Heavy Bus Driver

Inglewood Unified School District; Inglewood (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Inglewood Unified School District is seeking a Heavy Bus Driver to operate a large transit-style school bus and transport students safely on assigned routes in California. The role requires a valid California Class A/B Driver License with Passenger and Air Brake endorsements, a valid School Bus Driver Certificate, and a high school diploma.

Experience driving heavy vehicles and completing bus-driver training are valued assets.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or equivalent is required.
• One year of driving a bus or truck at least 16,000 pounds GVW is required.
• Accredited school bus driver training can substitute for six months of required experience.

Responsibilities

• Operate a large-capacity transit bus safely and efficiently on designated routes.
• Transport students to and from school, field trips, and events.
• Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections and maintain vehicle cleanliness.
• Enforce safety rules and assist students with disabilities as needed.
• Respond to emergencies and provide basic first aid when required.
• Maintain route schedules and complete required logs and reports.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

DEFINITION

Under the direction of the Transportation Coordinator or designee, the Heavy Bus Driver operates a large “transit” school bus to transport students safely to and from school and other designated locations; ensures safe and proper student behavior on the bus; and performs daily safety inspections and minor maintenance of the assigned vehicle.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

General supervision is provided by the Transportation Coordinator or designated management personnel. This position does not supervise other employees.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Heavy Bus Driver classification operates large‑capacity transit-style school buses with engines positioned under or behind the driver with a gross vehicle weight of at least 24,000 pounds and a seating capacity of seventy‑eight (78) or more passengers. The Heavy Bus Driver role is specialized and requires demonstrated expertise in handling heavy vehicles under rigorous safety standards. An air brake endorsement is required. The Heavy Bus Driver may also operate bus or school vehicles of less than seventy‑eight (78) passengers and may be assigned to drive such routes as needed.

The Bus Driver I is typically assigned to drive any twenty‑five (25) or more passenger school buses. The Bus Driver I may be assigned to drive a less than twenty‑five (25) passenger bus or school vehicle over designated routes transporting special needs students to and from school or on field trips. The Bus Driver I license requirements do not include an air brake endorsement.

Our approach is grounded in IUSD’s vision of a Beloved Community — a community where every person is valued, relationships matter, equity is practiced, and we share responsibility for one another’s success and well‑being. In the transportation department, that commitment comes to life through responsive and compassionate service, meaningful collaboration, equitable practices, and a belief that every interaction is an opportunity to build trust.

THE DISTRICT

At IUSD, we believe every student deserves an exceptional education and every employee has the opportunity to make a lasting difference. Serving the vibrant and diverse communities of Inglewood and Ladera Heights, IUSD is committed to preparing students to become self‑responsible, self‑disciplined, critical and creative thinkers who are equipped to succeed in college, career, and life. Our mission is grounded in equity, innovation, and a deep belief that every student can achieve at high levels when provided with high‑quality instruction, meaningful relationships, and the support they need to thrive.

As a district, we are investing in the future through innovative instructional programs, expanded career pathways, modern learning environments, technology integration, family and community partnerships, and comprehensive student support services. From early childhood education through graduation, we are dedicated to creating safe, inclusive, and engaging schools where students are inspired to learn, grow, and reach their full potential.

At IUSD, our employees are our greatest asset. Whether serving in the classroom, supporting students behind the scenes, or leading districtwide initiatives, every team member contributes to our shared mission of educational excellence. We foster a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, innovation, accountability, and exceptional customer service while encouraging professional growth and leadership development at every level.

If you are passionate about making a meaningful impact, embracing innovation, and helping shape the future of public education, we invite you to become part of the Inglewood Unified family.

This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee assigned to the position. This description is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, abilities, and working conditions associated with the position. Incumbents may be required to perform any combination of these duties. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability. Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Commits to honoring IUSD’s Mission, Vision, Core Values, Commitments, and Indicators of Student Success.
2. Operates a large‑capacity transit bus safely and efficiently in compliance with traffic laws, safety standards, and district policies.E
3. Transports students to and from school, field trips, and other special events according to assigned routes and schedules.E
4. Conducts daily pre‑trip and post‑trip inspections of the bus to ensure mechanical safety and cleanliness and submits timely reports.E
5. Maintains order and promotes safe student behavior on the bus; enforces rules and intervenes as necessary.E
6. Completes and submits required transportation logs, incident reports, and mileage records.E
7. Reports bus incidents, collisions, and service interruptions promptly by radio and in writing according to regulatory and district protocols.E
8. Provides assistance and lifts students with disabilities on and off the bus as required.E
9. Responds calmly and appropriately to emergency situations; administers basic first aid and uses safety equipment.E
10. Cleans the bus interior and maintains a sanitary and safe environment for student passengers; washes and polishes the bus regularly.E
11. Attends in‑service training and maintains up‑to‑date certifications required for school bus drivers.E
12. Operates communication devices and district systems (including online) for routing, attendance, and reporting; checks for route changes and maintains route schedules.E
13. Make minor emergency repairs.
14. Perform[s] related duties as assigned.

Note: An italicized “E” at the end of an example of duties identifies essential duties required of the classification. This is strictly for use in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Interested candidates should review the full job description for a complete description of duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and working conditions. An equivalent combination of experience, training, and/or education that could likely provide the desired knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Education

• Graduation from high school or equivalent is required.

Experience

• One (1) year of increasingly responsible driving a bus or truck experience of at least 16,000 pounds gross vehicle weight is required.
• Successful completion of an accredited school bus driver training course may substitute for six (6) months of required experience.

Licenses and Other Requirements

• A valid California Class A or B Driver License with Passenger and Air Brake endorsements
• A valid California School Bus Driver Certificate with no restrictions (other than Automatic Transmission Only if applicable)
• A valid First Aid certification (or waiver with certification on record)
• Current T101 (DMV Printout)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Dexterity of hands and arms to operate vehicle controls and perform minor mechanical tasks. Ability to lift, push, pull, or carry objects and assist students weighing up to 50 pounds. Sitting for extended periods while driving. Visual and auditory ability to monitor passenger safety and road conditions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work performed in a school bus, subject to variable traffic conditions and weather. Exposure to vehicle fumes, vibration, noise, and varying temperatures. Possible exposure to student conflicts or injuries.

This recruitment is Open and Promotional and is being conducted under the Inglewood Unified School District Merit System and Personnel Commission Rules. The recruitment is open to qualified members of the public and eligible District employees who meet the established minimum qualifications.

Applicants must submit a complete online application and provide required certificates/information to demonstrate that they meet the minimum qualifications. A résumé may be attached but will not substitute for a complete application.

Applications will be reviewed for completeness and minimum qualifications Applications without the required certifications may not move forward. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications may be invited to participate in the competitive examination process.

EXAMINATION PLAN

Minimum Qualifications Screening — Qualifying

• Applications will be reviewed to determine whether applicants meet the established minimum qualifications.
• Applicants must provide complete and sufficiently detailed information regarding their education and experience.
• A résumé may be attached but will not substitute for a complete application.

Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee advancement to subsequent phases of the examination process.

Training & Experience Evaluation (SME Review)

Tentatively scheduled for the week of September 21st

• Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications may have their application materials evaluated by subject‑matter experts to assess the depth, breadth, relevance, and recency of their education, training, and experience as they relate to the Human Resources Assistant classification.
• The evaluation may consider job‑related factors including progressively responsible administrative support experience; customer service; data entry, records maintenance, and data accuracy; use of computerized information systems and technology; recruitment and selection support; employee or personnel records and transactions; Human Resources support; and experience within a public agency or local educational agency.

Applicants should provide complete and detailed information in their application materials. Only the highest‑rated candidates may be invited to advance to the next phase of the examination process.

Written/Performance Examination — 50%

Tentatively scheduled for the week of October 5th

• The written/performance examination is anticipated to assess job‑related competencies including attention to detail and data accuracy, written communication, technology and information systems aptitude, customer service judgment, organization and prioritization, confidentiality, records practices, and problem solving.
• The examination may include multiple‑choice, written response, data review, and/or job‑related performance exercises.

Structured Oral Technical Examination — 50%

Tentatively scheduled for the week of October 12th

• The structured oral technical examination is anticipated to assess job‑related competencies including customer service and communication, judgment and problem solving, technology adaptability, organization and management of competing priorities, attention to detail, confidentiality, collaboration, adaptability, and readiness to perform any transportation needs.
• Candidates must achieve the required passing score on each scored examination component in order to continue in the selection process.

Final Interviews

Tentatively scheduled for the week of October 19th

• The top three (3) ranks of the Eligibility List (see below) will be referred to the hiring authority for final interviews.

PROMOTIONAL CANDIDATES

Eligible promotional candidates who successfully complete the examination process will receive applicable promotional credits added to their final passing score in accordance with Personnel Commission Rule 4.200.15.

Promotional credits may include:

• Seniority Credit — Up to 5 Points: One (1) point for each year of service with Inglewood Unified School District, not to exceed five (5) points.
• Attendance Credit — Up to 2 Points: Two (2) points may be awarded for no absences during the immediately preceding school year, or one (1) point for no more than three (3) absences during the immediately preceding school year.
• Performance Credit — Up to 2 Points: Two (2) points may be awarded when the promotional candidate's most recent performance evaluation reflects an overall rating of satisfactory or better.

Promotional candidates may receive a maximum of nine (9) promotional credit points. Promotional eligibility and the calculation and application of all promotional credits will be determined in accordance with applicable Personnel Commission Rules.

ELIGIBILITY LIST

Candidates who successfully complete all required examination components and achieve the required passing scores will be placed on an eligibility list in rank order based upon their final scores. For eligible promotional candidates, applicable promotional credits will be added to the final passing score prior to establishment of the eligibility list.

Open and promotional candidates will be merged onto a single eligibility list in accordance with Personnel Commission Rules. Appointment from the eligibility list will be made in accordance with applicable Education Code provisions and Personnel Commission Rules.

Examination components, dates, weights, and other details are subject to modification based upon operational needs and the applicant pool. Candidates will be notified of applicable examination requirements and scheduling.