School Bus Driver

Transportation

Reports To: Director of Transportation

Pay Grade: Starting at $22.50 per hour

Job Summary: Forest Hills Public Schools is looking for reliable individuals to join our team of School Bus Drivers. School Bus Drivers are responsible for transporting students to and from school and extracurricular events, following a scheduled route, and ensuring the safety of all passengers.

Duties include conducting pre-trip inspections to ensure the bus is in good working condition, following all safety and traffic rules during the journey, and maintaining order and discipline among students on the bus.

Additionally, you are expected to communicate effectively with students, parents, and school staff, provide excellent customer service, and address any concerns or issues that may arise. Your role as a School Bus Driver is crucial in providing safe and reliable transportation for students, thus, contributing to their overall educational experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• High school diploma required
• Must meet all State of Michigan and Forest Hills requirements for eligibility to drive a school bus
• Must successfully complete the State of Michigan’s driver’s school
• Have the ability to successfully complete training provided by the employer to acquire a CDL
• Proven work experience as a School Bus Driver or similar role
• Clean driving record with no at-fault accidents or traffic citations within the last five years
• Two or more years of experience working with children

Essential Job Functions:

• Transport children and other passengers to and from school and school-related events
• Be attentive to traffic and weather conditions and ensure passenger safety
• Obey all traffic laws to ensure students arrive at their destination safely
• Follow the planned route and schedule for departure times and stops
• Maintain a clean and mechanically sound bus at all times
• Ensure the safety of all students when entering and leaving the bus
• Assist students with getting on and off the bus as needed
• Engage with students as they enter and leave the bus, working to build relationships while creating a positive and safe environment on the bus.
• Participate in federally mandated drug and alcohol training.
• Participate in pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing.
• Must operate and maintain the bus in a safe manner.
• Must pass an annual certification physical
• Must maintain route schedules and reports in a timely and accurate manner.
• Must maintain a positive and disciplined atmosphere on the bus at all times and during trips.
• Inspect bus for mechanical defects and checks gas, oil and water levels before departure.
• Drive bus along assigned route and schedule. Stops only at authorized stops.
• Comply with all traffic and safety regulations related to operating a school bus.
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Conduct emergency evacuation drills as required.
• Update route information as necessary.
• Assure that authorized students load and unload the bus in a safe manner.
• Maintain discipline when students are on the bus and reports discipline problems to the proper authority.
• Exercise responsible leadership when on out-of-district school trips.
• Keep bus clean, enforce regulations against smoking, eating and littering on the bus.
• Report delays, injuries or accidents and fill out related reports.
• Operate a variety of bus types and sizes based on the requirement of the route/trip.
• Ability to carry out assigned routes and other duties as assigned with employer work rules and regulations, as well as federal and state regulations and requirements
• Complete all job duties promptly, within established parameters
• Work diligently during training and beyond to gain and retain required certifications and credentials
• Consistent and reliable attendance
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director or their designee.

Physical Requirements:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, talk, and hear. The employee is regularly required to stand; walk; bend; twist; stretch; drive; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include vision, and the ability to adjust focus, especially due to concentration when driving the bus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment:

The noise level in the work environment is usually loud to moderate. Work may be performed indoors and/or outdoors in a variety of weather elements. The employee is directly responsible for the safety of students.

Mental Functions:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to compare, analyze, communicate both orally and in writing, copy, coordinate, instruct, compute, synthesize, evaluate, use interpersonal skills, compile and negotiate.

Evaluation:

In accordance with the Bus Driver Association Agreement. 

Terms of Employment:

The employee shall remain free of any alcohol or non-prescribed controlled substance abuse in the workplace throughout his/her employment in the district.  Hours may vary according to the route and/or trips assigned. All active drivers will receive vision insurance. Medical insurance or cash in lieu of benefits eligibility dependent on hours.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What does a School Bus Driver do?                                            

School Bus Drivers ensure children's safety during their commute, assisting students and ensuring a safe journey to their final destination.

What are the duties and responsibilities of a School Bus Driver?

The primary duty of a School Bus Driver is to follow traffic laws, prioritize safety, and stay alert to avoid accidents with other vehicles on the road.

What makes a good School Bus Driver?                                              

A good School Bus Driver is patient, attentive, and skilled in decision-making to handle high-stress situations effectively.

Who does a School Bus Driver work with?                                  

School Bus Drivers work primarily with the students under their care, but also with parents and other members of the school community, school administrators, secretaries, teachers, and coaches, and with other Transportation Department staff including dispatchers, mechanics, supervisors, and/or directors.

What if I don’t have the proper license but am still very interested in becoming a School Bus Driver?

Forest Hills Public School provides comprehensive training to equip you with everything you need to be successful as a new school bus driver.

What does a typical day look like?

A school bus driver's day usually starts early, around 6 AM. They inspect their bus, checking safety features and fuel levels. They then begin their morning route, picking up students and delivering them to school. After the morning run, drivers may have a break or perform bus maintenance. In the afternoon, they repeat the process in reverse, taking students home. Some drivers may also transport students for field trips or after-school activities. Their day often ends by 5 PM, after cleaning the bus and completing paperwork.

The Forest Hills Public School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, or sexual orientation), marital status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally prohibited basis in its employment decisions or the provision of services.