Bus Driver
Job Description
An employee in this class operates a school bus on assigned routes and schedules to provide safe and efficient transportation that is time and cost effective, reliable, orderly, and generates public confidence and respect. Work involves performing pre and post trip inspections of the bus, obeying all traffic laws and school bus regulations while operating the bus, observing all safety regulations and standards, and maintaining discipline to students assigned to ride the bus.
The employee is 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. Employee must have the ability to execute details of work according to specific instructions and be able to adapt to frequent and varying changes in the work schedule.
The employee is subject to hazards associated and exposure to various hazards, such as heavy traffic conditions, loud noises, vibration, moving mechanical parts, chemicals, fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, and oils. Some independent judgment is exercised in performing daily work activities. Work is performed under general supervision and is evaluated by observation and in terms of the safety, efficiency, and quality of operation of a school bus and performing related responsibilities.
Essential Job Functions
Performs required pre-trip and post-trip inspections and documents inspections as required by Transportation Operating Instructions for bus driver.
Reports mechanical defects or failures daily.
In accordance with Transportation Operating Instructions for bus drivers, performs required post-trip inspection to detect students who may still be on board the school bus asleep or incapacitated to detect any other irregularities or vandalism to the bus interior.
Operates the assigned school bus on the routes and schedule provided.
Reports to Bus Coordinators and supervisors any students added to or deleted from the route by the school principal, which will necessitate a change in the route, bus stops, and/or schedules.
Obeys all traffic laws and school bus regulations while operating the school bus.
Observes all safety regulations and standards for school buses, including clearing the school bus and evacuating students quickly in the event of an emergency.
Maintains discipline of students assigned to ride the school bus. Establishes a discipline plan that is consistent with school disciplinary objectives and which provides a clear progressive plan of consequences for students who cause disciplinary problems and rewards for those who maintain proper school bus safety standards.
Reports undisciplined students to the proper authority.
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 that may present a safety problem or reflect negatively on efficient and quality operations.
Reports all accidents as required by Transportation Operating Instructions and remains at the scene until released by the on-scene transportation supervisor/authority.
Completes all required reports, including such reports as may be required in the event of an accident or incident aboard the school bus.
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, including parking the vehicle properly, making a visual inspection of the bus to check for damage, and securing all windows and doors to protect the interior of the vehicle.
Shuttles buses back and forth between schools and the maintenance shop.
Performs related work as required.
Minimum Training and Experience
Graduation from high school and some experience driving large vehicles with some experience transporting humans preferred, or an equivalent combination of experience and training.
Possession of a valid North Carolina Class A or Class B Commercial Drivers License with both a P (passenger) and S (school bus) endorsement.
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.
Ability to inspect the bus according to Transportation Operating Instructions.
Ability to detect and report observable mechanical defects or failures on the school bus.
Ability to maintain discipline of students assigned to ride the bus.
Ability to maintain a clean school bus.
Ability to complete required records.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.
Physical Requirements
Must be physically able to operate a school bus.
Must be able to 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 a position to assist passengers in exiting the bus within 20 seconds.
Must be able to perform basic life functions, including climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, standing, walking, grasping, pushing, pulling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.
Must be able to perform medium work, exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Disclaimer
This generic class description gives an overview of the job class, its essential job functions, and recommended job requirements. However, for each individual position assigned to this class, there is available a completed job questionnaire with a physical abilities checklist, which can provide further details about that one specific position. Those documents should be reviewed before initiating a selection process. They can provide additional detailed information on which to base various personnel actions and can assist management in making a legal and defensible personnel decision.