GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

Under general supervision, operates a school bus on assigned route(s) and schedule to provide safe and efficient transportation so that students may enjoy the fullest possible advantage from the programs and offerings of the school system.  Work involves performing pre-and post-trip inspections of the bus; operating a bus; obeying all traffic laws and school bus regulations while operating the bus; and maintaining discipline of students assigned to ride the bus.  Bus drivers are also responsible for completing all required reports and securing the assigned bus before leaving the vehicle at the conclusion of a run or route.  Employee must exercise tact and courtesy in maintaining acceptable relations with parents/guardians of students transported and with school personnel.  Reports to a Bus Coordinator for bus driving duties.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Observes all safety regulations and standards for school buses.  This includes clearing the school bus and evacuating students quickly in the event of an emergency.

Has a copy of the current Handbook for the School Bus Driver; refers to it periodically for guidance and to answer questions.

Maintains discipline of students assigned to ride the school bus.  Establishes a discipline plan that is consistent with school disciplinary objectives, as stated by the bus coordinator and which provides a clear, progressive plan of consequences for students who cause disciplinary problems.

Reports undisciplined students to the responsible school bus coordinator.

Discharges students only at the authorized school or bus stop locations. Transports only authorized students.

Keeps the school bus clean and free of papers, bottles, cans, food wrappers and other items which may present a safety problem.

Reports all accidents as required by Transportation Operating Instructions and remains at the scene of the accident until released by the on-scene transportation supervisor.

Signs in and out and completes required reports, including reports required in the event of an accident or incident aboard the school bus, reports of vandalism or mechanical issues.

Remains in charge of all students aboard the bus at the time of an accident, determining the existence and extent of any injuries and maintaining the safety of all passengers.

Secures the assigned bus before leaving the vehicle at the conclusion of a run or route.   This includes parking the vehicle properly, making a visual inspection of the bus to check for damage and the possibility of remaining passengers (turn off child minder alarm), and securing all windows and doors to protect the interior of the vehicle.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Considerable knowledge of safe and efficient practices and procedures used in the operation of a school bus.
• Considerable knowledge of traffic laws and school bus regulations.
• Considerable knowledge of safety regulations and standards for school buses.
• General knowledge of Transportation Department Operating Instructions.
• Ability to physically inspect the bus according to Transportation Department Operating Instructions.
• Ability to detect and report observable mechanical defects or failures on the school bus.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE 

Must take and pass the state required bus driving class. High school diploma (or GED) and some experience driving large vehicles preferred. 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must possess and maintain a valid North Carolina Class A or class B Commercial Driver’s License with both P (passenger) & S (school bus) endorsements. School bus certification with Davie County.

Must be able to possess and maintain a DOT Medical Card.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED

TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Physical Requirements: Must be physically able to operate a school bus. Must be able to quickly decelerate the bus and firmly apply the brake in an emergency situation. Must be able to turn the steering wheel of the vehicle rapidly in an emergency situation. Must be able to begin in a seated position with seat belt fastened, parking brake released, and engine running, secure the bus (parking brake set, key removed), rise from the seat, exit through the rearmost emergency exit, and be in position to assist passengers in exiting the bus within 20 seconds. Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are for Medium Work.

Conceptual Awareness: Requires the ability to observe, compare, and contrast various people, data, or items.

Interpersonal Communication: Requires the ability to speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information. Includes receiving instructions, assignments and/or directions from supervisors.

Language Ability: Requires the ability to read correspondence, reports, instructions, etc. Requires the ability to speak to people with poise, voice control, and confidence. 

Intelligence: Requires the ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions and to deal with problems involving several variables, aligned with policies, procedures, and professional expectations.

Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in standard English.

Numerical Aptitude: Requires the ability to use mathematical operations, to add and subtract totals.

Motor Coordination & Dexterity: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately. Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, school bus equipment, control knobs, switches, etc. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.

Visual and Spatial Aptitude: Requires visual acuity to complete essential duties, including the ability to conceptualize visual representations and differentiate size, shape, distance, and color, particularly red, green, and amber.

Interpersonal Temperament: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under stress and when confronted with persons acting under stress.

Physical Communication: Requires the ability to talk and hear: (Talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words. Hearing: perceiving nature of sounds by ear). Requires sufficient hearing ability to distinguish warning sounds made by horns, screeching tires, sirens, grade-crossing alarms, or train whistles. 

DISCLAIMER

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to this job.