About the position
The Suwannee County School Board is seeking dedicated individuals to fill the position of Bus Driver. This role is crucial in ensuring the safe and efficient transportation of students to and from school and during special events. The Bus Driver will be responsible for adhering to all state and local laws regarding bus transportation, maintaining discipline among students, and ensuring that all safety regulations are followed. The position requires a commitment to providing a safe environment for students while also being a positive representative of the School Board. The Bus Driver will be expected to perform a variety of tasks including, but not limited to, conducting pre- and post-trip safety inspections, maintaining accurate records of student registrations and routes, and communicating effectively with students, parents, and school personnel. The role also involves instructing students on safety precautions and conducting bus evacuations when necessary. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of highway and traffic safety, as well as the ability to operate both light and heavy-duty buses in a safe and economical manner. This position is not only about driving; it requires a person who can manage student behavior, follow a daily routing schedule, and respond to emergencies with appropriate first aid and CPR techniques. The Bus Driver will also be responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the bus and ensuring that it is in good working condition at all times. The successful candidate will demonstrate initiative, ethical standards, and a commitment to the safety and well-being of all students.
Responsibilities
- Transport students to and from school and on assigned trips safely and efficiently.
- Comply with all state and local laws relative to bus transportation.
- Observe all safety regulations for school buses.
- Maintain discipline of students and ensure that students observe all rules prescribed by law and the School Board.
- Maintain and keep updated all student registration forms, seating charts, stop descriptions, and route maps.
- Keep assigned bus clean according to District/transportation policies.
- Follow assigned route and schedule.
- Recommend to Supervisor changes in bus routes or busloads.
- Complete pre- and post-trip safety inspections and notify proper authority of mechanical defects and lateness.
- Discharge students only at authorized stops.
- Transport only authorized students.
- Instruct students in safety precautions and practices.
- Conduct bus evacuations as required.
- Maintain awareness of additional duties related to transportation of exceptional education students, such as door-to-door loading and unloading, assisting with wheelchairs, understanding each student's exceptionality and the development of special loading/unloading procedures.
- Provide emergency treatment when necessary in accordance with training and Board policy.
- Follow attendance, punctuality, and proper dress rules.
- Ensure adherence to good safety standards.
- Maintain confidentiality regarding school/workplace matters.
- Model and maintain high ethical standards.
- Demonstrate initiative in the performance of assigned responsibilities.
- Participate successfully in the training programs offered to increase skill and proficiency related to assignment.
- Communicate with students, parents, staff, and administrators.
- Keep supervisor informed of potential problems or unusual events.
- Report all accidents involving a bus.
- Communicate well with supervisor, bus attendants, if applicable, and schools.
- Exercise responsible leadership when on District school trips.
- Maintain complete and accurate records as required by law, District policy, and administrative regulations.
- Complete and submit all required reports.
- Assist in upholding and enforcing school rules, District policy, and administrative regulations.
- Follow all transportation policies and procedures.
- Represent the School Board in a positive manner.
- Perform other tasks consistent with the goals and objectives of this position.
- Assume additional responsibilities as assigned by the Superintendent.
Requirements
- High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
- Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with passenger endorsement and verification of an acceptable driver record through Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
- Meet such requirements as may be specified by Florida Law, State Board of Education regulations, or Suwannee County School Board policy.
- Other appropriate certificates/licenses required by the District.
- Knowledge of highway and traffic safety.
- Ability to use first aid and CPR.
- Ability to operate light and/or heavy-duty buses in a safe and economical way.
- Ability to understand and carry out both written and oral directions.
- Ability to exercise appropriate disciplinary techniques.
- Ability to follow a daily routing schedule.
- Ability to communicate effectively with students, parents, and school personnel.
