School Bus Driver

Lodi Unified School District; Lodi (CA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

The Lodi Unified School District is seeking a skilled School Bus Driver to transport students on designated routes, field trips, and events with a strong emphasis on safety and reliability.

Responsibilities include daily safety inspections, maintaining records, and ensuring timely arrivals while adhering to district policies and state regulations. Licenses and certifications are required for employment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required and prior experience operating a school bus is preferred.
• Valid School Bus Driving Certificate is required.
• Valid medical certificate.
• First Aid certificate.
• Incumbents must pass a California Highway Patrol examination.
• A satisfactory driving record with liability insurance is required.

Responsibilities

• Drive a school bus along a designated route, picking up and discharging students in accordance with time schedules; follow traffic laws and transport regulations.
• Maintain order and discipline among passengers and at bus stops per district policies.
• Conduct daily safety inspections of the bus and report mechanical issues.
• Perform routine cleaning and servicing of buses and maintain cleanliness.

Skills

Safe and defensive driving

Read and interpret maps

Interpersonal skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Basic Function

Operate a school bus to transport students safely and efficiently to and from school, field trips and special events using a designated route; participate in the routine cleaning and servicing of school buses.

Representative Duties

• Drive a school bus along a designated route, picking up and discharging students in accordance with established time schedules; observe legal and defensive driving practices; assure compliance with applicable traffic and student transportation laws, codes and regulations.
• Maintain order and discipline among passengers on the bus and while waiting at bus stops in accordance with District policies related to disciplining students; escort students across streets.
• Conduct daily safety inspection of bus; inspect the interior, exterior, brakes, belts, engine and other mechanical systems and safety belts of vehicle; report mechanical malfunctions or other problems as required.
• Participate in the routine cleaning and servicing of school buses; fuel and wash buses; check oil and fluid levels; clean windshield and headlamps; maintain bus in clean and safe operating condition.
• Adhere to established policies and procedures related to the release of special education students to teachers and parents.
• Transport students, faculty and parents on field trips or to other events, meeting scheduled departure and arrival times as assigned.
• Determine appropriate action in potential or real medical emergency situations according to established guidelines; administer first aid as needed; conduct routine emergency evacuation drills as assigned.
• Prepare and maintain records and reports related to vehicle operation and condition; maintain routine records of mileage and student counts, conduct reports and others as required.
• Communicate with parents and teachers and resolve issues or concerns as needed.
• Attend safety meetings and programs as assigned.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Safe and defensive driving practices.
• Proper operation of school buses.
• Provisions of the California Vehicle Code and Education Code applicable to the operation of vehicles in transporting students.
• First aid procedures.
• Policies and procedures related to the release of special education students to teachers and parents.
• Basic record-keeping techniques.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.

Ability To

• Drive a school bus safely and efficiently.
• Maintain bus in clean and proper working condition.
• Conduct safety inspections and perform routine preventive maintenance.
• Maintain safe discipline level among passengers.
• Learn and apply District policies and procedures related to student discipline.
• Observe legal and defensive driving practices.
• Learn and follow designated routes, stops and time schedules.
• Read and interpret maps.
• Administer first aid to ill or injured children.
• Maintain routine records.
• Understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Communicate effectively with others.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.

Education and Experience

Any combination equivalent to: high school diploma or equivalent and responsible experience operating a school bus.

Licenses and Other Requirements

• Valid School Bus Driving Certificate.
• Valid medical certificate.
• First Aid certificate.
• Incumbents in this classification are subject to completing and passing a California Highway Patrol examination.
• Incumbents in this class must present and maintain a satisfactory driving record which insures maintenance of liability insurance coverage.

Environment

School bus environment.

Working Conditions

• Driving a vehicle to conduct work.
• Constant interruptions.

Physical Demands

• Sitting for extended periods of time when operating a transportation vehicle.
• Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching.
• Reaching, pulling and pushing to open bus doors.
• Lifting moderately heavy objects.

Hazards

• Traffic hazards.
• Driving a vehicle during adverse weather conditions.

Desirable Qualifications

• Safe and defensive driving practices.
• Proper operation of school buses.
• Provisions of the California Vehicle Code and Education Code applicable to the operation of vehicles in transporting students.
• First aid procedures.
• Policies and procedures related to the release of special education students to teachers and parents.
• Basic record-keeping techniques.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.

Required Documents

• High School Diploma or equivalent OR Associate's Degree OR Bachelor’s Degree OR Higher Education Degree
• California Department of Motor Vehicles printout (original)

Special Requirements / Certificates

Valid School Bus Driver Certificate. Valid medical certificate. First Aid certificate. Incumbents in this classification are subject to completing and passing a California Highway Patrol examination. Incumbents in this class must present and maintain a satisfactory driving record which insures maintenance of liability insurance coverage. The successful applicant will be required to pass a pre-employment physical examination. Cost of the exam will be borne by the District. A pre-employment drug test will also be administered. If selected for the position, out-of-district applicants must be T.B. tested and fingerprinted. A practical skills test may be administered at the time of interview.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We do not discriminate against or tolerate the harassment of employees or job applicants on the basis of their actual or perceived sex, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, or sexual orientation. Physically or mentally disabled employees or applicants may request reasonable accommodation.