Job Description

TITLE: Bus Driver Trainee

CLASSIFICATION: Classified Hourly

REPORTS TO: Director of Transportation

SUMMARY:

The Bus Driver Trainee will participate in a structured training program designed to develop the knowledge, skills, and qualifications necessary to safely and efficiently transport students for school-related purposes. Training will be conducted in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws, Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) requirements, and Roosevelt School District policies and procedures.

Throughout the training period, the trainee will perform assigned duties under the direction and supervision of qualified Transportation Department personnel. The trainee is expected to actively participate in and successfully complete all required classroom instruction, behind-the-wheel training, licensing requirements, certifications, examinations, and other District-mandated training before becoming eligible to independently operate a school bus and transport students.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Learn and comply with all applicable traffic laws, Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) requirements, school bus safety regulations, and Roosevelt School District policies and procedures while under the supervision of qualified Transportation Department personnel.
2. Participate in and successfully complete all required classroom instruction, behind-the-wheel training, and other required training necessary to obtain and maintain the licenses, endorsements, certifications, and qualifications required for a School Bus Driver position.
3. Participate in supervised behind-the-wheel and route training as permitted by law and District procedures. Student transportation duties may only be performed when the trainee has obtained the appropriate credentials and is legally authorized to do so.
4. Learn and perform required pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections under appropriate supervision. Identify and report mechanical defects, safety concerns, or equipment issues and complete all required vehicle inspection and maintenance documentation.
5. Maintain the cleanliness and general condition of assigned District vehicles in accordance with Transportation Department procedures.
6. Conduct required post-trip inspections to ensure that no students, personal belongings, or other items remain on the bus and to identify and report any damage or safety concerns.
7. Develop and demonstrate appropriate student management and supervision techniques, including maintaining safe student behavior, following District discipline procedures, reporting incidents, and ensuring students are released only at authorized stops in accordance with District procedures.
8. Learn and assist with providing students appropriate instruction regarding school bus safety procedures, expectations, and emergency evacuation requirements.
9. Learn and follow District procedures for reporting and documenting accidents, incidents, injuries, safety concerns, and other transportation-related events within required timeframes.
10. Attend and actively participate in all required classroom instruction, in-service trainings, safety meetings, behind-the-wheel training, and other Transportation Department training activities.
11. Maintain accurate and current training records, licensing documentation, certifications, and other required records as directed by the Transportation Department.
12. Assist with District transportation operations and services as assigned and legally permitted, which may include regular routes, midday transportation, McKinney-Vento transportation, after-school programs, field trips, special events, and other student transportation services.
13. Perform other transportation-related duties as assigned by the Director of Transportation or designee.

EDUCATION:

High school diploma or equivalent, preferred.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

• Possess a valid Arizona Driver's License.
• Must obtain and possess a valid Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) with the applicable endorsements prior to beginning the School Bus Driver training program.
• Must provide a certified five (5) year Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) and meet all District requirements regarding driving history and eligibility.
• Meet all applicable federal and state medical and physical qualification requirements for school bus drivers.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Ability and willingness to successfully complete the District's School Bus Driver training program and obtain all required licenses, endorsements, certifications, and credentials within the established timeframe.
• Must maintain a driving record that meets Roosevelt School District, insurance, and applicable state requirements.
• Ability to learn, understand, and comply with school bus safety procedures, traffic laws, District policies and procedures, and applicable state and federal regulations.
• Ability to learn and demonstrate effective student management, supervision, and behavior management techniques necessary to maintain a safe environment while transporting students.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing, as necessary to perform essential job duties, follow safety procedures, communicate with students and staff, and complete required reports and documentation.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions, accept supervisory direction, and apply training and feedback appropriately.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and respond appropriately to routine situations, safety concerns, student needs, and emergencies.
• Ability to successfully pass the required school bus driver physical performance/agility test.
• Ability to work independently when authorized and appropriately perform assigned duties under supervision during the training period.
• Demonstrate reliability, professionalism, punctuality, and regular attendance throughout the training program and employment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• The Bus Driver Trainee works and trains primarily in and around school buses, Transportation Department facilities, school campuses, and other locations throughout the District and surrounding community. The position requires working in and around moving vehicles, vehicular and pedestrian traffic, and active student loading and unloading areas.
• The work environment may include exposure to vehicle exhaust and fumes, fuel and other automotive odors, dust, dirt, noise, vibration, and varying road and traffic conditions. Duties are performed in a variety of weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, wind, and other adverse weather conditions.
• The position may require extended periods of sitting and driving, as well as periods of standing and walking. The trainee must be able to safely enter and exit a school bus repeatedly, move throughout the bus, operate required vehicle equipment, and respond appropriately to student, vehicle, or transportation-related emergencies.
• Work schedules may include early mornings, afternoons, split shifts, midday assignments, evenings, and other hours based on the operational needs of the Transportation Department. Trainees may also be required to participate in transportation services for field trips, special events, after-school programs, McKinney-Vento transportation, and other District transportation assignments as legally permitted.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Three (3) month position. Classified hourly employee. Salary and compensation are established in accordance with the Roosevelt School District Classified Hourly Salary Schedule. Employee benefits are provided in accordance with applicable District and Governing Board policies.

Employment as a School Bus Driver Trainee is contingent upon successfully meeting all established training, licensing, certification, and qualification requirements within the required timeframe.

Failure to successfully complete the required training or obtain the required Commercial Driver License (CDL), endorsements, and certifications within the established three (3) month training period will result in removal from the School Bus Driver Trainee position and termination with the District.

EVALUATION

Performance will be evaluated in accordance with Roosevelt School District Governing Board policies and procedures for classified employees and will include assessment of the employee's progress toward successful completion of required training, licensing, certification, and job responsibilities.