Safety‑Driven School Bus Driver

cmsk12.org; Charlotte (NC); Hybrid; USD 36,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is seeking a school bus driver to transport CMS students safely and on time. You will operate a district bus, follow state and federal transportation rules, perform pre/post trip inspections, and maintain routing knowledge.

This role requires at least 18 years old, a valid NC CDL, and a Commercial Learner Permit; driving safety and reporting procedures are emphasized; on-site attendance is required.

Qualifications

• Ability to adhere to safety practices.
• Ability to read, interpret and follow maps, routes and directions.
• Ability to operate district vehicles, fire extinguisher, radio and office equipment.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records.
• Understanding of pre and post trip procedures.
• Ability to meet NC DMV medical standards.
• Knowledge of first aid, health standards and hazards.
• Understanding of safe driving practices and safety procedures.
• Ability to utilize wheelchairs, tie downs, child safety seats and lifts.
• Ability to communicate with students and adults (written and verbal).
• Operating knowledge of computer programs, including email.

Responsibilities

• Drive a school bus to transport students to and from assigned schools in compliance with laws and guidelines.
• Observe safety regulations and evacuate students quickly in emergencies.
• Maintain knowledge of routes and student assignments on bus.
• Maintain discipline on board and report undisciplined students.
• Perform pre- and post-inspections and secure bus at route end.
• Establish effective communications with staff, parents, and school officials.

Skills

Safety adherence

Reading maps and routes

Operate district vehicles and safety设备

Record keeping

Pre/post trip procedures

NC DMV medical standards

First aid knowledge

Safe driving practices

Wheelchair & safety devices

Communication (written & verbal)

Computer programs including email

Job description

Non Instructional/Operations - Bus Driver

Job Number 4600321188

Start Date

Open Date 06/01/2026

Closing Date 12/31/2026

JOB GOAL

Responsible for driving a school bus to provide safe, efficient, and on-time transportation of CMS students to and from assigned schools on a daily basis.

• Drives a school bus to transport students to and from assigned schools in compliance with all federal, state, and local laws, policies, regulations, administrative codes, and transportation operation guidelines.
• Obeys all traffic laws, and observes all mandatory safety regulations for school buses, including clearing the school bus and evacuating students quickly in the event of an emergency.
• Maintains safe driver standards and applicable physical and dexterity standards.
• Maintains knowledge of assigned bus routes and students assigned to the bus.
• Maintains discipline when students are on the bus; reports undisciplined students to the proper authority.
• Discharges students only at the authorized school or bus stop locations.
• Transports only authorized students.
• Identifies and reports changes in run directions and routes to the transportation department.
• Performs pre and post inspection activities to include, but not limited to - mechanical defects, adequate fuel levels, items left on the bus, vandalism to the bus interior, and ensures all students have exited the vehicle by the end of the route.
• Exercises responsible leadership when on school field trips, in or out of the district.
• Reports all accidents and participates in/meets all post-accident drug testing requirements.
• Enforces regulations against smoking, eating, and drinking on the bus.
• Keeps the school bus clean and free of any items which may present a safety problem.
• Fuels bus if required by parking location.
• Secures the assigned bus before leaving the vehicle at the conclusion of a run or route, including parking the vehicle properly, making a visual inspection of the bus to check for damage, and securing all windows and doors to protect the interior of the vehicle.
• Required to have prompt, regular attendance in-person and be available to work on-site, in-person during regular business hours and as directed by area manager.
• Establishes and maintains effective communications and working relationships with bus monitors, district personnel, school officials, and parents.
• Responsible for keeping up to date on current technology used by CMS, as job appropriate.
• Performs other related duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

None

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Knowledge, Skills & abilities

• Ability to adhere to safety practices
• Ability to read, interpret and follow printed and electronic maps, route descriptions, and directions
• Ability to operate district vehicles, fire extinguisher, two-way radio, and standard office equipment
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records
• Understanding of pre and post trip procedures
• Ability to meet requirements physical standards prescribed by NC DMV
• Knowledge of first aid, health standards, and hazards including the ability to administer first aid
• Understanding of safe driving practices and safety practices and procedures
• Ability and knowledge to utilize wheelchairs, tie downs, child safety seats, lifts, etc. (by assignment)
• Ability to communicate with students and adults both written and verbally
• Operating knowledge of computer programs, including email

Education, Training & Experience

• At least 6 months driving experience as a licensed operator of a motor vehicle. (No previous bus driving experience required.)
• Must be at least 18 years of age

OR

• Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the position

Certificates, Licenses & Registrations

• Must have a Commercial Learners Permit
• Possess or have the ability to obtain a valid Class B North Carolina commercial driver's license before receiving a bus route
• Possess or have the ability to obtain a valid school bus driver certification issued by the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV)
• 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.
• 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

Preferred qualifications

• First aid certification preferred.

School Year 2026 -2027

# of Jobs 142.00

Teacher Scale N

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.