Substitute Bus Driver 2026-2027 School Year

Russell County School District; Seale (AL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

RUSSELL COUNTY SCHOOLS is seeking a dependable Bus Driver to transport students safely and on time. The role requires a valid Alabama CDL with passenger endorsement, a clean driving record, and successful completion of required training.

You will follow routes, ensure student discipline, and report issues to transportation staff. Responsibilities include pre/post-trip inspections, maintaining bus cleanliness, and adhering to district policies.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of highway and traffic safety requirements.
• Ability to operate light and/or heavy-duty school buses safely.
• Ability to follow written and oral directions accurately.
• Willingness to complete CPR training if required.
• Candidate must meet the state DOT and TB testing requirements.

Responsibilities

• Transport students safely to and from school and on trips.
• Comply with federal, state, and local bus transportation laws.
• Observe safety regulations for school buses.
• Maintain student discipline and report incidents to administrators.
• Fuel and keep buses clean following district policies.
• Follow assigned routes and schedules.
• Suggest route or load changes to the supervisor.
• Perform pre- and post-trip safety inspections and report defects.
• Ensure students disembark only at authorized stops.
• Transport only authorized students and maintain safety.
• Enforce no smoking, eating, or drinking on the bus.
• Instruct students on safety procedures and evacuation.
• Assist with loading/unloading for exceptional education students as needed.
• Communicate effectively with staff, students, and parents.
• Proactively address potential problems and keep records up to date.
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold ethical standards.
• Participate in training to improve performance.
• Document incidents and reflect safety practices.

Skills

Traffic safety

Safe bus operation

Written & oral directions

Discipline techniques

Route adherence

Communication with parents & staff

Ability to handle stress

CPR training (if required)

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Alabama Class B CDL with passenger endorsement

Driver's training course completion

Drug screening requirement

Background clearance

DOT physical every 2 years

TB testing every 3 years

Job description

RUSSELL COUNTY SCHOOLS
BUS DRIVER
JOB DESCRIPTION

QUALIFICATIONS:

• (1) High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• (2) Valid Alabama Class “B” Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with passenger endorsement and verification of an acceptable driving record through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
• (3) Successful completion of driver’s training course meeting state and federal standards.
• (4) Must pass a drug screening test as required by federal, state and local policies.
• (5) Must meet background clearance requirements as specified by Alabama Statutes and State Board of Education regulations.
• (6) Must pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical every other year and Tuberculosis (TB) testing every three (3) years.
• (3) Must meet background clearance requirements as specified by Alabama Statutes and State Board of Education regulations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of highway and traffic safety. Ability to operate light and/or heavy-duty buses in a safe and economical way. Ability to understand and carry out both written and oral directions. Ability to exercise appropriate disciplinary techniques. Ability to follow a daily routing schedule. Ability to relate and communicate effectively with parents, students and school personnel. Ability to tolerate highly stressful situations. Ability to pass a physical exam as required by Alabama State Board of Education Administrative rules. Ability to complete CPR training and certification if required.

REPORTS TO:

Transportation Supervisor
Principal

JOB GOAL

To transport students in a safe, efficient and timely manner

SUPERVISES:
Bus Aide if assigned

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• * (1) Transport students to and from school and on assigned trips safely and efficiently.
• * (2) Comply with all federal, state and local laws relative to bus transportation.
• * (3) Observe all safety regulations for school buses.
• * (4) Maintain discipline of students and report discipline problems to the school administrators.
• * (5) Fuel bus according to system transportation guidelines/policies.
• * (6) Keep assigned bus clean according to system transportation policies.
• * (7) Follow assigned route and schedule.
• * (8) Recommend to supervisor changes in bus routes or bus loads.
• * (9) Complete pre- and post-trip safety inspections and notify proper authority of mechanical defects and lateness.
• *(10) Discharge students only at authorized stops.
• *(11) Transport only authorized students.
• *(12) Ensure no smoking, drinking or eating on bus.
• *(13) Instruct students in safety precautions and practices.
• *(14) Conduct bus evacuation as required.
• *(15) Be aware of additional duties related to transportation of exceptional education students, such as door-to-door loading and unloading, assisting with wheelchairs, understanding each student’s exceptionality and the development of special loading/unloading procedures.
• *(16) Interact appropriately with children, bus attendants, if applicable, transportation and school personnel.
• *(17) Report all accidents involving a school bus.
• *(18) Communicate well with supervisor, bus attendant, if applicable, and schools.
• *(19) Follow all transportation policies and procedures.
• *(20) Communicate effectively with the staff members, students, parents, administrators and other contact persons using tact and good judgment.
• *(21) Follow attendance, punctuality and proper dress rules.
• *(22) Ensure adherence to good safety standards.
• *(23) Maintain confidentiality regarding school/workplace matters.
• *(24) Model and maintain high ethical standards.
• *(25) Demonstrate initiative in the performance of assigned responsibilities.
• *(26) Maintain expertise in assigned area to fulfill project goals and objectives.
• *(27) Participate successfully in the training programs offered to increase skill and proficiency related to assignment.
• *(28) Keep supervisor informed of potential problems or unusual events.
• *(29) Respond to inquiries and concerns in a timely manner.
• *(30) Exhibit interpersonal skills to work as an effective team member.
• *(31) Demonstrate support for the school system and its goals and priorities.
• *(32) Demonstrate initiative in identifying potential problems or opportunities for improvement.
• *(33) Prepare all required reports and maintain all appropriate records.
• *(34) Perform other tasks consistent with the goals and objectives of this position.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 10 pounds of force as needed to move objects.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Salary and benefits shall be paid consistent with the system’s approved compensation plan.
Length of the work year and hours of employment shall be those established by the system.

EVALUATION:

Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board’s policy on evaluation of personnel.

Job Description Supplement No. 8

*Essential Performance Responsibilities