Bus Driver

Job Overview: The primary responsibility of the School Bus Driver is to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of student passengers during transportation to and from school, as well as on assigned field trips or extracurricular activities. The driver must operate the vehicle safely in accordance with the Alabama Motor Vehicle Code and the rules and regulations of the Alabama State Department of Education

Essential Duties and Key Responsibilities

Vehicle Inspection: Conduct thorough pre-trip and post-trip safety inspections of the bus, including brakes, tires, lights, and emergency equipment, to ensure it is in safe working order. Report any mechanical defects immediately.

Route Operation: Drive a school bus over an assigned route according to a strict time schedule, picking up and dropping off students at designated stops. This may require driving during pre-daylight and dusk periods.

Passenger Management: Maintain discipline and order among student passengers. Enforce bus safety rules and report undisciplined students to the appropriate school administration.

Safety Protocols: Observe all mandatory safety regulations for school buses, including proper railroad crossing procedures and management of emergency bus evacuations when necessary.

Record Keeping and Reporting: Maintain accurate route logs, mileage records, passenger counts, and accident or incident reports as required by the local Board of Education.

Cleanliness: Maintain the cleanliness of the bus interior and exterior, including sweeping floors and wiping down seats regularly.

Special Needs Assistance: When applicable, work cooperatively with bus aides to assist in the loading, unloading, and securing of students with disabilities.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent (GED).

Licensing: Possess and maintain a valid Alabama Commercial Driver's License (CDL), typically Class B, with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements.

State Certification: Meet all Alabama State Department of Education requirements for school bus driver certification. Alabama Aerospace & Aviation High School Page 1 of 2

Physical and Medical: Maintain a current Department of Transportation (DOT) physical and successfully pass the Alabama School Bus Driver Physical Performance Test.

Driving Record: Possess an acceptable motor vehicle record (MVR), have no DUI convictions, and maintain insurability under the school board's insurance policy.

Background Check: Meet suitability criteria for employment under the Alabama Child Protection Act and successfully clear all required fingerprinting and background checks.

Drug Testing: Provide successful pre-employment drug screening results and remain subject to random and post-accident drug and alcohol testing as required by federal and state law

Physical & Professional Requirements

Ability to lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds and exert up to 50 pounds of force.

Agility and stamina to endure prolonged sitting, as well as frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, crawling, and reaching during inspections and emergency situations.

Physical and visual capacity to operate and navigate the bus safely in varying weather and traffic conditions, including rain, fog, low-light conditions, and heavy traffic

General Employment Expectations

The School Bus Driver is expected to demonstrate professionalism, reliability, sound judgment, confidentiality, and respectful communication with students, families, staff, and community members. The employee must follow all AAHS policies, transportation procedures, safety expectations, and directives from authorized administrators.

FLSA Status

Non Exempt