Bus Driver - Driver Trainer en Los Alamitos Unified School District, CA

About the Department

BASIC FUNCTION:
Under the direction of a Transportation Supervisor, to drive any conventional, transit-type or smaller school bus to transport pupils in accordance with the requirements of school transportation schedules and traffic laws; organize and conduct driver classroom training workshops, including school bus safety and evacuation programs; and to perform a variety of other duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
Incumbents in this classification operate school buses on regularly scheduled passenger routes transporting pupils and school groups to and from school, to other schools and events and on special field trips. Drivers are required to perform a variety of non-bus driving duties as assigned. Incumbents must be available for emergency overtime bus driving assignments and to work assignments at hours that fit the district’s needs. Position may require working a split shift.. The Driver Trainer is required to train other bus drivers on proper driving practices and safety.

Position Duties

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

1. Drive a bus for any designated route according to an established time schedule; pick up and discharge pupils at designated stops; escort all students crossing streets as necessary.
2. Monitor the loading and unloading of students in a safe manner. Follow proper boarding procedures for all students. 
3. Safely transport all students and teachers as directed. Ensure the proper use of safety equipment for students with special needs.
4. Perform daily pre and post trip inspections of bus and safety equipment; clean and fuel bus; report mechanical difficulties to appropriate personnel.
5. Maintain daily records of mileage, student count, driving time and non-driving time; prepare monthly reports. Complete incident reports when necessary.
6. Complete schedules for pick-up and delivery times of regular routes and field trips.
7. Supervise student behavior on bus according to established policies and procedures.
8. Attend in-service training and other meetings as directed.
9. Do clerical, custodial, and inventory duties as assigned.
10. Utilize two-way radio for bus-to-bus and bus-to-dispatch communication.
11. Secure training and keep abreast of new and current laws governing the operation of school buses and student transportation; relay such information to the District’s school bus drivers, and provide them with inservice training in order that they are able to transport students safely and in accordance with state law; provide driver training, including bus evacuation programs, in accordance with California Highway Patrol requirements.
12. Plan, organize, and conduct classroom and behind-the-wheel training for drivers on updated state laws, Motor Vehicle Code, the District’s policies and procedures, proper driving practices, special education needs, and safety. Coordinate testing with California Highway Patrol.
13. Plan, organize and conduct instruction for pupils and staff and all passengers who ride District buses regarding safety and bus evacuation procedures; schedule and conduct actual bus evacuation drills for bus drivers and students; maintain related files and records.
14. Conduct field inspection for outside charter vehicles.
15. Conduct ride-alongs and observe individual’s driving habits and reactions under various driving conditions to ensure conformance with vehicle operational standards and state vehicle codes.
16. Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

KNOWLEDGES AND ABILITIES:

KNOWLEDGE OF:
Applicable laws, codes, rules and regulations related to pupil transportation. 
Modern office practices, procedures, and equipment.
Methods, practices and procedures of dispatching transportation vehicles. 
Operation of a computer, standard office equipment and two-way radio.
Record-keeping techniques.
Health and safety regulations.
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
Oral and written communication skills.
Bus routes, traffic laws, and driving conditions within the district boundaries.

ABILITY TO:
Drive school bus safely.
Maintain order among students while on a bus.
Understand and follow oral and written directions.
Meet schedules and timelines.
Maintain records and prepare reports.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Adapt to interruptions and changes in the daily routine.  
Work effectively within a team, coordinating with colleagues, stakeholders, and external partners to complete tasks, achieve goals, and resolve issues in a collaborative and efficient manner.
Demonstrate a commitment to Los Alamitos Unified School District’s mission, vision, and priority goals.

Other Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Any combination equivalent to:  High School Diploma, GED, or Certificate of Completion and a safe driving record.
   
LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Class A or Class B California Driver's License with passenger endorsement; Bus Driver Certificate issued by the California Highway Patrol; incumbents must be able to pass and maintain a First Aid test issued by the California Highway Patrol or American Red Cross (if the CHP test is waived); and have a valid medical examiner’s certificate as required by the Department of Transportation. Maintain clear drug and alcohol screenings.
California State Department of Education School Bus Driver Instructor Certificate authorizing classroom and behind the wheel training, and maintaining of such certificate as a condition of continued employment.