Job Title:  Bus Driver

Location:  Traveling to and from Various Schools

Reports to:  Transportation Supervisor

FLSA Status:  Non-exempt

SUMMARY:

Transports school bus passengers between assigned stops and schools according to specified routes and time schedules.  Maintains order during trips and adheres to safety rules when loading and unloading passengers.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND ASSIGNED TASKS:

The minimum performance expectations include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Exercise the greatest care at all times in transportation of school children;
• Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, employees, equipment and property;
• Reports all student injuries, accidents, illnesses and discipline problems to the appropriate authority immediately or as soon as reasonably possible;
• Opens and closes entrance door and keeps it securely closed while the bus is in motion
• Wears safety belt assembly while driving;
• Instructs pupils who ride buses in rider safety annually, and practices emergency exit drills at least twice annually;
• Prohibits the use of posters, stickers, or advertising material of any kind in or on the school bus;
• Adheres to the provision of Motor Vehicle Code, Pupil Transportation Regulations of Board of Education and terms of the School Bus Driver Handbook including:
  • Operates school bus at a safe speed not to exceed 45 miles per hour or the minimum speed allowable, whichever is greater, on any highway other than interstate highways.  However, for any such vehicle which takes on or discharges children, the maximum speed limit shall be 35 miles per hour between the first stop and the last stop, not including the school.  The school and the designated school bus parking area should not be considered for the first or last stop.
  • Operates warning lights for a distance of not less than 100 feet before the bus stops, if lawful speed limit is less than 35 miles per hour, and for a distance of at least 200 feet before the bus stops if the lawful speed limit is 35 miles per hour or more;
  • Makes stops in the right-hand lane when loading or discharging pupils on highway and only at designated points, where bus can be clearly seen for a safe distance from both directions;
  • Operates school bus warning devices while stopped to warn approaching traffic to stop and allow pupils to cross highway safely;
  • Requires pupils who must cross the road to walk to a point 10 feet or more in front of bus, stop before reaching a position in line with left side of bus, and await signal from bus driver to start across highway;
  • Picks up and discharges pupils on side of road on which they live on dual highways divided by a physical barrier or unpaved area;
  • Stops school bus at railway grade crossings – opens door of bus and driver’s window and determines when it is safe for vehicle to cross railroad tracks. No such stop need be made where a police officer or traffic light directs traffic to cross;
  • Keeps copy of route schedule in bus, including time bus starts in morning, time it leaves each point at which pupils are taken on, time of arrival at school, bus’ odometer reading at beginning of route where first pupil is picked up, where other stops are made, and reading upon arrival at school;
  • Operates bus in accordance with route schedule and designated stops;
  • Transports only students assigned to particular route, unless otherwise authorized by the building administrator with consent of parents;
  • Reports misconduct of pupils on school bus or at waiting stations or stops on the way to or from school and shall be guided by building administrator’s advice and direction, subject to regulations of School Board and the particular school;
  • Performs daily pre-trip safety inspection of vehicle and reports damage and/or malfunction to Transportation Supervisor;
  • Perform daily post-trip of the entire interior and exterior of the bus;
  • Fills fuel tank of vehicle;
  • Cleans interior and exterior of vehicles regularly;
  • Cleans windows, including windshield and rear window, and warning and signal lights regularly;
  • Requires pupils to keep the bus clean;
  • Reports the number of pupils transported and miles traveled to the Transportation Supervisor;
  • Reports accidents, delays, and driver absences to the Transportation Supervisor;
  • Completes reports related to time worked, daily schedule, route information, and all other reports as required by the Transportation Supervisor with accuracy and in a timely manner;
  • Contacts the Transportation Supervisor immediately, or as soon as reasonably possible, in the event of a student injury, serious illness, or other matter pertaining to the general welfare of the student;
  • Suggests safe and efficient routes, stops, and schedules to the Transportation Supervisor;
  • Attends in-service training to improve skills, attitudes, and knowledge of school bus driving and pupil control;
  • Observes established and accepted work practices and procedures in accordance with School Board transportation policy, particular school policy, and supplemental administrative directives;
  • Reports to the Transportation Supervisor motorists who violate Virginia “School Bus Stop Law”;
  • Models non-discriminatory practices in all activities;
  • Complies with and supports school and division regulations and policies;
• Maintains proper boundaries with students at all times, assuring respect for the ethical and legal duties in the staff-student relationship and the essential duty to serve as a role model;
• Provides a good role model in appearance, demeanor, dress, and behavior for the students served;
• Performs related duties as assigned by the building administrator and/or the Transportation Supervisor in accordance with the school/division policies and procedures.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

General knowledge of the county,; skill in the safe operation of a school bus, ability to detect malfunctioning equipment; ability to assist children using patience and understanding; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school officials, parents, school personnel, and students.  Must be able to follow oral and written directions and have the ability to get along well with others.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Candidate must possess any combination of education and experience equivalent to completion of high school.  The candidate must possess a current Virginia School Bus Driver Training Certificate.

Candidate must be at least 18 years of age; must possess a valid Virginia Commercials Driver’s License with Air Brake, School Bus and Passenger Bus endorsements; must satisfy an annual physical examination for employment as a school bus driver by a physician licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia and satisfy all other requirements of the State Board of Education for persons employed to drive a school bus.  The candidate must attend the Behind-the-Wheel Training, coordinated by the Transportation Supervisor. The candidate must submit to random and post-accident drug testing.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/REQUIREMENTS:

Work requires climbing sitting, stooping, crouching, reaching, pushing, pulling, grasping, and repetitive motions.  Frequent walking and lifting, up to approximately 30 pounds and occasional lifting of equipment up to 40 pounds.  Vocal communication is required for expressing and exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word, and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, operation of motor vehicles or equipment, and observing general surroundings and activities; the worker is subject to outside environmental conditions, noise, road hazards, and atmospheric conditions.  Attendance to training sessions and bus driver meetings beyond the normal assigned hours is necessary.  Daily contact with students to provide an orderly and safe environment is required.  Contact with parents and administrators is required.  Occasional contact with medical professionals may be required.

EVALUATION:

The Transportation Supervisor with collaboration from the assigned administrator will evaluate performance on ability and effectiveness in carrying out the above responsibilities.

Rappahannock County Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, creed, marital status, age, or disability in its programs, activities, or employment practices as required by Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Section 504, and ADA regulations. RCPS provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. For inquiries please contact Carol Johnson, Assistant Superintendent, Rappahannock County Public Schools, at 6 School House Road, Washington, Virginia 22747, (540-227-0023).