Reports to: Supervisor of Dispatch Operations	Wage/Hour Status: Nonexempt
Dept./School: Transportation	Pay Family: Transportation
PC Assignment: Bus Driver; Bus Driver Floater	Pay Grade: 03
PC Assignment Code: 81501; 81502	Minimum Salary: $24.00 per hour
Insight: None	Duty Days: 187 days per school year

 

Primary Purpose: 

Ensure the safe, timely, and orderly transportation of students and other authorized personnel on assigned routes and designated locations. Operate a district school bus in full compliance with traffic laws, safety regulations, and district policies.

 

Qualifications:

Education and Certification

• Clear and valid Texas commercial driver’s license with passenger (P), school bus (S), and air brake endorsements
• Must maintain compliance with all Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations governing CDL issuance and renewal.
• Note: Applicants must meet all current DPS and FMCSA eligibility requirements for the issuance or renewal of a commercial driver’s license (CDL), including citizenship, lawful presence, or domicile requirements mandated by state or federal law. Eligibility requirements are subject to change based on regulatory updates.
• DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate, including a clear drug and alcohol screen (or the ability to obtain the MEC)

Experience

• Experience driving a commercial vehicle
• Prior experience as a certified school bus driver (preferred)

Knowledge and Skills

• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English
• Ability to pass required Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examinations and drug and alcohol testing, including annual and random screenings
• Ability to complete required bus driver safety training
• Ability to safely operate a school bus and related equipment
• Ability to manage student behavior and communicate effectively with students, staff, and parents
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions

 

Key Responsibilities:

Vehicle Operation and Safety

• Drive bus daily following assigned route and adhering to established schedules.
• Drive bus to and from extracurricular activities.
• Anticipate problems such as traffic, weather, road conditions, and schedule changes and make necessary adjustments to ensure student safety and reduce delays.
• Perform pre- and post-trip inspections according to specifications, ensuring the bus can be operated safely, and notify the supervisor of needed repairs.
• Maintain cleanliness and adequate fuel levels for assigned bus.
• Report all accidents, vehicle damage, student injuries, and mechanical problems and complete required corresponding reports.
• Report any hazardous conditions along scheduled route.
• Observe all traffic laws and safety regulations for school buses.
• Ensure proper condition of emergency equipment, such as first aid kit, fire extinguisher, flags, fuses, crowbar, and reflector.

Student Safety and Supervision

• Instruct students on safe entering, exiting, and passenger rules and regulations.
• Supervise students while they board, leave the bus, and cross the street.
• Perform emergency evacuation of students on the bus when the situation warrants.
• Maintain discipline and use effective behavior management to control groups of students.
• Report student discipline problems to appropriate administrator and communicate with teachers and parents regarding student’s behavior when warranted.

Communication and Reporting

• Operate and monitor two-way radio equipment to communicate with the transportation office and other drivers.
• Complete and maintain accurate, up-to-date, and timely records and reports, including but not limited to those related to bus mileage, gas and oil consumption, and number of passengers transported.

Safety and Compliance

• Identify and correct unsafe conditions in work area; promptly report hazards that cannot be immediately corrected to supervisor.
• Maintain required safety and certification credentials.
• Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

 

Additional Responsibilities:

• Adhere to all district policies, procedures, and expectations as outlined in the employee handbook and administrative regulations.
• Participate in professional development, faculty/department meetings, and special events as assigned.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support the mission and goals of the department and district.

 

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

 

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools and Equipment Used: Operate school bus; two-way radio; global positioning system (GPS); safety equipment including but not limited to flares, reflective signs, and fire extinguisher

Posture: Prolonged sitting; frequent standing and twisting; occasional kneeling/squatting, bending, stooping, and pushing/pulling

Motion: Prolonged driving; moderate walking; frequent climbing stairs, grasping/squeezing, wrist and shoulder flexion/extension, and reaching

Lifting: Frequent heavy lifting (45 pounds or over) and positioning of students with physical disabilities, controlling behavior through physical restraint, assisting nonambulatory students, and lifting and moving adaptive equipment

Environment: Work outside and inside with moderate exposure to extreme temperatures (hot and

cold) and weather conditions; moderate exposure to vehicle fumes; work irregular hours as needed.

Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress

 

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.