HEAVY BUS DRIVER/TRAINER

Inglewood Unified School District; California (MO); On-site; USD 58,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Inglewood Unified School District in California seeks a Heavy Bus Driver/Trainer to transport students, supervise behavior, and deliver state‑approved driver training for current and prospective district drivers.

This role combines driving with classroom and behind‑the‑wheel instruction, requires daily safety inspections, maintains training records, and ensures compliance with CDE, CHP, DMV requirements, guided by our Beloved Community ethos.

Qualifications

• Valid California School Bus Driver Certificate or permit as applicable.
• Ability to conduct classroom and behind-the-wheel training per state requirements.
• Maintain accurate training records and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Operate a large transit school bus safely according to laws and district policies.
• Lead classroom and behind-the-wheel training for current and prospective drivers.
• Inspect buses daily for safety and report maintenance needs.
• Ensure student safety and proper behavior on the bus.
• Maintain training records and certifications; stay current on regulations.

Skills

Defensive driving

First aid

Classroom instruction

Behind-the-wheel training

Safety compliance

Job description

Under the direction of the Transportation Coordinator or designee, the Heavy Bus Driver/Trainer 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; performs daily safety inspections and minor maintenance of assigned vehicles; and serves as a designated District school bus driver trainer responsible for conducting classroom and behind-the-wheel training for current, prospective, and trainee bus drivers in accordance with California Department of Education (CDE), California Highway Patrol (CHP), Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and District requirements.

The Heavy Bus Driver/Trainer supports the District’s ability to meet mandated annual training requirements and to hire and train candidates who are pending issuance of a California School Bus Driver Certificate.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

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

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Heavy Bus Driver/Trainer classification performs the full range of duties of a Heavy Bus Driver and is additionally assigned responsibility for conducting State-required school bus driver training. The incumbent must possess and maintain all certifications and designations required to serve as a school bus driver trainer, including authority to provide behind-the-wheel instruction. This classification does not include supervisory authority but exercises functional leadership in training, safety compliance, and skill development of bus drivers.

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.

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 assigned buses to ensure mechanical safety and cleanliness and submits required reports. E
5. Maintains order and promotes safe student behavior on the bus; enforces rules and intervenes as necessary to ensure student safety. E
6. Completes and submits required transportation logs, incident reports, mileage records, and training documentation accurately and timely. 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 and maintains the bus interior and exterior to ensure a safe and sanitary environment. E
11. Plans, schedules, and conducts classroom and behind-the-wheel training for new, prospective, and current school bus drivers in accordance with CDE, CHP, DMV, and District requirements. E
12. Provides behind-the-wheel instruction and evaluation for candidates pending issuance of a California School Bus Driver Certificate, consistent with applicable laws and delegated authority. E
13. Ensures District compliance with required annual training, in-service instruction, and certification renewal requirements for school bus drivers. E
14. Maintains accurate records of driver training, behind-the-wheel hours, certifications, and expiration dates. E
15. Reviews driver performance during training rides and provides coaching, corrective instruction, and safety feedback as appropriate. E
16. Stays current on changes to laws, regulations, and best practices related to pupil transportation and school bus driver training. E
17. Attends required in-service training and maintains all certifications and designations required for both driving and training assignments. E
18. Operates communication devices and District systems (including online platforms) for routing, attendance, reporting, and training documentation. E
19. Makes minor emergency repairs as needed. E
20. Performs 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, abilities, and working conditions.

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

Knowledge of

• California Vehicle Code and regulations related to pupil transportation
• CHP, CDE, and DMV requirements governing school bus operation and driver training
• Principles and techniques of classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction
• Defensive driving and accident prevention practices
• First-aid procedures and emergency response protocols
• Operation and basic maintenance of large transit school buses