School Bus Driver

Madera County Superintendent of Schools

CLASS TITLE: SCHOOL BUS DRIVER

BASIC FUNCTION:

Under general supervision, to drive a school bus over designated routes to safely transport students with disabilities to and from school, field trips, and/or other activities and to clean and perform routine servicing of buses. Employees in this classification receive general supervision from an assigned administrator and work on a regular basis within a well-defined framework of policies and procedures.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Drive a school bus over assigned routes in accordance with a specified schedule.

May adjust the scheduled route in picking up and discharging students, as necessitated by road or emergency conditions.

Transport students with disabilities to and from designated locations within the County.

Transport students to and from school, field trips, and/or other activities.

Enforce policies and procedures and maintain discipline on the school bus.

Perform daily bus inspections, complete daily vehicle condition report, prepare daily reports of mileage, time, and student loads, and other related forms and reports.

Maintain interior and exterior bus cleanliness and fluid levels on a daily basis.

Advise Manager, Transportation, of necessary repairs.

Load and unload wheelchair students in chairs; may place or remove students from wheelchairs.

Operate hydraulic lift, when necessary.

May be required to install snow chains during inclement weather.

Operate 2-way radio communication system.

May render first aid or emergency assistance, as needed.

Report incidents which affect the safety of students.

Attend staff and inservice training meetings.

OTHER DUTIES:

Perform related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

An employee assigned to this classification performs duties as a school bus driver of various types of physically and mentally disabled students. Incumbents must have a valid California Class B commercial driver's license with passenger endorsement and a school bus endorsement; valid DMV School Bus Driver's Certificate; California Special Driver's Certificate, valid for driving school buses; current DMV approved Medical Certificate; and a current DOE approved First Aid card if applicable (i.e. Restriction 6 on Special Driver's Certificate.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Student behavior management strategies and techniques.

Applicable provisions of the California Motor Vehicle Code, Administrative Code, and Education Code

Safe driving practices.

Basic first aid practices.

City and County roads and state highways in areas traveled.

County schools requirements regarding pick up and delivery of students.

Proper hygiene practices and procedures.

Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.

Oral and written communication skills.

Methods of collecting and organizing data and information.

Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.

ABILITY TO:

Drive a school bus up to 26 passengers (which may include any number of wheelchair passengers) safety and efficiently.

Maintain order and discipline of students on the school bus.

Determine the safe operating conditions of the school bus.

Learn and follow a prescribed route and time schedule.

Handle emergencies in case of accident or illness.

Understand and follow oral and written directions.

Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Communicate effectively with physically and developmentally disabled children.

Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.

Prepare records and reports related to assigned activities.

React with flexibility, creativity, and sensitivity to changing situations and needs.

Interact effectively with students, parents, staff, and the public.

Work effectively with a student population that has special needs.

Demonstrate a patient, understanding, and receptive attitude toward children with special needs, including those with disruptive emotional characteristics.

Work collaboratively in teams and with families.

Maintain confidentiality of sensitive and privileged information.

Work effectively with individuals from various ethnic and cultural groups.

Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.

Contribute to a positive working environment.

May require:

Oral bilingual proficiency in a second language as determined by administration.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination equivalent to: graduation from high school and experience sufficient to drive a school bus and follow a prescribed route.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Valid California Class B commercial driver's license with passenger endorsement and a school bus endorsement; valid DMV School Bus Driver's Certificate; California Special Driver's Certificate, valid for driving school buses; current DMV approved Medical Certificate; and a current DOE approved First Aid card if applicable (i.e. Restriction 6 on Special Driver's Certificate.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

ENVIRONMENT:

Indoor and outdoor environment.

The employee may occasionally work in extreme weather conditions and be exposed to noise and fumes from equipment operation, refueling, and/or loading students.

Driving a school bus to conduct work.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Perform strenuous physical work in lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, moving, and controlling disabled students and/or their equipment.

Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a school bus.

Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person and on the telephone.

Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.

Seeing to read a variety of materials.

Reaching overhead and above the shoulders, bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching to inspect buses.

Meet the physical requirements necessary to perform assigned duties in a safe and effective manner for self and others.

Requirements / Qualifications

Requirements / Qualifications