CDL Route Driver

Palmer Bus Service of Little Falls•Little Falls, MN

About The Position

The CDL Route Driver is responsible for safely transporting students to and from school, as well as transporting students and school-district-authorized passengers on field trips, activities, and other outings. The driver reports to the bus garage before scheduled departures, checks for changes to duties or passenger lists, performs required pre-trip inspections and radio checks, and ensures students board and ride safely. The role includes enforcing passenger safety and discipline rules, operating the bus in compliance with traffic laws and applicable regulations, checking the bus after trips to ensure no child remains aboard, reporting incidents and accidents, and maintaining the bus through cleaning, fueling, and reporting maintenance needs. The driver may also attend meetings and training and perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Possess, or be able to obtain, a valid Minnesota Commercial Driver’s License with passenger, school bus, and air brake endorsements, and maintain it once acquired.
Knowledge of safety practices and procedures, emergency evacuation techniques, health standards and hazards, state regulations and laws pertaining to school bus operation, and child behavior.
Administer basic first aid and/or be CPR certified if required by the district.
Adhere to safety practices and prepare and maintain accurate records.
Operate equipment used in transporting students with special needs.
Be reliable and capable of working independently.
Demonstrate patience and firmness when dealing with children.
Be attentive to detail; display tact and courtesy; establish and maintain effective working relationships; communicate with diverse groups; and maintain confidentiality.
Meet the physical demands of the role, which generally requires 90% sitting, 5% walking, and 5% standing.

Responsibilities

Report to the bus garage before scheduled departure time and check with the dispatcher for changes to duties or student passenger information.
Perform DOT-required pre-trip inspections and complete a radio check before each route.
Pick up students at assigned stops and ensure they safely board and are seated before proceeding.
Enforce proper discipline and safety rules; report noncompliance and serious incidents to the Site Manager.
Operate the bus safely and follow traffic laws, state and federal transit regulations, and safety procedures.
Check the bus upon arrival at the garage to ensure no child has been left aboard.
Transport students and school-district-authorized passengers to field trips, sporting events, and other activities.
Immediately report accidents to the Site Manager and promptly complete accident reports.
Maintain the bus by keeping fuel above half a tank or refueling after trips, cleaning the interior as required, and alerting office staff to maintenance needs.
Attend meetings, in-service training, and workshops relevant to job functions.
Perform other related duties as assigned.