SCHOOL ACTIVITY BUS DRIVER – FIELD TRIPS

Job Title: School Activity Bus Driver – Field Trips
Reports To: Transportation Supervisor
Employment Status: As Needed
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

JOB SUMMARY

The School Activity Bus Driver is responsible for the safe and efficient transportation of students, staff, and other authorized passengers to and from school-sponsored field trips. Work hours will vary according to the school system's approved field-trip and activity transportation needs and may include daytime, early morning, and extended-hour assignments.

The employee operates school system activity buses in accordance with North Carolina law, North Carolina Department of Public Instruction requirements, North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles requirements, State Board of Education policies, and local board of education policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Operates an assigned school activity bus safely and professionally to transport students and authorized passengers.
• Provides transportation for field trips.
• Performs required pre-trip and post-trip inspections and reports vehicle defects or safety concerns promptly.
• Operates the assigned vehicle in compliance with applicable North Carolina traffic laws, commercial motor vehicle regulations, and school transportation requirements.
• Follows assigned trip routes, schedules, directions, and instructions provided by the school system.
• Loads and unloads students and passengers using established safety procedures.
• Ensures students remain properly seated and follow applicable passenger safety rules while the vehicle is moving.
• Maintains appropriate communication with the trip sponsor, school administrator, transportation department, and other designated school personnel.
• Immediately reports accidents, injuries, behavioral concerns, emergencies, vehicle problems, or other unusual circumstances according to school system procedures.
• Maintains required trip, mileage, inspection, and other transportation records.
• Maintains a clean, orderly, and safe vehicle.
• Secures the vehicle and verifies that all students and passengers have exited before leaving the vehicle at the completion of a trip.
• Uses appropriate defensive driving techniques and exercises sound judgment in varying traffic, weather, and road conditions.
• Follows all school system policies governing student transportation, confidentiality, professional conduct, use of electronic devices, and employee responsibilities.
• Participates in required transportation, safety, and professional development activities.
• Maintains all required licenses, endorsements, certifications, medical qualifications, and training.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Minimum of six months of driving experience with a full driver's license, as required by North Carolina for school bus endorsement eligibility.
• Previous experience transporting students, children, passengers, or operating commercial passenger vehicles is preferred.

North Carolina requires a school bus endorsement applicant to be at least 18 years old and have at least six months of driving experience with a full license. NCDOT

REQUIRED LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATION

The employee must possess or be able to obtain and maintain all credentials required by North Carolina and the local school system to operate the assigned school activity bus.

Commercial Driver License

A valid North Carolina Commercial Driver License (CDL) appropriate for the vehicle being operated is required.

The CDL must include:

• P – Passenger endorsement
• S – School Bus endorsement

North Carolina requires the P and S endorsements for school bus and school activity bus operation. 

The school system shall determine the required CDL class based upon the specifications of the vehicle(s) assigned to the employee. NCDOT

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• North Carolina traffic laws and regulations.
• Safe operation of school buses and passenger vehicles.
• Defensive driving practices.
• School transportation safety procedures.
• Vehicle inspection and safety procedures.
• Procedures for transporting students safely.
• Emergency procedures applicable to school transportation.
• Local school system transportation policies and procedures.

Ability to:

• Safely operate a school activity bus under varying traffic, weather, and road conditions.
• Follow written and verbal directions.
• Maintain accurate records.
• Communicate effectively with students, staff, parents/guardians, and school officials.
• Remain calm and exercise sound judgment during emergencies or unexpected situations.
• Establish and maintain appropriate professional relationships with students and staff.
• Work independently while following established policies and procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality concerning students and school activities.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The employee must be able to:

• Sit for extended periods while operating a school activity bus.
• Safely enter and exit the vehicle.
• Perform required vehicle inspections.
• Operate vehicle controls safely.
• Assist with normal student/passenger loading and unloading procedures.
• Respond appropriately to emergency situations.
• Bend, stoop, reach, and perform other movements reasonably necessary to inspect and operate the vehicle.
• Hear and communicate sufficiently to perform essential job functions.
• Meet applicable physical and medical requirements for CDL and school bus/activity bus operation.

Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law.

 

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Thomasville City Schools is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, or other status protected by applicable federal or North Carolina law.

DISCLAIMER

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this position. It is not intended to be a complete list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or working conditions. Duties and responsibilities may be modified as necessary to meet the needs of the school system and to comply with applicable federal and North Carolina laws, regulations, and policies.