GARRARD COUNTY SCHOOLS

Job Description

CLASS TITLE:  BUS DRIVER

REPORTS TO:  Director of Transportation

EXEMPT STATUS:  Non-Exempt

APPROVED:  February 23, 2021 Order #2021-148 

BASIC FUNCTION:  

Safely operate a school bus over designated routes in accordance with time schedules, picking up and discharging students; provide safe and efficient transportation for District students to and from school, special events and field trips; perform daily inspections and operator maintenance of vehicle; assist in the loading and unloading of physically and mentally handicapped students as necessary.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

• Drive a school bus over designated routes in accordance with specified time schedules and in accordance with regulations and laws related to pupil transportation in the State following specified schedules; transport students to and from school, special events and field trips.
• Pick up and discharge students, under varying weather conditions, at established bus stops; report incidents which affect the safety of students to the Director of Transportation.
• Report overcrowded conditions.
• Maintain bus in a safe operating condition through prescribed daily vehicle inspections and driver maintenance including cleaning windows, mirrors and bus interior; check and maintain fuel, oil and water levels; check brakes, brake lights and doors; report mechanical defects and malfunctions to appropriate personnel.
• Maintain order and discipline among students on bus following District policies and procedures regarding disciplining of students and communicate effectively with school officials, parents and the public; interact with parents regarding questions, concerns and disputes.
• Perform emergency bus evacuation drills as required by Kentucky Administration Regulations.
• Transport physically handicapped and mentally handicapped children to and from designated locations; lift and secure wheel chairs; assist in the loading and unloading of handicapped children as necessary.
• Observe applicable local, State and federal policies, procedures and guidelines.
• Maintain adequate and clean exterior and interior of buses including picking up debris, sweeping and mopping floor, wiping upholstery and cleaning headlights.
• Maintain records concerning vehicle maintenance, miles driven and number of children transported and other related matters; prepare student conduct, incident and accident reports.
• Attend safety and preventive emergency meetings when required.
• Utilize two-way radio for bus to bus and bus to base communication.
• Perform first aid according to established guidelines and procedures.
• Attend the yearly 8 hour update training.
• Maintain regular attendance.
• Duty to report to work. 
• Perform related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Safe driving practices.
• Provisions of the State Motor Vehicle code and Kentucky Administration Regulations applicable to the operation of vehicles transporting students.
• First aid practices.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy. 
• The content located in the District transportation manual.

ABILITY TO:

• Operate a school bus over designated routes in accordance with time schedules, picking up and discharging students.
• Maintain order and discipline among students while driving a school bus.
• Maintain assigned vehicle in a clean and safe operating condition.
• Recognize equipment malfunctions and take appropriate action.
• Learn designated bus routes including stops and traffic hazards.
• Maintain routine records.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others. 
• Understand and follow oral and written directions. 
• Meet schedules and timelines. 
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. 
• Learn, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Observe safe legal and defensive driving practices.
• Assist in loading and unloading handicapped children as necessary.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Work is performed while standing, sitting and/or walking.
• Requires the ability to communicate effectively using speech, vision and hearing.
• Requires the use of hands for simple grasping and fine manipulations.
• Requires bending, squatting, crawling, climbing, reaching.
• Requires the ability to lift, carry, push or pull medium weights, up to 50 pounds.
• Requires activities involving being around moving machinery, exposure to marked changes in temperature and humidity, and exposure to dust, fumes and gases.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a person with a disability to perform the essential functions of the job.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination equivalent to:  high school diploma or G.E.D. Certificate as required by Kentucky law and one year experience in the operation of a motor vehicle.  Be able to pass a criminal background check and a yearly CDC physical.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Valid Kentucky Commercial Class B driver's license, including passenger endorsement; School Bus Certificate; must pass driving record check.