Position Overview

The School Bus Driver plays a vital role in our district’s daily operations by providing safe, reliable, and efficient transportation for students to and from school, as well as to extracurricular activities and field trips. This position requires a strong commitment to student safety, excellent driving skills, and the ability to maintain a positive, orderly environment on the bus.

Position Type: Full-Time / Part-Time (Split Shifts: Morning and Afternoon routes)

Compensation: Starting at $16.50 per hour

Reports To: Transportation Supervisor / Director of Support Services

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Vehicle Operation & Safety

• Safe Transport: Operate a school bus safely over designated routes in accordance with strict time schedules, traffic laws, and Arkansas Department of Education regulations.
• Loading & Unloading: Provide maximum safety for students during loading and unloading, ensuring children cross streets safely when necessary.
• Emergency Preparedness: Maintain knowledge of emergency evacuation methods and first-aid procedures; conduct mandatory passenger bus evacuation drills as required by state law.

Maintenance & Inspections

• Pre/Post-Trip Inspections: Conduct comprehensive daily pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections (checking fluids, brakes, lights, tires, and safety equipment) to ensure the bus is in safe working order.
• Post-Route Checks: Check the bus at the end of every route to ensure no child or personal item has been left behind.
• Cleanliness: Maintain a clean, sanitary bus interior and report any mechanical deficiencies or repair needs promptly to the maintenance shop.

Student Management & Communication

• Maintain Discipline: Manage student behavior effectively, using a courteous yet authoritative approach to ensure a distraction-free driving environment.
• Incident Reporting: Record and report severe student discipline issues or behavioral incidents to the appropriate school principal or supervisor.
• Professional Conduct: Act as a positive, respectful representative of the school district when interacting with students, parents, school staff, and the community.

Job Qualifications & Requirements

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Clean driving record with no major traffic violations.
• Previous commercial or school bus driving experience is preferred, but the district will provide training for qualified applicants.

Licensing & Certifications

• Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Arkansas Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class B.
• Must hold required Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements.
• Must be able to clear the air brakes restriction on the CDL.

Mandatory Screenings & Background Checks

• Pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) Medical Physical Exam.
• Pass a pre-employment DOT drug and alcohol screen and participate in ongoing random drug testing.
• Successfully clear an FBI and Arkansas State Police criminal background check.
• Successfully clear an Arkansas Child Maltreatment Central Registry check.

Physical Demands

• Ability to sit for extended periods while operating the vehicle.
• Adequate vision and hearing (with or without correction) to drive safely and monitor student activity.
• Physical agility to climb the bus steps, walk down the aisle, bend, stoop, and assist students during emergency evacuations.