Bus Driver

Must have the physical, developmental and mental ability to perform job tasks, work efforts, responsibilities and duties of the job illustrated. The job description herein provides for the range of duties to be performed for this position. It is not intended to reflect all duties that are required within this position.
MAJOR FUNCTION
Primarily performs skilled work in the operation of light and heavy school buses used in transporting participants to and from the Polk County Summer Recreation Program. Assists in preparing, organizing and supervising children in the summer recreation program as assigned.
ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

• Transports participants to and from daily activities and field trips.
• Drives bus carefully and in compliance with traffic regulations.
• Assumes responsibility for the safety of participants in loading, unloading, and transporting them to and from daily activities and field trips.
• Instructs participants in safety precautions and practices.
• Maintains discipline.
• Reports unruly behavior to Site Supervisor.
• Assures that accountability of participants is maintained at all times.
• Inspects and sweeps bus on a daily basis.
• Checks water, gas, oil, and mechanical conditions daily.
• Keeps operational records. Assures bus meets maintenance schedules.
• Reports defects, problems, and/or accidents to Recreation Supervisor and the Risk Management Division immediately (accidents).
• Assists Site Supervisor in operation of summer recreation program as assigned.
• Responsible for ensuring safe play, recreation rules are observed and that disciplinary measures are carried out according to established division policies and procedures (i.e.: enforces rules and regulations, maintains safeguards against accidents and instructs children in safe use of equipment).
• Attends staff meetings.
• May assist in planning and implementing activities.
• Provides information about activities and field trips to parents and citizens.
• Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

• Knowledge of traffic and highway safety rules and regulations, and precautions necessary to avoid accidents.
• Ability to operate a bus in a safe and economical manner. Ability to complete various forms and records which include time sheets, incident/accident reports, etc. in a timely manner.
• Ability to understand and follow instructions provided in written, verbal or diagram form.
• Knowledge of traffic and highway safety rules and regulations, and precautions necessary to avoid accidents.
• Ability to operate a bus in a safe and economical manner.
• Ability to complete various forms and records which include time sheets, incident/accident reports, etc. in a timely manner.
• Ability to understand and follow instructions provided in written, verbal or diagram form.
• Ability to adhere to program standards and objectives as outlined in the summer recreation policy and procedures manual.
• Ability to supervise children during activities including maintaining order and discipline. Must have the ability to resolve disciplinary problems as they occur in a professional manner.
• Ability to give and enforce orders firmly but tactfully.
• Ability to learn first aid methods and necessary safety precautions used in recreation and physical sport activities.
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with the parents, public, employees, and officials.
• Ability to perform various tasks in all weather conditions and under various levels of physical exertion.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 25 pounds on a regular basis and occasionally up to 45 pounds.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduate of an accredited high school or possess an acceptable equivalency diploma.
• Must be 18 years of age by hire date.
• Must possess a Florida Class CDL license with Passenger endorsement at the time of application.
• A comparable amount of related training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.

SPECIAL PREFERENCE
Prefer persons with recreational program, camp counseling, coaching, teaching or related experience.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT
Applicant must complete an Affidavit of Good Moral Character at the time of interview.
This position may be required to report for work when a declaration of emergency has been declared in Polk County.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.