves the bus without authorization.
• Perform daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections; report any observable mechanical defects or failures as required.
• Assume responsibility for bus securement whenever the bus is left unattended.
• Attend bus safety meetings and refresher training as required by JCPS transportation.
• Maintain professional relationships with students, parents/guardians, and with school personnel.
• Operate the bus in a careful and safe manner so as to avoid accidents; accidents where the bus driver is at-fault are grounds for immediate termination from employment.
• Report all accidents immediately and remain at the scene until released by a law enforcement officer or supervisor.
• Refrain from the use of drugs or alcohol before and/or while operating the bus; participate/meet all post-accident drug and alcohol testing requirements; comply with all Johnston County Schools’ policies related to drug or alcohol use or testing, including those policies related to drug and alcohol testing of commercial motor vehicle operators and maintaining a drug-free work environment within the Johnston County Public Schools.
• Maintain up to date knowledge on current job-related technology being used by Johnston County Public Schools.
• Maintain the confidentiality of student information during the performance of bus driving duties (examples:  medical issues, EC designation).
• Maintain knowledge of procedures and ability to use all equipment required for transporting Exceptional Children.
• Assume responsibility for supervision and leadership during an emergency situation, including bus evacuations.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Considerable knowledge of safe and efficient practices and procedures used in the operation of an activity bus.
• Considerable knowledge of traffic laws as well as school bus and activity bus regulations.
• Considerable knowledge of safety regulations and standards for school and activity buses.
• General knowledge of Johnston County Schools Transportation Services operating procedures.
• Ability to communicate quickly and effectively in situations relating to the safety of students.
• Ability to detect and report observable mechanical defects or failures involving the school and activity bus.
• Ability to complete required reports.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions, including the route descriptions and maps.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative in applying standards to a variety of work situations.
• Ability to exercise tact and courtesy when communicating with students, parents/guardians, and school personnel.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Tasks involve the regular and, at times, sustained performance of moderately demanding physical work, typically involving some combinations of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling.  Tasks may also involve the lifting, carrying, pushing and /or pulling of students in an emergency situation in which bus evacuation is required.  Employees must have the ability to complete these tasks.  Employees must also have the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape, the ability to coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately in operating an activity bus, the ability to handle a variety of items, activity bus equipment, control knobs, switches, etc., the ability to engage in minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination, the ability to recognize the colors of traffic signals and devices showing standard red, green, and amber, the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions, and the ability to talk and /or hear: (talking: expressing or exchanging of ideas by means of spoken words; hearing: perceiving nature of sounds by ear). The employee’s hearing ability is sufficient if the employee can distinguish warning sounds made by horns, screeching tires, sirens, grade crossing alarms or train whistles.  Hearing a forced whispered voice in the better ear at a distance of five feet is considered adequate hearing.

DISCLAIMERS: The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this position. They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills that may be required of the employees assigned to this position. This description may be revised by the supervisor, with HR review and approval, at any time.

Johnston County Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in the employment or promotion of employees on the basis of gender, race, religion, age, national origin or disability.