Bus Driver

Overall Purpose
The job of Bus Driver is done for the purpose/s of providing support within the student transportation services area with specific responsibilities for transporting students over scheduled and special excursion routes; ensuring vehicle operation is in safe operating condition; and ensuring safety of students loading, during transport, and unloading from buses.
Direct Supervisor
Transportation Supervisor - Regular or Special Education
Essential Functions

• Advises students and other passengers of appropriate behavior for the purpose of reinforcing established guidelines and maintaining passenger safety.
• Assesses a wide variety of situations (incidents, complaints, accidents, emergencies, 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 meetings, in-service training, workshops, etc. for the purpose of gathering information required to perform job functions.
• Cleans assigned vehicle, both interior and exterior for the purpose of ensuring safety, appearance, and sanitation of vehicle.
• Drives various assigned district school buses 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 (oil, water, fuel, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining the vehicle in a safe operating condition.
• Informs other school personnel and parents of events, policies, and/or practices (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 (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 a variety of reports (incident reports, inspections records, 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 (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

Marginal Functions

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

Competencies

• Skills-based Competencies

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-based Competencies

Required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percentages, 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; utilizing wheelchairs, tie downs, child safety seats, and lifts.

• Ability-based Competencies

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; and working with constant distractions.
Requirements
High school diploma or GED equivalent
Valid Georgia Commercial Driver's License with S & P endorsements
At least 21 years' of age
Physical Requirements
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. The job is performed under some temperature extremes and under conditions with some exposure to risk of injury and/or illness.
Generally the job requires 85% sitting, 10% walking, and 5% standing.
To meet safety requirements, the following physical conditions must be met:

• Strength of the skeletal muscles to manually turn a large diameter steering wheel (20-24 inches) rapidly, to maintain a grip on the steering wheel when confronted with tire failures, when striking potholes, or upon encountering obstructions in the roadway; and ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds.
• Mobility of joints to reach and manipulate various controls that must be pushed, pulled, or twisted; and to climb, bend, crawl, lift, twist, and turn to position for visual inspection of school bus systems such as tires, brakes, suspensions, and engines.
• Stability of joints and of the torso to maintain alert driving postures to smoothly modulate foot and hand controls after being seated for a continuous and extended period of time, and to climb into and out of the vehicle, and continuously remain seated for an extended period of time.
• Power grasp and precision dexterity of hands and fingers to control a steering wheel without power assistance, and perform various other tasks such as manipulating knobs and switches necessary to operate devices such as light switches, directional signals, horns, and wheelchair lifts.
• Mobility to navigate throughout the bus in order to conduct emergency evacuation and exit through the emergency door of the bus.

Continuing Education/Training
Valid Georgia Commercial Driver's License with S & P endorsements
Clearances
Criminal Justice Fingerprint
Background Clearance
State Department of Education medical examination
Fair Labor Standards Act
Non-Exempt