Job Summary
This position is responsible for operating a school bus and transporting school-aged children and other authorized personnel safely and efficiently over specified routes to and from school and other specified activities to include but not limited to field trips, athletic events, and other extracurricular events. Position conducts pre-trip inspections; observes safety regulations and policies; enforces student discipline on the bus; and performs other related duties.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Drives bus to transport authorized students over specified routes to and from public schools according to time schedule. Maintains assigned schedule, follows designated route schedule and discharges students only at authorized stops.
- Performs pre-trip bus inspection daily as required by federal/state/local laws and/or guidelines.
- Maintains safety equipment, adheres to preventive maintenance schedule and reports unsafe bus conditions including but not limited to operating and equipment deficiencies. Delivers the bus as scheduled to school garage for maintenance inspection.
- Obeys all traffic laws and transportation practices as outlined in the CDL manual, Bus Driver Handbook, School Board policy and local ordinances.
- Conducts scheduled emergency evacuation drills on school buses as required. Participates in other emergency situations such as school closings for snow, bus breakdowns, etc.
- Follows mandatory school bus safety regulations; keeps all emergency exits clear of obstruction.
- Maintains discipline and enforces rules and regulations pertaining to student behavior. Reports discipline problems and unruly students to School Principals and a transportation supervisor.
- Reports route changes, unusual road conditions, delays, accidents, etc. to the Director of Transportation and/or his/her designee. Prepares and submits timely mileage reports, student count reports, student information forms and various other forms and reports as required.
- Washes bus; cleans inside and out; fuels bus as required.
- Uses the onboard light indicator to verity the digital video recording system operates properly.
- Attends required first aid/CPR courses, driver's courses, orientations, and all scheduled meetings.
- Comply with mandated “Drug and Alcohol” testing requirements related to operating a “safety sensitive” position while operating a commercial vehicle.
- Provides transportation to and from athletic and educational activities and events, and other special field trips as scheduled and assigned. Provides transportation for shuttle runs as required.
- Assists physically handicapped students, such as wheel chair bound, visually handicapped, etc. in boarding and exiting bus as required.
- Presents a neat, clean, and courteous appearance to students, school personnel, fellow employees, and the general public.
- Models the WJCC Strategic Plan Values: Individualism, Integrity, Innovation, Accountability and Collaboration
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills and/or Abilities Required)
- High school diploma or GED preferred
- Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Must possess a CDL with accompanying endorsements (and “Air Brake” certification) to operate a school bus issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia prior to employment. Must have a good driving record based upon the criteria of the WJCC School Division
- Related experience as a bus driver preferred. Prior experience with children preferred. Must be 21 years of age. Candidate must submit a 5 year driving history and have a point balance of > -4.
- Successfully complete the “School Bus Driver Annual Physical” requirements as determined by the Virginia Department of Education/Pupil Transportation Services.
- Successful completion of the driver training course taught by the Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools. Ability to operate large vehicles in all types of road and weather conditions. Ability to operate two-way communication radio. Ability to operate wheelchair lifts. Ability to communicate in sign language preferred. Ability to operate a vehicle safely over an assigned route during pre-daylight, daylight and dusk periods. Ability to adhere to a time schedule and detect malfunctioning equipment.
- Excellent communication skills; positively interacts with the students, parents, and staff. Able to handle frequent interruptions and deadlines and schedule changes due to special students activities to include early dismissal, etc. Ability to establish and maintain a harmonious working relationship with young and disabled pupils and their families using patience and understanding.
Supervision Exercised
Monitors the behavior of students on the bus with particular attention given to safety.
Supervision Received
Performs duties under the general supervision of the Director of Transportation or his/her designee. Instructions/assignments are provided through the Coordinator of Transportation and/or other designees.
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements
Physical dexterity, coordination, mobility and visual acuity to safely operate a school bus. Ability to sit for long periods of time. Ability to lift, reach, climb, carry, crawl, push, pull, bend, and stoop. Ability to move about the bus. Ability to lift and move (drag) 50 pounds unassisted. Must be alert at all times, able to respond to emergencies, able to operate bus in inclement weather. Requires early morning hours and some late evening hours. Exposure to gasoline and diesel fumes, oil, and other cleaning supplies.