Bus Driver

School Bus Driver

Department: Transportation
Reports To: Transportation Director
Classification: Classified
Work Schedule: Mornings and afternoons, as assigned

Job Summary: The School Bus Driver is responsible for safely transporting students to and from school, activities, field trips, and other district-approved events in accordance with all local, state, federal, Colorado Department of Education, and district transportation requirements. This position plays an important role in student safety, district operations, and the daily school experience by maintaining a safe, respectful, and positive environment on the bus.

The School Bus Driver must demonstrate safe driving practices, sound judgment, strong communication skills, reliability, and the ability to supervise and support students while operating a school bus. The driver is expected to build positive relationships with students, families, staff, and co-workers while representing the district in a professional manner.

Qualifications

The successful candidate must meet or be able to meet the following qualifications:

• Must possess a valid Class B Commercial Driver's License with Passenger and School Bus endorsements, or obtain required licensure upon hire through district-provided training.
• Must meet all applicable state, federal, Colorado Department of Education, Department of Transportation, and district requirements for school bus drivers.
• Must be able to pass all required written tests, skills testing, training requirements, and district-approved certification processes.
• Must be able to pass a CDOT/DOT physical, including required drug and alcohol testing.
• Must pass an extensive background check.
• Must have and maintain a clean driving record.
• Must be able to successfully complete First Aid/CPR training or other required safety training.
• Must demonstrate reliability, flexibility, initiative, and dependability.
• Must maintain a professional appearance and a positive, courteous, and respectful demeanor.
• Must have strong communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with students, families, staff, administrators, and the public.
• Must have the ability and demeanor to instruct, supervise, and manage large groups of students or students with special needs while safely operating a school bus.
• Knowledge of student discipline strategies and behavior management is preferred.
• Must be able to follow oral and written directions and complete required documentation accurately and in a timely manner.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The School Bus Driver shall perform the following duties, including but not limited to:

• Operate an assigned school bus or district vehicle safely and in compliance with district transportation procedures, district policy, and all applicable local, state, and federal laws.
• Transport students to and from school, bus stops, activities, field trips, athletic events, and other district-approved locations as assigned.
• Perform and document daily pre-trip and post-trip safety inspections of the assigned vehicle.
• Maintain student conduct on the bus to ensure the safety and well-being of all passengers.
• Use appropriate student management and discipline strategies while maintaining a calm, respectful, and professional environment.
• Report student conduct concerns, safety concerns, accidents, incidents, or route concerns to the Transportation Director/Supervisor or appropriate district administrator.
• Complete all required forms, logs, reports, inspection records, mileage records, incident reports, and other transportation paperwork in a timely and accurate manner.
• Attend required training programs, safety meetings, in-services, and professional development as required by the district, state, or federal regulations.
• Administer basic first aid or emergency assistance as necessary and within the scope of training.
• Follow all district safety procedures, emergency protocols, student loading and unloading procedures, and vehicle operation guidelines.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding students, families, staff, and district matters.
• Communicate professionally and respectfully with students, parents/guardians, co-workers, school staff, and district administration.
• Promote positive relationships, good morale, teamwork, and professionalism within the Transportation Department and the school district.
• Maintain assigned vehicle in a clean and orderly condition and report maintenance or safety concerns promptly.
• Perform other transportation-related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of safe driving practices and school bus safety procedures.
• Ability to operate a school bus safely in various weather, traffic, and road conditions.
• Ability to supervise and support students while maintaining focus on safe vehicle operation.
• Ability to remain calm and respond appropriately in emergency or stressful situations.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally.
• Ability to follow district policies, transportation procedures, and confidentiality expectations.
• Ability to work cooperatively with students, families, staff, administrators, and community members.
• Ability to demonstrate punctuality, dependability, sound judgment, and professionalism.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Ability to sit for extended periods while operating a school bus.
• Ability to use hands, arms, legs, and feet to safely operate bus controls.
• Ability to see, hear, and respond to traffic conditions, student needs, emergency signals, and safety concerns.
• Ability to assist students during loading, unloading, emergency evacuations, or other transportation-related situations.
• Ability to bend, reach, climb bus steps, and move as necessary to complete inspections or assist students.
• Ability to meet all required physical standards for school bus operation.

Hours: Mornings and afternoons, as assigned. Additional hours may be available for activity trips, athletic trips, field trips, training, meetings, or other district transportation needs.

Salary and Benefits: 

• Salary shall be paid according to the district's Classified Salary Schedule.
• Benefits shall be provided according to the Classified Employee Handbook and applicable district policy.
• Leave days shall be provided according to the Classified Employee Handbook and applicable district policy.

Fremont RE-2 School District does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, religion or need for special education services, access to, treatment or employment in its educational programs or activities.  Additionally, a lack of English language skills is not a barrier to admission or participation in activities. The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Dr. William Wilson, Superintendent, and EEO/Affirmative Action/Title IX/Section 504 Compliance Officer for complaints involving employees, and Jason Cellan, Title IX Compliance Officer for complaints involving students.  Both individuals can be located at 403 W. 5th Street, Florence, Colorado, 81226. (719) 784-6312.  Complaint procedures have been established for students, parents, employees, and members of the public. (Policy AC, AC-R, AC-E-1, AC-E-2)