School Bus Cover Driver #20-27

Newport--mesa-Unified-School-District; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 27,552,000 - 44,083,000; Part time

Job summary

Newport-Mesa Unified School District is seeking part-time school bus drivers in the Transportation Department. This role involves substituting for regular routes, mentoring drivers, and performing dispatch relief and various clerical duties.

A valid Class A or B license with passenger transport endorsement (S and air brake endorsements) and related certificates are required at application. The positions offer flexible scheduling across 10 months per year, with emphasis on safety, routing

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience operating school buses on public streets/highways preferred.
• Must meet all licenses, endorsements and documentation requirements at time of application.

Responsibilities

• Drive all types and sizes of district school buses for substitute routes with short notice.
• Mentor drivers and provide dispatch relief as needed.
• Perform trip validations, bus stop checks and field checks; assist with safety education and equipment inspections.
• Submit reports identifying discrepancies in equipment, routes or scheduling.
• Maintain orderly records and logs related to transportation operations.

Skills

Safe driving

Interpersonal skills

Oral and written communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalence

Job description

THE VACANCY:

This recruitment is open and promotional, meaning all are welcome to apply and current employees in permanent positions are eligible to receive seniority credit and promotional placement once passing all exams.

There are currently three (3) part‑time vacancies (6.5 hours per day, 5 days per week, 10 months per year) located in the Transportation Department.

IMPORTANT REMINDER:

All licenses, endorsements and required documentation must be included at the time you submit your application and can be uploaded directly to your file at time of application. If you are unable to scan and attach the required documentation to your application, copies of these items can be emailed to Luz Gonzalez at [e-mail].

BASIC FUNCTION:

Under general supervision, drives all types and sizes of school buses with short notice, as needed when substituting for regularly scheduled routes; provide assistance in mentoring drivers; provide dispatch relief; provide suggestions for route revisions to dispatch; perform a variety of clerical and record‑keeping duties associated with position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination equivalent to: graduation from high school and the training and experience equivalent to one year of full‑time or equivalent part‑time paid experience within the last three years in any job class involving the regular operation of school buses on public streets and highways.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid Class A or B California Motor Vehicle Operator's license with passenger transportation endorsement, "S" and air brake endorsements.
• Valid California Special Driver Certificate for school buses.
• Valid California Department of Motor Vehicles medical certificate.
• Valid California Highway Patrol approved First Aid Card (if required on Special Certificate).
• Valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate, Form MCSA-5876.

Must have a current California Department of Motor Vehicles K-4 printout to be submitted with the job application.

THE EXAMINATION:

Exam Weight

Supplemental Questions and Licenses/Endorsements: Qualifying

Qualifications Appraisal Interview: 100%

The supplemental questions to the application will be reviewed and rated for certification. These questions are required at the time of application and are qualifying.

An eligibility list will be established for successful candidates which will be used to fill open positions during the life of the list.

Examinations and interviews held to create the eligible list will be conducted virtually, using different online/internet platforms that require video recording or conferencing capabilities, as well as access to a computer with an internet connection and basic Microsoft Office Suite Software.

The virtual qualifications appraisal interview (oral exam) is tentatively scheduled for the week of October 5th. You will be contacted via email, as indicated on your application, regarding your ability to participate in the examination phase of the recruitment.

Applications will be reviewed for minimum requirements. However, Newport‑Mesa Unified School District reserves the right to hold a competitive screening based on the number of applications and the needs of the District.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

• Regularly perform full range of duties specified for school bus driver job class.
• Operate all types and sizes of school buses with minimum notification and preparation time in substitution for drivers of regularly scheduled routes; operate all types and sizes of district school buses on runs as requested by dispatch staff, including demand/response trips during traditional and nontraditional workdays and work hours.
• Regularly perform trip validations, bus stop checks, gate, site, and field checks, equipment transfers and shuttles, bus safety education presentations to pupils, driver assistance for non‑police emergencies, inspection assistance for bus cleanliness and body condition, and inventory assistance for safety and accessory components on district.
• Prepare and submit reports identifying discrepancies in equipment, manifests, stops, routing, and scheduling conditions when substituting for other drivers.
• Provide mentoring with their specific knowledge on driving techniques and strategies to school bus drivers as assigned.
• Complete and submit field trip reports; collect and submit other data on school bus operations as assigned; maintain effective, professional working relationships with parents, pupils, District and contract carrier staffs, and the public.
• Regularly attend and/or participate in mandated instruction/training classes for specialized driving skills during traditional and nontraditional workdays and work hours; may wash bus exteriors, may fuel and provide minor service to vehicles; may maintain general orderliness and parking organization of depots.
• May cover regular routes for employees on extended leave.
• May provide relief for dispatchers, radio, and telephone operators as needed.
• Perform a variety of clerical and record‑keeping duties associated with position, including typing, filing, duplicating and distributing materials.
• Prepare and maintain files and records; review and verify for accuracy and completeness.
• Prepare, maintain and distribute a variety of logs, records and files related to transportation; assist bus drivers with the accurate completion of required reports in a timely manner.
• Operate a variety of office equipment including a copier, fax machine, computer and applicable software applications.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Safe and defensive driving practices.
• Proper operations of school buses.
• Applicable traffic and student transportation laws, codes and regulations.
• Basic first aid procedures.
• Basic record‑keeping and report preparation techniques.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Health and safety regulations.
• Operate a variety of office equipment including a computer and applicable software applications.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Laws and regulations governing pupil transportation.
• Geography, topology, and traffic patterns of the district.
• Sufficient verbal and written skills to effectively communicate via two‑way radio and in preparing written reports.

ABILITY TO:

• Conduct safety inspections and perform routine preventive maintenance and maintain bus in clean and proper working condition.
• Administer first aid.
• Operate a two‑way radio.
• Perform a variety of clerical and record‑keeping duties associated with position.
• Maintain routine records.
• Operate all types and sizes of school buses safely and on a specified time schedule in varied and complex topographical, weather, urban traffic, rural and mountain terrain conditions.
• Communicate effectively and maintain cooperative relationships.
• Show personality and character traits suited to supervision and care of children of multiple ethnicities and cultural values, behavioral, and physical handicaps.
• Resolve conflict and maintain discipline of children on board buses.
• Read and interpret maps, compass directions, 24‑hour clock time, schedules, manifests, and procedural instructions.
• Rapidly learn routes with short notice and the operation of equipment related to duties.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

ENVIRONMENT:

• Driving in varied and complex topographical, weather, urban traffic, rural and mountain terrain conditions
• School bus and outdoor environment
• Seasonal heat and cold or adverse weather conditions
• Exposure to fumes, dust, odors and oil/grease
• Evening or variable hours
• Driving a vehicle to conduct work

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Hearing and speaking to exchange information.
• Seeing to read a variety of materials, monitor drivers and observe hazards.
• Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.
• Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching to inspect buses, and reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally.
• Climbing ladders or steps.
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate equipment.
• Lifting moderately heavy children or objects.

HAZARDS:

• Traffic hazards
• Driving a vehicle during adverse weather conditions
• Working at heights while inspecting and cleaning the buses
• Fumes from chemical cleansers and bus operation