Bus Driver in Training

Newport News Public Schools • Newport News, VA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

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 schools and various activities. The role involves conducting pre-trip inspections, observing safety regulations and policies, enforcing student discipline on the bus, and performing related duties. The Bus Driver in Training will learn to communicate with dispatch, ensure bus safety, operate the vehicle according to traffic laws, maintain student discipline, conduct safety drills, report accidents and mechanical issues, and drive students on field trips. The position requires maintaining a commercial driver's license and First Aid/CPR certification, as well as meeting physical and mental requirements. Effective communication with students, parents, staff, and co-workers is essential.

Requirements

• Must possess a high school diploma or GED.
• Must possess a valid commercial driver's license to operate a school bus or must acquire one prior to the completion of the division's classroom training course.
• Must possess basic first aid and CPR certification or must acquire such prior to the completion of the division's classroom training course.
• Must possess an excellent driving record in compliance with division standards.
• Must possess excellent driving skills.
• Must successfully complete the school division's bus driver training course.
• Must possess a good knowledge of procedures and federal/state laws governing the safe operation of a school bus prior to the completion of the division's training course.
• Must possess knowledge of, or the ability to accurately and quickly learn, local street and road systems.
• Must possess knowledge of, or the ability to accurately and quickly learn, how to properly secure a wheelchair, car seat, and other restraining devices on a school bus.
• Must possess the ability to maintain student discipline and ensure that student behavior is not a distraction to safe driving.
• Must possess the ability to recognize and report any unsafe act or condition.
• Must remain in compliance with state/division regulations regarding the use of controlled substances and alcohol as applied to school bus drivers.
• Must meet the mandated physical and mental requirements established by the state and the US Department of Transportation.
• Must be capable of working independently.
• Must possess the ability to understand and follow through on oral and written instructions.
• Must possess the ability to communicate effectively and positively with students, parents, and faculty.
• Must be able to hear and communicate orally when the bus is in motion.

Responsibilities

• Communicates with the dispatcher or Area Transportation Supervisor for any changes in normal duties or new student passengers.
• Ensures the bus can be operated safely before driving and conducts pre-trip safety inspections.
• Operates the vehicle safely over an assigned route, picking up and delivering only authorized students at assigned bus stops.
• Keeps assigned time schedules, making every effort to be on time while ensuring safety.
• Obeys all traffic laws and transportation practices.
• Observes all mandatory safety regulations for school buses and keeps all emergency exits clear.
• Secures wheelchairs, car seats, and other restraining devices on the bus.
• Maintains student discipline on the bus and enforces rules governing student conduct.
• Reports undisciplined students to the proper authority and compiles written reports.
• Conducts semi-annual bus evacuation drills and implements evacuations in an emergency.
• Reports all accidents immediately, requesting police or ambulance service as needed.
• Notifies the proper authority in cases of mechanical failure, safety deficiencies, when off schedule, or other incidents.
• Regulates heating, cooling, and ventilating equipment for passenger comfort.
• Drives students and teachers on field trips, extracurricular activities, and other special events.
• Exercises responsible leadership and appropriate behavior when on out-of-division school trips.
• Returns the bus to the assigned bus lot, performs a final inspection, and secures the bus.
• Participates in all required training and submits to drug testing.
• Maintains a commercial driver's license and First Aid/CPR certification.
• Communicates orally on a two-way radio with transportation dispatch and emergency services while the bus is in motion.
• Communicates effectively and positively with parents, students, staff and co-workers.
• Models nondiscriminatory practices in all actions.
• Keeps the assigned bus clean.
• Maintains an assigned seating chart.
• Reports all safety violations to include co-workers/personnel suspected of drinking alcohol or under the influence of drugs while working.
• Performs any other related duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED