Type III Driver

Palmer Bus Financial Management•Mapleton, MN

About The Position

The Type III Driver safely transports students to and from school and transports students and school-district-authorized passengers to field trips, sporting events, activities, and other special outings. The driver follows applicable traffic laws and transit regulations, observes student safety and conduct, and communicates safety or behavioral concerns to the Site Manager. The role includes completing a DOT-required pre-trip inspection and radio check, maintaining the van and its cleanliness, checking for children left on board, reporting accidents and maintenance needs, and attending meetings or training as needed. The position also requires assisting students with mobility and other needs, including use of specialized equipment.

Requirements

Possess or be able to obtain a valid Minnesota Driver’s License and maintain it once acquired.
Knowledge of safety practices and procedures.
Understanding of emergency evacuation techniques.
Ability to administer basic first aid and/or be CPR certified if required by the district.
Knowledge of health standards and hazards.
Understanding of state regulations and laws pertaining to school bus operation, as well as child behavior.
Ability to adhere to safety practices.
Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records.
Ability to operate equipment used to transport students with special needs.
Reliability and ability to work independently.
Patience and firmness when dealing with children.
Attention to detail.
Tact and courtesy, with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to communicate with diverse groups.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to supervise children and maintain effective working relationships with children and staff.
Ability to assist students and staff with walking, reaching, holding, bending or twisting, crouching, and squatting.
Ability to operate specialized or office equipment, grasp tools, push wheelchairs, and lift or manipulate objects or persons up to 75 pounds, with or without assistance or supporting devices.
Distance, close, and color vision, depth perception, and peripheral vision.

Responsibilities

Check with the dispatcher before scheduled departure for changes to duties or student passengers.
Complete the DOT-required pre-trip inspection and radio check before each route.
Pick up students at assigned stops and ensure they board and are seated safely.
Enforce appropriate passenger conduct and report students who do not follow safety rules to the Site Manager.
Report serious incidents and communicate with the Site Manager so they can be discussed with school authorities.
Safely operate the van in accordance with traffic laws and state and federal transit regulations, taking road and weather hazards into account.
Follow safety procedures to protect students and the driver.
Check the van upon returning to the bus garage to ensure no child is left on board.
Transport students and authorized school district passengers to field trips, sporting events, and other activities.
Report accidents immediately to the Site Manager and complete an accident report promptly.
Maintain fuel levels above half a tank or refuel after a trip.
Clean the van interior after each trip, as needed, or at least once a week.
Alert office staff to maintenance needs.
Attend meetings, in-service training, and workshops to obtain information needed for the role.
Perform other related duties as assigned.