Bus Driver

The Laurel School District is seeking qualified applicants for part time (0.5) Bus Driver. This is a Level VIII position, with a current starting wage of $18.52 per hour.
Position is responsible for operating a school/motor coach bus and transporting school-aged children and other authorized personnel safely and efficiently over specified routes to and from schools and various activities. Position conducts pre- and post-trip inspections; observes safety regulations and policies; enforces student discipline on the bus; and performs related work.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Communicates with the Transportation Director for any changes in normal duties or new student passengers, including communicate orally while the bus is in motion when needed.
• Ensure the bus can operate safely before driving and conducts pre- and post-trip safety inspections as required by federal and state laws to include observing visual defects and checking operating systems to include but not limited to brakes, tires, batteries, heaters, horn, lights, emergency flashers, extended stop arms, and door-opening devices.
• Operates the vehicle safely over an assigned route, picking up and delivering only authorized students at assigned bus stops, and watches to ensure that no one hurrying for the bus is left behind.
• Keeps assigned time schedules, which may require driving during pre-day light and dusk periods, and makes every effort to be on time while ensuring safety.
• Obeys all traffic laws and transportation practices as outline in the CDL manual, Bus Driver Handbook, Montana School Bus Standards, School Board Policy and local ordinances.
• Observes all mandatory safety regulations for school buses and keeps all emergency exits clear of obstructions.
• Secure wheelchairs, car seats, and other restraining devices on the bus, as needed.
• Maintains student discipline on the bus and enforces rules governing student conduct, including through oral communication with the bus is in motion.
• Reports undisciplined students to the proper authority and compiles written reports as requested in accordance with the bus driver handbook and the Student Handbook.
• Conducts semi-annual bus evacuation drills as required by the Office of Public Instruction and Montana Bus Standards and implements evacuations as required in an emergency to include safely exiting the school bus.
• Reports all accidents immediately, requesting police or ambulance service as needed; assists injured persons until services arrive; and completes required accident reports.
• Notifies the proper authority in cases of mechanical failure, safety deficiencies, or other incidents.
• Regulates heating, cooling, and ventilating equipment provided on the bus for the comfort of the passengers.
• Drives students and teachers on field trips, extracurricular activities, and special events, often in evenings and at night, when requested or chosen.
• Exercises responsible leadership and appropriate behavior when on out-of-district school trips.
• Returns the bus to the assigned bus lot, performs a post-trip inspection, and secures the bus according to procedures.
• Completes the required 15 hours of annual training and all department meetings.
• Submits to drug and alcohol testing when requested.
• Maintains a commercial driver's license as required by the State Department of Transportation and maintains First Aid/CPR certification. Hear and communicate orally when the bus is in motion, communicate orally on a two-way radio with transportation dispatch and emergency services while the bus is in motion. Communicate effectively and positively with parents, students, staff and co-workers.
• Models nondiscriminatory practices in all activities.
• Keeps the assigned bus clean and fueled.
• Maintains an assigned seating chart.
• Reports all safety violations.
• Performs all other related duties as assigned by the Director of Transportation.
• Must maintain a skill in student conduct and behavior.
• Must maintain a skill in de-escalation techniques and practices.
• Must maintain a skill in recognizing potentially dangerous situations on the bus.
• Must maintain a skill in working without close supervision in standard work situations.
• Must maintain a skill in reacting quickly to situations that could create personal stress and safety problems.
• Assist in monitoring students while on school bus for proper school bus safety behavior and conduct.
• Enforces District policies and rules of conduct.
• Works to de-escalate and resolve issues as they arise.
• Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with students, clients, visitors, and LPS staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.
• Enthusiastically promotes the District's goals and priorities in compliance with all policies and procedures.
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, records and LPS information.
• Assists with fostering independence, socialization, and self-esteem for all students.

Only minimum duties are listed. Other functions may be required as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma/GED; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience as determined by Human Resources.
• Must have 5 years of driving experience.
• Must be able to obtain a CDL license in accordance with Federal and State guidelines.
• Must pass a pre-employment and all random CDL drug tests.
• Maintain a current DOT Medial Certification at all times.
• Must possess or able to obtain a valid commercial driver's license to operate a school bus or must acquire one after completion of the Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) course.
• Must posses basic first aid and CPR certification or must acquire such within 90 days of completing ELDT and receipt of your commercial driver's license.
• Must posses an excellent driving record in compliance with District and State standards, excellent driving skill, and must successfully complete the school bus driver training course.
• Must possess a good knowledge of procedures and Federal/State laws governing the safe operation of a school bus prior to the completion of the training course.
• Must possess knowledge of, or the ability accurately and quickly learn, local street and road systems.
• Must possess knowledge of, or the ability to accurately and quickly learn, how to properly secure a wheelchair, car seat, and other restraining devices on a school bus.
• Must possess the ability to maintain student discipline and ensure that student behavior is not a distraction to safe driving.
• Must possess the ability to recognize and report any unsafe act or condition.
• Must remain in compliance with state/district regulations regarding the use of controlled substances and alcohol as applied to bus drivers and give full access to The Clearinghouse Register.
• Must meet the mandated physical and mental requirements established by the state and the US Department of Transportation-the district is not permitted to employ individuals that do note these standards.
• Must be capable of working independently and possess the ability to understand and follow through on oral and written instructions.
• Must possess the ability to communicate effectively and positively with students, parents, and faculty.
• Knowledge of general concepts of child growth, development, and behavior characteristics.
• Applicable policies, procedures and regulations covering specific areas of assignment.
• Assume responsibility for assisting in supervision of students.
• Safety rules and regulations.
• Demonstrate an understanding, patient, warm, positive, and receptive attitude toward all children.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Maintain cooperative working relationships with staff, students, parents, and general public.
• Ability to handle stressful situations and effectively manage time and responsibilities.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of employment and student matters.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: OPEN UNTIL FILLED
To apply for this position, please go to click on the Employment button under Quick Links. For questions, please call (406) 628-3360.
Applicants must have a complete application before they will be considered for the position. Applications must be completed before the job closing deadline. A complete application consists of the completed application including all questions answered, job history, at least two references (one reference must be from a supervisor). References from friends or family are not sufficient. Resume, cover letter, and a copy of unofficial transcript(s), are acceptable and required for teaching and professional positions. Verification of military service is required if applying for veteran's preference. All applicants offered a position are subject to a background check and approval from the Board of Trustees.
If you are an internal candidate (current employee) you would only be required to complete the internal application and any required documentation that you do not have on file.
Date Notice Posted: Internal 7/31/2024 External 8/3/2024
The purpose of this Notice of Job Listing is to advertise a job vacancy.
It does not in any way represent an employment contract.
LAUREL SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 7 & 7-70 IS AN E.E.O. EMPLOYER