Primary Purpose:

Drives a school bus to transport students and other authorized personnel to and from school or other designated locations.  Plans and monitors bus drivers’ ability to operate and service district vehicles.  Responsible for on-site leadership of bus drivers.  

Minimum Qualifications: 

Education/Certification:

High School diploma or GED (recognized by the Texas Education Agency or Regional Accrediting Agency)

Shall be subject to testing for use of alcohol or controlled substance that violate law or federal regulations

Clear and valid Texas commercial driver’s license with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements

Ability to complete required bus driver safety training and bus driver certification from TEA

Candidate must have satisfactory outcome of fingerprinting background check. Non-refundable fee (approximately $50) paid by employee.

Preferred Experience:

Two (2) years’ bus driving experience 

Knowledge/Skills:

Must have a driving record that is acceptable according to minimum standards adopted by DPS

Ability to pass U.S. Department of Transportation alcohol and drug tests and annual physical exam

Ability to follow written and verbal instructions

Proficient map reading skills

Ability to communicate effectively with others

Knowledge of student discipline procedures

Ability to manage student behavior

Ability to work in various computer programs such (Microsoft Suite, Google) 

Ability to send emails both interdepartmentally and externally and understanding the audience you are sending to

Ability to present various topics and conduct safety meetings collaboratively with other team members

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

(The following statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned and should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions that may be assigned or skills that may be required.)

Professionalism 

The Educators' Code of Ethics is set forth in Texas Administrative Code to provide rules for standard practices and ethical conduct toward students, professional colleagues, school officials, parents, and members of the community.

• Rule §247.1 Purpose and Scope; Definitions 
• Rule §247.2 Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators 

Organization Management

The lead bus driver manages administrative, fiscal, and facilities responsibilities through activities such as the following:  

• Supervises bus departures and loading areas at assigned school.
• Trains new bus drivers/bus monitors prior to receiving their safety certification and/or commercial license. 
• Provides input to the transportation director or route planner to facilitate planning and maintenance of bus routes.
• Trains and monitors performance of assigned bus drivers to ensure that routes, schedules, and safety procedures are consistently followed and records are maintained. - performs retraining as needed
• Helps plan and maintain bus routes.
• Operates and monitors two-way radio equipment to communicate with transportation office and other drivers.
• Completes and maintains accurate, up-to-date, and timely records and reports including but not limited to those related to bus mileage, gas and oil consumption, and the number of passengers transported.
• Process student discipline referrals from assigned drivers and communicate those with the assigned school official.
• Performs duties needed of a lead driver: watching and clipping videos, making or maintaining spreadsheets with department data
• Handle driving and safety records of all new applicants.
• Works collaboratively with the driver team to ensure all duties are completed and drivers/monitors needs are met.
• Assists in Dispatch as needed

Vehicle Operations

The lead bus driver manages vehicle operations and responsibilities through activities such as the following:

• Drives bus daily following assigned route and adhering to established schedules.
• Anticipates problems such as traffic, weather, road conditions, and schedule changes and make necessary adjustments to ensure student safety and reduce delays.
• Performs pre and post-trip inspections according to specifications to ensure bus can be operated safely and notify supervisor of needed repairs.
• Keeps assigned bus clean and maintain appropriate level of fuel.
• Drives bus to and from extracurricular activities.
• Reports all accidents, vehicle damage, student injuries, and mechanical failure problems and complete required corresponding reports.
• Keeps record of bus mileage, gas and oil consumption, and number of passengers transported.
• Inspects bus by checking fuel, oil, water, tires, lights, brakes, and steering to ensure bus can be operated safely before driving.
• Supervises bus departures and loading areas at school where assigned.
• Observes all traffic laws and safety regulations for school buses.
• Ensures proper condition of emergency equipment, such as first aid kit, fire extinguisher, flags, fuses, crow bar, and reflector.
• Corrects unsafe conditions in work area and promptly reports conditions that are not immediately correctable to supervisor.
• Reports any hazardous conditions along scheduled route.
• Instructs students on safe entering, exiting, and safe riding passenger rules and regulations.
• Supervises students while they board and leave bus and cross the street.
• Maintains discipline and use effective behavior management control over groups of students.
• Performs emergency evacuation of students on bus when situation warrants.

Professional Growth and Development

The lead bus driver participates in professional growth and development through activities such as the following:

• Attends any specified meetings or professional development to improve job performance.  

Qualities of an Effective Lead Bus Driver

The lead bus driver exhibits qualities such as the following: 

• Daily attendance and punctuality at work are essential functions of the job.
• Follows established safety procedures and techniques to perform job duties, including lifting, climbing, etc.
• Commitment to working well with others and maintain an effective working relationship with co-workers, supervisors, school personnel, and the public.
• Commitment to excellent customer service. 
• Adheres to department procedures on confidentiality.
• Follows general guidelines and instructions established by the department supervisor.
• Corrects unsafe conditions in work area and report any conditions that are not correctable to supervisor immediately.
• Complies with district policies, as well as state and federal laws and regulations.
• Complies with the standards of conduct as set out in Board Policy DH (Legal) and (Local) and with any other policies, regulations, and guidelines that impose duties, requirements, or standards.
• Ability to demonstrate the following core values: integrity, high expectations, commitment, respect, dedication to teamwork and passion for a student-centered environment.
• Maintains confidentiality. 
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Supervisory Responsibilities:  

• Monitor the work of assigned bus drivers.

Equipment:

Operate school bus, two-way radio, safety equipment including but not limited to flares, reflective signs, and fire extinguisher, and other equipment applicable to the position.

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

• Frequent exposure to extreme hot and cold temperatures, noise, and vehicle fumes; work around moving vehicles.
• Work prolonged or irregular and extended work hours to include holidays and weekends.
• Prolonged sitting; frequent standing and twisting; occasional kneeling/squatting, bending, stooping, and pushing and pulling.
• Prolonged driving; moderate walking; frequent climbing stairs, grasping/squeezing, wrist and shoulder flexion/extension, and reaching.
• Limited light lifting and carrying on a daily basis.
• Maintain emotional control under stress.
• District wide and statewide travel.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.