PAJARO VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT POSITION DESCRIPTION Position: Bus Driver Department: Transportation Department Reports To: Director of Transportation SUMMARY Bus Drivers drive a school bus over designated routes for the purpose of transporting students to and from school and on special trips. Drivers may be assigned to scheduled or floater routes. NATURE AND SCOPE Work is performed under the supervision of the Director of Transportation. This position requires the performance of manual and routine tasks that are governed by well established or well known procedures and regulations. Will exercise some independent judgment when applying specific instructions and established methods to well-defined situations. Has immediate access to assistance from Director or other qualified staff through two-way radio for emergency or unusual situations. Exercises patience and leadership skills to maintain order and safety of students both on the bus and at bus stops, and to interact with parents. Work contacts extend beyond peers to parents, students and the general public and require well-developed communication skills. Errors in judgment may have a significant adverse impact on costs, safety of students or the public or legal liabilities. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS To advance to Bus Driver, incumbents must complete the required training and licensure. To advance beyond Bus Driver, incumbents can develop additional special competencies that meet requirements for Bus Driver Specialized, Instructor/Driver or Transportation Dispatcher. ESSENTIAL TYPES OF DUTIES (Examples) • Drives a school bus daily over designated routes in accordance with time schedules, picking up and discharging students. May drive special use buses such as those used for handicapped passengers. • Escorts students across streets and roadways when necessary, stopping traffic as needed. • Transports students and teachers on field trips to various locations making departure and arrival time as scheduled. • Inspects bus prior to operation for safety purposes on a daily basis. Cleans windshields and headlights. Cleans interior and exterior of buses as needed, including, but not limited to, picking up debris, sweeping and mopping floor, and wiping, cleaning and repairing upholstery. May service bus with fuel and oil. • Maintains appropriate behavior among students on buses and while the bus is parked at bus stops. Follows District policies regarding the student control and contact with parents and the public. • Reports problems or equipment malfunctions. Reports incidents which affect the safety of students. • May perform first aid or emergency assistance. Maintains records of all trips. Files accident reports. • Attends scheduled safety meetings and safety programs. • Completes accurate records as required by State and District laws and policies. May be required to collect and verify bus passes. • Performs other duties as required to accomplish the objectives of the position. QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge and Skills: Requires a thorough knowledge and understanding of safe bus driving practices. Requires a thorough understanding of bus operation and safety sufficient to recognize problems and take appropriate action. Must have a thorough understanding of State laws, rules and regulations and Education Code sections pertaining to school bus operations and pupil transportation. Must know and understand how to apply first aid practices. Requires good communication skills. Abilities: Requires the ability to perform all of the duties of the position with minimal supervision. Must be able to drive a school bus safely and efficiently while keeping to well established schedules. Requires the ability to maintain order among students, both while driving and at bus stops. Must be able to recognize malfunctions in equipment and take appropriate action. Requires the ability to maintain the assigned vehicle in clean and safe operating condition. Must administer first aid to ill or injured students. Must learn designated bus route, including stops and traffic hazards. Must be able to perform routine, repetitive tasks on a continuous basis and to sit for prolonged periods of time. Requires the ability to maintain required records. Requires the ability to communicate with students, staff, parents and the public using patience and courtesy, and in a manner that reflects positively on the District. Must be able to work well independently and as part of a team. Physical Abilities: Requires arm-hand and leg-foot dexterity to drive bus. Requires visual acuity including depth perception. Requires the ability to sit for extended periods of time. Requires hearing sufficient to be aware of traffic and road distractions/conditions and listen to children. Requires the ability to lift passenger ambulatory aids such as wheel chairs onto platforms. Position involves standing, walking, stooping, and occasional carrying and lifting of lightweight materials (up to 40 pounds). Education and/or Experience: High School diploma or the equivalent. Ability to read and write sufficiently to perform all of the duties of the position including understanding applicable laws, regulations and codes required. Successful completion of 20 hours of classroom instruction related to skills and safety requirements for driving a school bus and successful completion of 20 hours of instruction behind the wheel of a school bus required. Licenses and Certificates: Requires valid Commercial Driver’s License; medical examination card; valid California Special Driver Certificate with P.S. Endorsement, and valid ARC First Aid Certificate. Approved by Personnel Commission 01/07/99 Approved by Governing Board 04/14/99