2025-2026 Bus Driver Trainee

Hopkins County School District•Madisonville, KY

2d•$16

About The Position

This position is a limited duration training position in which the incumbent is taught the knowledge and skills necessary to become a District bus driver. Within 30 days of entering into this position, the incumbent must 1) pass the exam and receive a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License), 2) complete required training, and 3) pass an examination by a third party examiner.

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE OF: Safe operations concerning school bus transportation
Health and safety regulations
Assigned route
ABILITY TO: Diffuse and manage volatile and stressful situations
Assist student loading, unloading and seating arrangements as required
Understand and relate to children with special needs
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
Maintain routine records
Recognize the importance of safety in the workplace, follow safety rules, practice safe work habits, utilize appropriate safety equipment and report unsafe conditions to the appropriate administrator
Obey traffic laws
Any combination equivalent to: high school diploma, G.E.D. Certificate or demonstrated progress toward obtaining a G.E.D. as required by Kentucky law
Valid Kentucky driver’s license
Must be able to successfully complete the training program and CDL and third party examinations within 30 days from date of employment

Responsibilities

Learns to be, and is responsible for the safe and expedient transportation of students, including driving bus route according to bus stop locations and time schedules
Monitors behavior and actions of students on school bus while driving routes, to include noise levels and settling student disputes; communicating with Transportation personnel, parents and school officials regarding student behavior (may include watching videos, asking department staff for parent contact information and phone parents for assistance in changing the students behavior, write misconduct forms)
Complete various forms and reports including field trips, log addendums, student check-in sheets and vehicle log sheets
Learns to and aids in the loading and unloading process of students needing assistance in boarding as well as those with special needs, via stairs or lift mechanisms.
Learns and monitors student riders for any suspected child abuse, sexual harassment, bullying, bodily fluids cleanup and medical conditions (e.g., diabetic shock, seizures, respiratory conditions, etc.)
Learns how to and communicates in person and on a two-way radio for routine, urgent and emergency situations
Learns how to and reports all unsafe route and bus stop conditions to the dispatcher
Consult with and assist bus driver in documentation of student information, recordkeeping and completing route surveys
Assist driver in assuring seat belts, harnesses and wheel chair clamps are secured as required
Assist parents and school personnel with safe loading and unloading of students; coordinate seating of pre-kindergarten students as required by State Transportation Guidelines
Communicate with classroom aides, teachers, principals, and parents concerning student background, medical problems and behavior as appropriate
Maintain current knowledge of Emergency Evacuation procedures
Assist handicapped children on and off the bus and escort children safely to and from school and home; lift children as required; assure responsible adult meets students leaving the bus
Attend in-service meetings and training courses as assigned
Utilize Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) as outlined at the school/district
Maintain regular and predictable attendance
Adhere to the professional code of ethics
Successfully utilize technology as appropriate in job function
Perform related duties as assigned