Bus Driver (24-25 School Year)

Join our transportation department for the Fort Osage School District. Hours vary, depending on the openings, from 5.5-8 hours daily, with opportunities for trips and applicable overtime. This position qualifies for retirement contributions to the Missouri Public Schools Retirement System. Individuals assigned positions over 30+ hours a week qualify for District-paid benefits. Upon hire and completion of onboarding requirements, drivers will be paid a training rate while working to earn their CDL. The District covers the cost of training and licensure for all hired drivers.
Pay for the 2024-2025 school year begins at $19.70 per hour (starting July 1), but steps on the scale are determined based on previous related experiences. If hired for the month of June, pay rates from the 2023-2024 school year will apply.
This position reports to the Transportation Director.
Purpose Statement
The job of Bus Driver is done for the purpose/s of providing support within the educational process with specific responsibilities for transporting students over scheduled routes and/or to/from special excursions; ensuring vehicle operation is in safe operating condition; and ensuring safety of students during transport, loading and unloading from buses.
Essential Functions

• Advises students and other passengers of appropriate behavior for the purpose of reinforcing established guidelines and maintaining passenger safety.
• Assesses incidents, complaints, accidents and/or potential emergency situations (e.g. road hazards, medical emergencies, accidents, etc.) for the purpose of resolving and/or recommending a resolution to the situation.
• Assists students and other passengers for the purpose of providing safe loading and unloading from buses during normal transport and emergency situations.
• Attends unit meetings, in-service training, workshops, etc. for the purpose of gathering information required to perform job functions.
• Cleans assigned vehicles, both interior and exterior for the purpose of ensuring safety, appearance, and sanitation of vehicle.
• Conducts emergency evacuation drills for the purpose of ensuring efficiency of procedures and complying with mandated requirements.
• Drives school bus/s for the purpose of transporting passengers over scheduled routes to and from school and/or field trips in a safe and timely manner.
• Fuels assigned vehicle (e.g. oil, water, fuel, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining vehicle in a safe operating condition.
• Informs other school personnel and parents. of events, policies and/or practices (e.g. scheduled stops, established routes, route conditions, etc.) for the purpose of providing information and/or clarification of procedures.
• Monitors students and other passengers during transit for the purpose of ensuring the safe transportation of all passengers.
• Performs pre-trip and post-trip inspections (e.g. fluid levels, tire pressure, exterior condition, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring the safe operating condition of the vehicle and complying with mandated guidelines.
• Prepares reports (e.g. field trips reports, incident reports, inspections records, passenger misconduct, mileage logs, student counts, routing information, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference, conveying information, and/or complying with established guidelines.
• Reports observations and/or incidents (e.g. discipline, accidents, inappropriate social behavior, etc.) for the purpose of communicating information to appropriate personnel for their action.
• Responds to inquiries from students, parents, and/or staff for the purpose of providing the necessary information regarding transportation services.

Other Functions

• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
SKILLS are required to perform multiple tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adhering to safety practices; administering first aid; applying pertinent codes, policies, regulations and/or laws;operating district vehicles, fire extinguisher, two-way radio, and standard office equipment; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.
KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: emergency evacuation techniques; area streets and locations; basic vehicle maintenance; first aid; health standards and hazards; pertinent codes, policies, regulations and/or laws; safe driving practices; safety practices and procedures; two way radio communication; and utilizing wheelchairs, tie downs, child safety seats, lifts, etc. (by assignment).
ABILITY is required to schedule activities, meetings, and/or events; gather and/or collate data; and use job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined and similar processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with similar types of data; and utilize a variety of job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is moderate to significant. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: being attentive to detail; communicating with diverse groups including school age riders; displaying tact and courtesy; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships; exercising sound judgment; maintaining an understanding of the special needs of students and their parents; maintaining confidentiality; working with constant distractions; ability to read and understand maps and road signs.
Responsibility
Responsibilities include working under limited supervision following standardized practices and/or methods; providing information and/or advising others; utilization of some resources from other work units may be required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to significantly impact the organization's services.
Work Environment
The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 93% sitting, 5% walking, and 2% standing. The job is performed under some temperature extremes and under conditions with some exposure to risk of injury and/or illness.
Experience: Job related experience is desired.
Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Continuing Educ. / Training:
Maintains Certificates and/or Licenses
Random Drug and Alcohol Testing
Annual Safety Training
Annual Physical
Clearances:
Criminal Background Clearance
Children's Division (DSS) Clearance
Drug Test
Physical