Full -Time Bus Driver

Essex County Schools; United States; On-site; USD 20,664 - 30,307; Full time

Job summary

Essex County Public Schools seeks a dedicated school bus driver to transport students and staff safely on approved routes, conduct pre-trip inspections, and maintain orderly conduct aboard the vehicle. You will follow CDL safety regulations, adhere to schedules, assist with field trips and after-hours activities, and report any safety concerns or accidents promptly to the Transportation Department.

Strong communication skills and the ability to work independently are essential, along with a

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Valid CDL to operate a school bus or ability to obtain one before training.
• First aid and CPR certification or ability to obtain prior to training.
• Excellent driving record and completion of the district bus driver training.
• Knowledge of CDL safety regulations and local road systems.
• Ability to secure wheelchairs, restraints, and other equipment on the bus.
• Ability to maintain student discipline and ensure safe driving.
• Compliance with substance and alcohol regulations.
• Passing mandated physical and mental requirements.
• Ability to work independently and follow oral/written instructions.
• Positive interaction with students, parents, and faculty.

Responsibilities

• Operate the school bus safely on assigned routes and ensure authorized students are picked up and dropped off.
• Perform pre-trip inspections and report any safety issues per laws.
• Maintain student discipline and administer Code of Conduct as needed.
• Follow schedules and aim to arrive on time while prioritizing safety.
• Adhere to CDL rules, school policies, and local ordinances.
• Secure wheelchairs and other restraining devices as required.
• Assist with field trips, extracurricular activities, and after-hours events.
• Report accidents or safety concerns promptly to the supervisor.

Skills

Good driving record

Student discipline

CDL safety regulations

Follow instructions

Interpersonal communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Valid CDL to operate a school bus

First aid/CPR certification

Job description

Job Summary

Position is responsible for operating a school bus and transporting school‑aged children and other authorized personnel safely and efficiently over specified routes to and from schools and various activities. The role includes conducting pre‑trip inspections, observing safety regulations and policies, enforcing student discipline on the bus, and performing related duties.

Essential Duties

• Checks with the dispatcher or area transportation supervisor for any changes in normal duties or new student passengers.
• Ensures that the bus can be operated safely before driving and conducts pre‑trip safety inspections as required by federal and state laws, including inspecting visual defects and checking operating systems such as brakes, horn, lights, emergency flashers, extended stop arms, and door‑opening devices.
• Operates the vehicle safely over an assigned route, picking up and delivering only authorized students at assigned bus stops, and ensures no one is left behind.
• Maintains assigned time schedules, which may require driving during pre‑day light and dusk periods, and makes every effort to be on time while ensuring safety.
• Obeys all traffic laws and transportation practices as outlined in the CDL manual, School Board Policy, and local ordinances.
• Observes all mandatory safety regulations for school buses and keeps all emergency exits clear of obstructions.
• Secures wheelchairs, car seats, and other restraining devices on the bus as needed.
• Maintains student discipline on the bus and enforces rules governing student conduct.
• Reports undisciplined students to the proper authority and compiles written reports as requested in accordance with the Code of Conduct Handbook.
• Conducts semi‑annual bus evacuation drills as required by the Department of Education and implements evacuations as required in an emergency, including safely exiting from the rear of the bus.
• Reports all accidents immediately, requesting police or ambulance service as needed; assists injured persons until services arrive; and completes required accident reports.
• Notifies the proper authority in cases of mechanical failure, safety deficiencies, off‑schedule arrivals, or other incidents.
• Regulates heating, cooling, and ventilating equipment on the bus for passenger comfort.
• Drives students and teachers on field trips, extracurricular activities, and other special events, often in evenings and at night.
• Exercises responsible leadership and appropriate behavior when on out‑of‑division school trips.
• Returns the bus to the assigned bus lot, performs a final inspection, and secures the vehicle according to procedures.
• Participates in all required training.
• Submits to drug testing when required.
• Maintains a commercial driver’s license and possesses Red Cross first aid/CPR certification.
• Models nondiscriminatory practices in all activities.
• Adapts to students with disabilities and/or special needs.
• Fills the fuel tank and checks daily oil level.
• Keeps the assigned bus clean.
• Maintains an assigned seating chart.
• Reports safety violations involving alcohol or drugs by co‑workers or personnel.
• Performs any other related duties as assigned by the appropriate administrator aligned with the mission and vision of Essex County Public Schools.

Job Specifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities, who are otherwise qualified, to perform the essential functions.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid commercial driver’s license to operate a school bus or ability to obtain one prior to completing the division’s classroom training course.
• Basic first aid and CPR certification or ability to obtain such prior to completing the division’s classroom training course.
• Excellent driving record in compliance with division standards and successful completion of the school division’s bus driver training course.
• Good knowledge of procedures and federal/state laws governing the safe operation of a school bus.
• Knowledge of local street and road systems, or ability to learn them quickly and accurately.
• Knowledge of or ability to learn how to secure wheelchairs, car seats, and other restraining devices on a school bus.
• Ability to maintain student discipline and ensure that student behavior does not distract from safe driving.
• Ability to recognize and report unsafe acts or conditions.
• Compliance with state/division regulations regarding controlled substances and alcohol.
• Meeting mandated physical and mental requirements established by the state and the US Department of Transportation.
• Ability to work independently and understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Capability to interact positively and properly with students, parents, and faculty.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

Duties are performed on a school bus. The employee is frequently exposed to loud noise levels, fumes, airborne particles, noxious odors, vibrations from driving, and traffic. The role requires sitting, using hands to operate controls, reaching with hands and arms, climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, and speaking or hearing. The employee must be physically able to perform and demonstrate emergency evacuation procedures, including pushing or pulling up to 50 pounds and using emergency exits at any location on the bus. Vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, night/dusk vision, color vision, and peripheral vision.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described represent those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is loud.

Supervision Exercised

None

Supervision Received

Transportation Supervisor