Type III Driver

Palmer Bus Service of Waseca•Waseca, MN

About The Position

The Van Driver safely transports students to and from school and transports students and school district-authorized passengers to field trips, activities, sporting events, and other designated outings. The driver maintains a safe and orderly environment and ensures passengers are transported according to company policies and applicable regulations. The position includes checking for route and student updates, inspecting and maintaining the van, safely operating the vehicle, supervising student behavior, completing required documentation, and reporting incidents or maintenance concerns. The driver also attends required meetings and training and performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Possess or have the ability to obtain and maintain a valid Minnesota driver's license.
Knowledge of safe driving practices and transportation procedures.
Understanding of emergency evacuation procedures.
Basic first aid knowledge and ability to obtain CPR certification if required by the school district.
Knowledge of applicable health and safety standards and potential hazards.
Understanding of state and federal regulations pertaining to student transportation and school vehicles.
Understanding of appropriate student behavior and basic behavior management practices.
Ability to follow established safety practices and procedures.
Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records and required documentation.
Ability to safely operate a vehicle used for student transportation.
Ability to communicate effectively with students, parents, school personnel, dispatch, and management.
Dependable, punctual, and capable of working independently.
Demonstrates patience, professionalism, and appropriate firmness when working with children.
Attentive to detail and safety requirements.
Demonstrates tact and courtesy while establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
Able to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Maintains confidentiality regarding student information and transportation matters.
Able to supervise children and maintain effective working relationships with children and staff.
Able to walk, reach, hold with arms, bend or twist at the neck and trunk or waist, crouch, and/or squat to assist students.
Able to operate specialized or office equipment, grasp tools, push wheelchairs, and lift or manipulate objects or persons up to 75 lbs., with or without assistance or assistive devices.
Required vision abilities include distance and close vision, color vision, depth perception, and peripheral vision.

Responsibilities

Report to the bus garage before scheduled departure to check with the dispatcher for route changes, student updates, or other changes to assigned duties.
Perform required pre-trip vehicle inspections and complete a radio check before each route.
Pick up and transport students safely at assigned stops, ensuring they board and are properly seated before proceeding.
Maintain appropriate student behavior and enforce transportation safety rules; report disciplinary concerns, noncompliance, and serious incidents to the Site Manager.
Follow traffic laws, applicable state and federal regulations, and company safety procedures when operating the van.
Adjust driving practices for changing road and weather conditions and unsafe loading or unloading areas.
Complete a post-trip inspection to ensure no student or passenger remains on the vehicle.
Transport students and school district-authorized passengers to field trips, sporting events, school activities, and other assigned destinations.
Immediately report accidents or vehicle incidents to the Site Manager and complete required reports.
Maintain fuel levels above half a tank or refuel after assigned trips.
Keep the van interior clean and orderly after trips as needed and at least once per week.
Report vehicle maintenance concerns or needed repairs to appropriate office personnel.
Attend required meetings, in-service training, workshops, and other professional development activities.
Perform other related duties as assigned to support safe and efficient transportation operations.