VISTA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

CLASS TITLE:  BUS DRIVER TRAINEE

BASIC FUNCTION: 

             Under the direction of the Director-Transportation, with guidance from the Operations Supervisor, or Bus Driver Trainer, operate a district vehicle over designated routes in accordance with time schedules; pick up and discharge students; provide safe and efficient transportation for District students; assist in the loading and unloading of physically and mentally handicapped students; while learning the behind the wheel component of the school bus driver curriculum.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

            Drive a district vehicle over designated routes in accordance with regulations and laws related to pupil transportation in California following specified schedules. E

            Maintain district vehicles in a safe operating condition through prescribed daily vehicle inspections and driver maintenance including cleaning windows, mirrors and vehicle interior; check and maintain oil and water levels; check brakes, brake lights and doors; report mechanical defects and malfunctions to appropriate personnel. E

             Pick up and discharge students at established bus stops; escort students across streets and roadways as needed to assure student safety; report incidents which affect the safety of students. E

             Transport physically handicapped and mentally handicapped children to and from designated locations; assist in the loading and unloading of handicapped children as necessary. E

             Maintain order and discipline among students on the vehicle following District policies regarding disciplining of students and contact with school officials, parents and the public. E

             Fuel and clean exterior and interior of vehicles including picking up debris, sweeping floor, wiping upholstery and cleaning headlights. E

             Maintain records concerning vehicle maintenance, miles driven, fuel usage and number of children transported and other related records; prepare student conduct, incident and accident reports as necessary; collect passenger transportation fees and tickets. E

             Utilize two-way radio for vehicle to base communication.

             Perform first aid according to established guidelines and procedures.

             Conduct vehicle evacuations according to established procedures.

             Perform related duties as assigned.

 KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

             KNOWLEDGE OF:

            Safe driving practices.

            Provisions of the California State Motor Vehicle code and Education Code applicable to the operation of vehicles transporting students.

            First aid practices.

            Record-keeping techniques.

            Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.

             ABILITY TO:

            Operate a school vehicle over designated routes in accordance with time schedules, picking up and discharging students.

            Maintain order and discipline among students while driving a school vehicle.

            Maintain assigned vehicle in a clean and safe operating condition.

            Recognize malfunctions in equipment and take appropriate action.

            Learn designated vehicle routes including stops and traffic hazards.

            Maintain routine records.

            Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.

            Understand and follow oral and written directions.

            Meet schedules and time lines.

            Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

            Read, interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

            Observe legal and defensive driving practices.

            Assist in loading and unloading of handicapped children as necessary.

 EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

             Any combination equivalent to:  sufficient training and experience to demonstrate the knowledge and abilities listed above and six months driving experience.

 LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

        Possession of a Class “A” or Class “B” Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with a “P” passenger endorsement.

            California School Bus Driver Special Certificate

            Valid DMV Medical Certificate (DL-51).

 WORKING CONDITIONS:

             ENVIRONMENT:

            School bus environment.

            Driving in various road and weather conditions.

            Noise.

             PHYSICAL ABILITIES:

            Lift, carry, push, and pull heavy objects.

            Sitting for extended periods of time when operating a transportation vehicle.

            Walking and stepping up/down or standing for extended periods of time.

            Bending at the waist.

            Hearing and speaking to exchange information.

             HAZARDS:

            Traffic hazards when stopping traffic and escorting students across streets.

 Created: March 2012