Bus Driver

Sinton; Sinton (TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Sinton is seeking a dedicated School Bus Driver to safely operate a school bus and related equipment on assigned routes, ensuring student safety and adherence to district procedures.

The role requires a Texas CDL with P and S endorsements, completion of safety training, and compliance with federal/state requirements. Responsibilities include pre/post-trip inspections, student supervision, and clear communication of delays or safety concerns.

Qualifications

• Requires a valid Texas commercial driver's license (CDL) with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements.
• Must hold or be eligible for Texas school bus driver safety training certification.
• Meet federal, state, and district requirements including medical qualification, driving-record standards, and background checks.

Responsibilities

• Safely drive a school bus on assigned routes and field trips following schedules and procedures.
• Transport students and authorized passengers to and from schools and events.
• Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections and report any safety concerns.
• Maintain student supervision and enforce bus safety procedures.
• Report incidents and communicate delays or safety concerns to the Transportation Department.
• Ensure bus cleanliness and security of district equipment; follow district policies and procedures.

Skills

Safety knowledge

Pre-trip/post-trip inspections

Communication with stakeholders

Emergency procedures

Professional conduct on route

Education

Texas CDL with P & S endorsements

School bus safety training

Minimum age 18

Medical qualification & driving record compliance

Tools

GPS routing

Two-way radio

Job description

Safely operate a school bus and related equipment to provide reliable, orderly transportation of students and other authorized persons on assigned routes, field trips, extracurricular activities, and other designated district travel. Protect student safety through lawful vehicle operation, required inspections, effective student supervision, accurate reporting, and consistent compliance with district procedures and applicable state and federal requirements.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

• Clear and valid Texas commercial driver's license (CDL) of the appropriate class for the vehicle operated, with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements.
• Valid Texas school bus driver safety training certification or enrollment status as permitted by applicable Texas Department of Public Safety requirements.
• Meet all applicable federal, state, and district requirements for commercial and school bus drivers, including required medical qualification, driving-record standards, criminal history/fingerprinting requirements, and drug and alcohol testing.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of safe school bus operating practices, traffic laws, loading/unloading procedures, emergency procedures, and student transportation safety requirements.
• Ability to complete and maintain required school bus driver safety training and certifications.
• Ability to perform thorough pre-trip, post-trip, and child-check inspections and identify/report unsafe vehicle conditions.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, route sheets, maps, GPS directions, schedules, and dispatch communications.
• Ability to manage student behavior calmly, consistently, and in accordance with district expectations.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with students, parents/guardians, campus staff, transportation personnel, and administrators.
• Ability to respond appropriately to emergencies and assist with evacuation procedures.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of student and district information and use sound judgment in safety-sensitive situations.

Experience:

• No prior school bus driving experience required; commercial or passenger transportation experience preferred.

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Vehicle Operation and Route Performance

• Drive a school bus safely on assigned routes and adhere to established schedules, stops, loading zones, and transportation procedures.
• Transport students and authorized passengers to and from school, extracurricular activities, field trips, athletic events, and other district-approved destinations as assigned.
• Anticipate and respond appropriately to traffic, weather, road hazards, construction, emergencies, and schedule changes; immediately communicate significant delays or safety concerns to the Transportation Department.
• Perform required pre-trip and post-trip inspections, including a complete interior child check after each route or trip, and follow district procedures to verify that no student remains on the bus.
• Identify and promptly report mechanical defects, damage, warning indicators, or unsafe conditions. Do not operate a vehicle that is unsafe or prohibited from service.
• Keep the assigned bus clean, fueled or charged as applicable, and ready for service; safeguard district keys, equipment, and other assigned property.
• Use district-approved routing, GPS, radio, camera, student ridership, or other transportation technology in a safe manner and only as authorized.
• Maintain professionalism around Sinton properties and on the clock at all times.

Student Management

• Instruct and reinforce safe bus-riding expectations, including procedures for entering, exiting, remaining seated, crossing streets, and responding to emergencies.
• Supervise students during loading and unloading and use required warning lights, stop arms, mirrors, and other safety equipment in accordance with law and training.
• Maintain appropriate order and use effective behavior-management practices while keeping primary attention on safe vehicle operation.
• Report student conduct or safety concerns through established district procedures and provide factual documentation when requested.
• Communicate with parents/guardians, teachers, campus administrators, and transportation staff regarding transportation matters when authorized and appropriate; refer concerns outside the driver's role to the supervisor.
• Follow documented transportation-related student accommodations, health/safety instructions, and specialized transportation procedures provided by authorized district personnel.
• Perform or assist with emergency evacuation of students and passengers when circumstances warrant and participate in required evacuation drills or safety exercises.

Safety, Compliance, and Reporting

• Observe all applicable traffic laws, school bus safety regulations, district policies, and Transportation Department procedures.
• Maintain required driver credentials, safety certification, medical qualification, and eligibility to operate a district school bus; immediately report any change that could affect driving eligibility.
• Comply with applicable U.S. Department of Transportation drug and alcohol testing requirements and district safety-sensitive employee procedures.
• Ensure required emergency and safety equipment is present, accessible, and in serviceable condition; promptly report missing, expired, damaged, or inoperable equipment.
• Report accidents, citations, vehicle damage, student injuries, mechanical failures, route hazards, and other required incidents immediately and complete all required documentation accurately and timely.
• Use two-way radio and other communication devices according to district procedures and applicable law; avoid prohibited or distracting device use while operating the bus.
• Complete and maintain accurate transportation records, including mileage, ridership/passenger counts, inspection records, trip documentation, fuel/energy use, time records, and other reports required by the district.
• Participate in required training, safety meetings, evaluations, drills, and professional learning; demonstrate safe practices and apply updated procedures.
• Protect confidential student, employee, route, and district information in accordance with law and district policy.
• Perform other duties as assigned that are consistent with the general purpose and responsibilities of the position.

Professional Responsibilities

• Report to work on time and maintain regular attendance consistent with assigned routes and district expectations. Notify the Transportation Department promptly of an absence or delay according to established procedures.
• Maintain professional, courteous conduct and appropriate language with students, families, coworkers, and members of the public.
• Use district communication devices, radios, cameras, student information, and technology only for authorized district purposes and in accordance with district policy.
• Participate in required transportation, safety, student-behavior, special education, confidentiality, and other job-related training.
• Assist in keeping the student area of the bus orderly and free of safety hazards. Do not perform tasks that distract the driver while the vehicle is in motion.
• Report suspected child abuse or neglect, prohibited conduct, harassment, bullying, safety threats, or other matters requiring mandatory or district reporting immediately in accordance with law and district policy.
• Perform other duties as assigned that are consistent with the general purpose and responsibilities of the position.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None. The employee is responsible for the direct safety and supervision of student passengers while they are under the driver's care and control.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: School bus and related vehicle controls; two-way radio; GPS/routing and district-approved transportation technology; wheelchair lift/securement equipment when assigned and trained; safety and emergency equipment including first-aid supplies, fire extinguisher, reflective warning devices, and emergency exits.

Posture: Prolonged sitting and driving; frequent standing, twisting, turning of head/neck, and reaching; occasional bending, stooping, kneeling, squatting, pushing, and pulling.

Motion: Frequent use of hands, arms, feet, and legs to operate vehicle controls; frequent climbing of bus steps; walking and moving throughout the bus as needed for inspections and student safety.

Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying associated with routine duties. Must be able to perform the essential safety functions of the position, including assisting with emergency evacuation procedures, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Environment: Work inside and around moving vehicles; exposure to traffic, noise, vibration, vehicle fumes, dust, and extreme hot or cold temperatures; possible exposure to inclement weather. Work may include split shifts, early mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends, irregular hours, and occasional prolonged hours for trips or emergencies.

Mental Demands: Maintain sustained attention and situational awareness while driving; work with frequent interruptions; exercise sound judgment; manage multiple safety demands; communicate calmly; and maintain emotional control under stress and during emergencies.