Temporary/Part-Time Bus Driver

The Opportunity:
As a Skilled US School Bus Driver for James and Rosemary Phalen Leadership Academy, you will be responsible for the safe transportation of students. This position offers the opportunity to work with a workforce development organization within a top-notch high school, which may require flexibility with hours, including shifts outside of normal school hours. Drivers in this role play a critical part in ensuring students' safe transportation to and from our high school to trade schools, as well as transporting adults to work-based learning opportunities.

Please refer to the following position description:

Essential Job Tasks:

• Safely operate a school bus or other commercial motor vehicle, ensuring the safety of students.
• Follow legal and defensive driving practices. Drive efficiently and courteously in all road and weather conditions.
• Treat all passengers, colleagues, and others with courtesy and professionalism at all times.
• Follow route sheets or itineraries and communicate with dispatch regarding any concerns that may impact safety or cause unsafe stops.
• Apply safe driving techniques and follow all Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations related to commercial passenger vehicles.
• Adhere to posted speed limits and report mechanical issues according to company policy.
• Maintain the cleanliness of the vehicle's interior.
• Attend mandatory safety training and update meetings.
• Use only federally compliant devices for communication (hands-free Bluetooth or radio). Zero tolerance of texting or using a cell phone while operating the bus.
• Conduct scheduled emergency bus evacuation drills.
• Report any incidents affecting student safety immediately.
• Assist with loading and unloading physically or mentally handicapped children when necessary, including securing wheelchairs.
• Report all accidents or injuries to dispatch and safety personnel immediately.
• Demonstrate effective student management techniques and follow procedures for reporting student behavior concerns.
• Perform pre- and post-trip inspections of the vehicle, including a No Child Left Behind check.
• Maintain a clean driving record free from major traffic citations and major “at fault” accidents. Report any personal vehicle moving violations or seat belt infractions to safety personnel immediately.
• Report any suspected child abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities without delay.
• Perform other duties as assigned by SUS or JRP.

•  A minimum of 2 years of experience in passenger transportation or a similar field is preferred.
• Must be fluent in English (read, write, and speak), Bi-Lingual is a plus.
• High School Diploma or G.E.D. required.
• Must have a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL-B) with appropriate endorsements (Passenger) and a clean driving record.
• Must have and maintain a valid DOT medical card.
• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Must demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be able to drive in a variety of weather conditions.
• Physical Demands:
  • This role involves mostly sedentary work, with the use of hands for operating controls and fine motor tasks. Occasional bending, squatting, climbing, reaching, and lifting are required. The work environment includes exposure to moving machinery, temperature changes, humidity, automotive equipment, and dust, fumes, and gases.

Availability:

• Day shift - 9 am - 2:45 pm
• Monday to Friday
• Weeknights and Weekends as needed

License/Certification Required:

• CDL with Passenger Endorsement and School Bus Endorsement

The Network:

PLA is a transformative education nonprofit that is changing communities across the country by providing a depth of resources not found in the traditional education model.  In addition to serving as one of the country’s best turnaround school operators and successfully launching charter school start-ups, PLA also provides our school communities with a successful, research-based summer learning program (Summer Advantage), a successful Reading and Math Intervention program (Reading and Math Advantage) , and a workforce development program (PLA University) that provides expanded opportunities for our high school graduates, along with the family members of our current staff and students. This menu of programs and services is unique to our network, sets us apart from other organizations, and provides expanded opportunities for our staff through career advancement opportunities, and expanded income opportunities.  

PLA is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.  We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristics as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. 

Please read carefully.

Phalen Leadership Academies (PLA) is an equal opportunity employer. PLA does not discriminate in employment on account of race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, age, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service.

By completing this application you understand that neither the completion of this application nor any other part of my consideration for employment establishes any obligation for PLA to hire me. If hired, I understand that either PLA or I can terminate my employment at any time and for any reason, with or without cause and without prior notice. I understand that no representative of PLA has the authority to make any assurance to the contrary.

You attest by applying to this position that you have given PLA true and complete information on this application. No requested information has been concealed. I authorize PLA to contact references provided for employment reference checks. If any information I have provided is untrue, or if I have concealed material information, I understand that this will constitute cause for the denial of employment or immediate dismissal.