The School Bus Driver safely transports students to and from school and school-related activities in a timely and responsible manner. The School Bus Driver ensures the safety and well-being of all passengers while maintaining compliance with state and local transportation regulations, district policies, and safety standards. This role supports the educational mission of the school district by providing reliable, courteous, and efficient transportation services that contribute to a positive school environment.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.

• Possess a valid North Carolina driver’s license.

• Hold or be able to obtain a valid NC Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), Class B, with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements.

• Maintain a clean driving record and meet all state and local school district driving requirements.

• Pass a criminal background check and pre-employment drug screening; subject to random drug testing as required by law.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Safely operate a school bus on assigned routes and schedules to transport students to and from school, field trips, and other school-related activities.

• Perform daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections of the bus to ensure safe operating conditions, reporting any defects or maintenance needs.

• Adhere to all federal, state, and local traffic laws, as well as school district policies and safety procedures.

• Maintain records of bus route, driving time, and roster of student names and addresses.

• Maintain proper student behavior and discipline on the bus in accordance with school district guidelines.

• Communicate effectively and respectfully with students, parents, school staff, and transportation personnel.

• Ensure students are safely loaded and unloaded at designated stops, including assistance with crossing streets when necessary.

• Report any accidents, safety incidents, or behavioral issues promptly and accurately to school officials.

• Keep the bus clean, orderly, and free of safety hazards.

• Stay current with required training, certification renewals, and participation in safety meetings.

• Act quickly and appropriately in emergency situations to ensure the safety of all passengers.

• Complete all required documentation, logs, and reports accurately and in a timely manner.

• Perform general cleaning in order to maintain a clean school bus.

• Perform other transportation-related duties as assigned by the Transportation Director or school administration.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of safe driving practices and traffic laws.

• Ability to operate a school bus safely and efficiently in all weather and traffic conditions.

• Excellent situational awareness and quick decision-making in emergency or unexpected situations.

• Ability to maintain order and ensure student safety while driving and during boarding/disembarking.

• Strong verbal communication skills to interact with students, parents, and school staff in a respectful and professional manner.

• Ability to remain calm, patient, and focused at all times.

• Competence in completing basic vehicle inspections and identifying potential safety or maintenance issues.

• Capacity to understand and follow oral and written instructions, including routes, schedules, and policies.