Specialized Bus Driver
Transportation Department

Full-Time, 10 Months
Non-Exempt, Driver Step Scale

The Specialized Bus Driver operates school bus and other vehicles for the purpose of transporting students, some with special transport requirements, to and from designated locations. Serves as specialized driver in one of the following areas: driving students with special transport requirements; driving for supplemental services/activities to include field trips and athletic trips; or driving in a permanent relief capacity. Routes may be variable in nature, contingent on operational needs. May execute long distance trips out of County or out of state as needed; schedule is subject to variability. Essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Operates school bus over long distances across interstate and state primary roads at sustained legally allowed speeds, in a manner that fosters a safe and conscientious image to the public;
• Safely operates various types and sizes of school buses and other pupil transportation vehicles throughout the day as required;
• Transports students with special transport requirements, providing portal to portal pick up and delivery; Conducts safe and orderly loading and unloading of students at specified stops, physically assisting special needs students as required;
• Works with school staff and parents to develop safe loading/unloading and transport strategies;
• Develops familiarity with the unique medical needs of all students in the vehicle; assists with monitoring, acts as liaison for these students with school and parent/guardian; may be required assume custody of student medication and administration of medication and first aid needs of the student;
• Complies with US Department of Transportation and Virginia Department of Education regulations specific to driving a school bus, including compliance with proper rest periods from driving;
• Quickly comprehends route/assignment details and bus stop information via maps, manifests, trip tickets and other written and oral instructions;
• Installation of tire chains as required;
• Maintains order and discipline in the vehicle through student management skills; makes critical decisions in emergency situations to protect the safety of themselves and their passengers;
• Ensures the proper use of car seats and other restraint devices as required;
• Accomplishes and submits reports as required; may include mileage and conduct reports, expense reimbursement, billing, etc.; Uses reporting/scheduling software and email as needed;
• Accomplishes and submits reports as required; may include mileage and conduct reports, expense reimbursement, billing, etc.; Uses reporting/scheduling software and email as needed;
• Checks email regularly; Maintains daily time records via iPod; Ensures timely submission of timekeeping data to department administration;
• Attends pre-service, in-service, and other required meetings pertaining to the job;
• Responsible for ensuring all accidents are immediately reported to immediate supervisor;
• Demonstrates excellence in student management; assists others with student management or other behavior challenges as required;
• Performs related duties as required.

Qualifications:  Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school. Prefer at least one year of related experience in a position such as or similar to an Albemarle County Public Schools Bus Driver. Some experience using computer hardware and software preferred. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Satisfactory health condition as certified by competent medical authority. Must demonstrate the ability to successfully complete the Virginia Education Department training curriculum for school bus drivers and obtain a Commercial Driver's License with appropriate school bus endorsements within the probationary period. Complete State and County requirements of twenty-four hours of classroom and twenty-four hours of behind the wheel instruction. Complete training unique to special needs bus drivers. No reckless driving or driving under the influence convictions within five years and/or fewer than two moving violations within 12 months of employment. Must maintain basic first aid and CPR training certificate and complete the following trainings: eight hours of locally required training unique to special needs bus drivers, child management and behavior modification training, and a minimum of two hours of special needs vehicle equipment training. English language proficiency is required per Code of Virginia 46.2-341.14.

Considerable knowledge of ACPS vehicles approved for student transport; local, state and federal traffic laws and regulations; the operation of medium and light automotive equipment; school locations within the County; map nomenclature and local, state highway infrastructure; and the proper use and operation of two-way radio equipment. Must possess the ability to interpret and navigate directional road maps; develop and maintain a positive attitude toward students, including special needs students; ability to provide basic first aid and administer medication; ability to learn computer hardware and software applications to include iPod usage, Microsoft Outlook Email, Trip Tracker scheduling software, and Pocket Clock time management software. Must possess very strong listening, oral and written communication skills to receive and relay information in a timely and accurate manner; excellent interpersonal skills to develop effective working relationships; conflict resolution skills to resolve conflicts diplomatically and with a professional demeanor; and critical thinking skills for front line/emergency decision making in the absence of immediate access to a supervisor. Must be able to work independently without direct supervision, while being an integral part of an overall team.

Physical Conditions & Nature of Work Contacts:  Work is typically performed inside and around the exterior of a school bus. Frequent bending, stooping, crawling and climbing to inspect on and under a school bus is necessary. Occasional lifting of at least fifty pounds is required. Person shall have no impairment of the use of a foot, leg, hand, finger, or an arm, and no other structural defects or limitation likely to interfere with the ability to control and safely drive a school bus, and must be able to drive at night. Must have the physical ability to operate the following controls on a school bus; open and close the service door which requires up to 25 psi exerted by the right hand and arm; activate the clutch pedal which requires up to 70 psi exerted by the left foot and leg; operate a manual transmission shift lever which requires up to 20 psi exerted by the right hand and arm; jump from or climb up to a least 3.5 feet, at the emergency door, to assist in the evacuation of the students. Occasional operation of vehicles during inclement weather is required. Occasional operation of vehicles for extended or overnight/multi-day trips may be required. Work may take place outside of normal schedule, to include nights, weekends, or holidays. Frequent contact with department staff, school staff, and students is required; occasional contact with parents/guardians and the general public may be required. Occasional meetings with principals and parents may be necessary.

Deadline for Applications:  Until Filled             

Salary: Placement on driver step scale based on total years CDL driving experience