Lead Bus Driver

cmsk12.org; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is seeking a lead bus driver to coordinate and support assigned bus drivers, ensuring safe, on-time transport for students. The role includes occasional driving, communicating critical information, and supervising operations under the Manager, Area Transportation.

Requirements include a High school diploma or equivalent, a valid CDL with School Bus Certification, a clean driving record, and at least two years of school bus experience.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• CDL with School Bus Certification required.
• Minimum two years of school bus driving experience.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and guide assigned bus drivers and routes.
• Communicate with drivers about daily instructions and safety.
• Drive a school bus when needed to ensure on-time student transport.
• Monitor runs, inspections, and TIMS data for proper service.
• Report unsafe conditions or mechanical issues to management.

Skills

Safe driving

Communication with drivers

Multi-tasking

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

CDL with School Bus Certification

Job description

Non Instructional/Operations - Transportation

Job Number 4600325854

Start Date

Open Date 10/22/2026

Closing Date 11/06/2026

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.

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

# of Jobs 1.00

Teacher Scale N

Term 9 Month

Additional Job Information

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required


• Must maintain an acceptable driving record as outlined by North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles as legal requirements for issuance of a school bus driver certification


• Must possesses a CDL with School Bus Certification


• Minimum of two (2) years as a School Bus Driver required


• Equivalent combination of education and experience

Special Requirements

• Possess a valid Class B commercial driver's license and a valid school bus driver certification issued by the NCDMV before receiving a bus route


• Commercial driver license (CDL) holders and applicants must meet the medical qualifications set by the NC General Statute Medical Qualifications Standards Applicable to Commercial Drivers


• First aid certification preferred


• Possess and maintain a valid driver's license or ability to provide own transportation


• Travel to school district buildings and professional meetings

In compliance with Federal Law, Charlotte - Mecklenburg Schools administers all education programs, employment activities and admissions without discrimination against any person on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, national origin, age or disability.