Bus Driver

Job Title: Bus Driver
Wage/Hour Status: Non-Exempt
Reports to: Director of Transportation
Pay Grade: Auxiliary 6
Dept./School: Transportation
Date Revised: 07/01/2022
Primary Purpose:
Ensure safe and orderly transportation of students on assigned route. Operate school bus that transports students and other authorized personnel to and from schools or other designated location.
Qualifications:
Education/Certification:

• Ability to obtain clear and valid Texas commercial driver's license (Class B) with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements
• Possess and maintain acceptable driving record per DPS regulations

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Must be 18 years of age
• Ability to pass random alcohol and drug tests
• Ability to complete required bus driver safety training and obtain valid certificate
• Ability to use maps and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to follow routes and locate addresses
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
• Ability to communicate effectively with others
• Knowledge of student discipline procedure
• Ability to manage student behavior
• Ability to operate bus
• Ability to pass annual Department of Transportation physical examination

Experience:

• None

Major Responsibilities and Duties:
Vehicle Operation

1. Follow assigned route and adhere to established schedules.
2. Notify appropriate personnel of changes to route conditions.
3. Drive bus to and from extracurricular activities.
4. Anticipate problems such as traffic, weather, road conditions, and schedule changes and make necessary adjustments to ensure student safety and reduce delays.
5. Check bus for mechanical defects before and after each operation, and check fuel, tires, lights, brakes, and steering before driving to ensure bus can be operated safely.
6. Report all accidents, vehicle damage, student injuries, and mechanical failures. Complete required reports.
7. Keep accurate, up-to-date, and timely records on bus mileage, gas and oil consumption, and number of passengers transported.
8. Keep assigned bus clean and fueled.

Student Management

1. Instruct students on safe riding rules and regulations. Supervise students while they board and leave the bus and cross the street.
2. Maintain discipline, use effective behavior management control over groups of students, report student discipline problems according to district procedures to appropriate administrator, and communicate with teachers and parents regarding students' behavior when warranted.
3. Perform emergency evacuation of students on bus when the situation warrants.
4. Maintain student roster.

Safety

1. Observe all traffic laws and safety regulations for school buses;
2. Maintain safety certification and an acceptable driving record.
3. Ensure proper condition of emergency equipment, such as first aid kit, fire extinguisher, fuses, and reflector.
4. Correct unsafe conditions in work area, and promptly inform supervisor of any conditions that are not immediately correctable.
5. Report any hazardous conditions along the route.
6. When required, assist students with disabilities in loading, unloading, operating seatbelts, securing wheelchairs, and other individual needs.
7. Administer first aid as needed in accordance with training provided in DPS Bus Driver Certification classes.

Other

1. Operate two-way radio equipment to communicate with transportation office.
2. Work irregular hours as needed.
3. Review Transportation Form for each student to ensure Individual Education Program (IEP) is followed.
4. Attend and complete annual in-person and online required training.
5. Maintain confidentiality regarding student and coworker information and as required by FERPA.

Supervisory Responsibilities
None.
Equipment Used
School bus, two-way radio, global positioning system (GPS), safety equipment (flares, reflective signs, fire extinguisher), wheelchair lift/ramps, and special needs adaptive equipment.
Working Conditions:
Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors
Maintain emotional control under stress. Prolonged driving, moderate walking, frequent climbing stairs, grasping/squeezing, wrist and shoulder flexion/extension, and reaching.
Prolonged sitting, frequent standing and twisting; occasional kneeling/squatting, bending, stooping, and pushing/pulling. Moderate lifting and carrying. Frequent exposure to extreme hot and cold temperatures, noise, and vehicle fumes. Work around moving vehicles and machinery with moving parts, regularly work irregular hours, and occasionally work prolonged hours.
The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.