Bus Driver Trainee / Bus Driver

About the position

The Bus Driver Trainee / Bus Driver position involves operating a school bus and related equipment to ensure the safe and orderly transportation of students and other authorized persons on assigned routes and to various designated locations. The role requires adherence to all applicable laws, district policies, and administrative regulations governing the transportation of students. The position is critical in maintaining student safety and managing behavior during transportation.

Responsibilities

• Drive bus and other district vehicles safely, following all applicable laws, district policies, and administrative regulations governing the transportation of students.
• Follow assigned routes and adhere to established schedules.
• Drive bus to and from extracurricular activities.
• Anticipate problems such as traffic, weather, road conditions, and schedule changes and make necessary adjustments to ensure student safety and reduce delays.
• Perform pre- and post-trip inspections according to specifications to ensure bus can be operated safely and notify mechanics of needed repairs.
• Keep assigned bus clean and maintain appropriate level of fuel.
• Report all accidents, vehicle damage, student injuries, and mechanical problems and complete required corresponding reports.
• Instruct students on safe entering and exiting of bus, as well as passenger rules and regulations.
• Supervise students during time of boarding and departure from bus, and while crossing the street.
• Maintain discipline and use effective behavior management control over groups of students.
• Report student discipline problems to appropriate administrator and communicate student's behavior when warranted.
• Maintain positive community relations by establishing positive and appropriate rapport with students and parents.
• Observe all traffic laws and safety regulations for school buses.
• Follow all federal, state, and district emergency procedures.
• Ensure proper condition of emergency equipment, such as first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and reflectors.
• Maintain a copy of route and emergency student rider forms on bus.
• Correct unsafe conditions in work area and promptly report conditions that are not immediately correctable to supervisor.
• Report any hazardous conditions along scheduled route.
• Maintain safety certification.
• Operate and monitor two-way radio equipment to communicate with transportation office and other drivers.
• Complete and maintain accurate, up-to-date, and timely records and reports including but not limited to those related to bus mileage and number of passengers transported.
• Attend all required training as directed.
• Maintain consistent punctuality and regular attendance.

Requirements

• Clear and valid Texas commercial driver's license with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements.
• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• First Aid Certificate.
• TEA School Bus Certification.
• CPI Certification.
• Must be 21 years of age.
• Knowledge of federal and state traffic laws and regulations.
• Ability to pass U.S. Department of Transportation alcohol and drug tests and annual physical exam related to requirements of position.
• Ability to complete TEA required bus driver safety certification.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Proficient map reading skills.
• Ability to manage student behavior.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others.
• Ability to operate bus.

Nice-to-haves

• Prior school bus driving experience preferred.