Lead Bus Driver

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is seeking a lead bus driver to coordinate assigned bus drivers and ensure safe, on‑time transportation for students. The role involves driving when needed and guiding operations under the Area Transportation Manager’s direction.

The position requires communicating with drivers, monitoring routes, reviewing inspections, and supporting daily transportation operations to maintain high service standards.

Qualifications

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The position requires communicating with assigned bus drivers and district staff.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to all state, federal, and local laws, policies, and procedures.
• Communicate with bus drivers regarding department information, daily instruction, and feedback.
• Respond to transportation concerns with school administration and parents.
• Distribute reports to school administration as appropriate.
• Assist the transportation operations technician (OT) and quality support technician (QST) as requested.
• Assist with the notification of substitute drivers.
• Monitor AM and PM bus runs to ensure each bus is occupied and report absent drivers.
• Know the routes of the assigned drivers and ensure paperwork is present.
• Assist in developing runs for assigned buses to ensure TIMS compliance.
• Routinely ride with assigned drivers as check for route operation.
• Monitor and evaluate drivers' pre- and post-trip inspections and bus cleanliness.
• Report unsafe conditions or mechanical problems with buses to the area manager.
• Assist in investigating and resolving transportation service request forms.
• Provide guidance and problem resolution for customers at the area transportation office.
• Assist the area manager in training and safety meetings for drivers.
• Distribute and review information and instructions to bus drivers.
• Conduct follow-up road training with drivers before permanent assignment.
• Deliver buses to maintenance areas as needed.
• Drive any route in the absence of a permanent or substitute driver, including field trips.
• Perform related work as assigned.

Job description

General Definition of Work

The lead bus driver, under general supervision, performs support work with minimal decision‑making discretion in the coordination and guidance of assigned bus drivers and school buses. Position is responsible for communicating with assigned bus drivers including relaying critical information. Position is also responsible for driving a school bus (as needed) to provide safe, efficient, and on‑time transportation for students to and from assigned schools on a daily basis. Employee performs district-level work to carry out Board of Education policies under the direction of the Manager, Area Transportation.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function 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 to perform the essential functions.

Salary/Status

Hourly NC 10/Full‑time, 9 months

Reports To

Area Transportation Manager

Place of Work

The normal place of work is on the premises used by Charlotte‑Mecklenburg Schools. Charlotte‑Mecklenburg Schools reserves the right to require you to work at such other place(s) as it may reasonably require from time to time.

Essential Functions

• Adhere to all state, federal, and local laws, policies, and procedures
• Communicate with assigned bus drivers regarding department information, daily instruction, and verbal performance feedback
• Respond to transportation‑related concerns with school administration and parents
• Distribute reports to school administration as appropriate
• Assist the transportation operations technician (OT) and quality support technician (QST) as requested
• Assist with the notification of substitute drivers
• Monitor AM and PM bus runs to ensure that each assigned bus is occupied, notifying appropriate personnel if a driver does not report to work on time or at all
• Know the routes of the assigned drivers and ensure that each bus has appropriate paperwork at all times
• Assist in the development of runs for assigned buses to ensure proper sequencing of stops, run directions, and compliance with the transportation information management system (TIMS) to provide appropriate service to students
• Routinely ride with assigned drivers as check for route operation and suitability
• Monitor and evaluate assigned drivers' pre‑and post‑trip inspections, bus cleanings, and parking
• Report unsafe conditions or mechanical problems with buses to the area manager and/or garage maintenance staff
• Assist in the investigation and resolution of transportation service request forms
• Provide guidance and problem resolution for customers who have contacted the area transportation office
• Assist the area manager in developing and presenting training, safety meetings, and related operational instruction to enhance the assigned drivers' professional development and customer service skills
• Distribute and review any written or verbal information and instructions to the assigned bus drivers
• Conduct follow‑up road training with drivers prior to a permanent bus assignment
• Deliver buses to the maintenance areas as needed
• Drive any route necessary in the absence of a permanent or substitute driver, including for field trips or other extracurricular trips
• Perform related work as assigned or required