Bus Driver

Mercer County Schools 

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Bus Driver                                                       Reports to: Transportation Director

Job Class Code: 7941                                                     Work Schedule: 4 hours, 181 days

Pay Scale:  See Salary Schedule                                      Approval Date: 1992

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

BASIC FUNCTION: Operate a school bus over designated routes in accordance with time schedules, picking up and discharging students; provide safe and efficient transportation for District students to and from school, special events, and field trips; perform daily inspections and operator maintenance of vehicle; assist in loading and unloading of physically and mentally handicapped students as necessary.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

• Drive a school bus over designated routes in accordance with specified time schedules and in accordance with regulations and laws related to pupil transportation in the State following specified schedules; transport students to and from school, special events, and field trips.
• Meet all bus driver qualifications and responsibilities as set forth in 702 KAR 5:080.
• Pick up and discharge students, under varying weather conditions, at established bus stops; report incidents which affect the safety of students to the appropriate administrator.
• Maintain bus in a safe operating condition through prescribed daily vehicle inspections and driver maintenance including cleaning windows, mirrors and bus interior; check and maintain fuel, oil and water levels; check brakes, brake lights and doors; report mechanical defects and malfunctions to appropriate personnel.
• Maintain order and discipline among students on bus following District policies and procedures regarding disciplining of students and communicate effectively with school officials, parents and the public; interact with parents regarding questions, concerns and disputes.
• Perform emergency bus evacuation drills as required by Kentucky Administration Regulations.
• Transport physically handicapped and mentally handicapped children to and from designated locations; lift and secure wheelchairs; assist in the loading and unloading of handicapped children as necessary.
• Observe applicable local, State and federal policies, procedures and guidelines.
• Maintain adequate and clean exterior and interior of buses including picking up debris, sweeping and mopping floor, wiping upholstery and cleaning headlights.
• Maintain records concerning vehicle maintenance, miles driven and number of children transported and other related matters; prepare student conduct, incident and accident reports.
• Attend safety and preventive emergency meetings when required.
• Utilize two-way radio for bus-to-bus and bus-to-base communication.
• Perform first aid according to established guidelines and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Safe driving practices.
• Provisions of the State Motor Vehicle code and Kentucky Administrative Regulations applicable to the operation of vehicles transporting students.
• First aid practices.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy. 

ABILITY TO:

• Operate a school bus over designated routes in accordance with time schedules, picking up and discharging students.
• Maintain order and discipline among students while driving a school bus.
• Maintain assigned vehicle in a clean and safe operating condition.
• Recognize equipment malfunctions and take appropriate action.
• Learn designated bus routes including stops and traffic hazards.
• Maintain routine records.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Understand and follow written and oral directions.
• Meet schedules and timelines.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Learn, apply, and explain rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Observe legal and defensive driving practices.
• Assist in loading and unloading handicapped children as necessary.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Any combination equivalent to: high school diploma, G.E.D. Certificate, or demonstrated progress toward obtaining a G.E.D. as required by Kentucky law, and one year experience in the operation of a motor vehicle.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Valid Kentucky Commercial Class B driver’s license, including passenger endorsement; School Bus Certificate; must pass driving record check.

IMPORTANT NOTES

Work actually performed by incumbents in this position may vary. Although this document may be used for recruiting, staffing, or career planning, the information contained herein should only be used as a guideline or recommendation for the content and qualifications for this position. An individual’s ability to meet the qualifications and capabilities described in this document is not a guarantee of employment or promotion. Mercer County School District reserves the right to make changes to this document as deemed necessary without providing advance written notice. This employer does not knowingly discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, or national origin.