Position: Auxiliary Bus Driver

Position Summary:

In the absence (sick, bus breakdown, accident, etc.,) of the regular route driver, the Auxiliary Bus Driver operates the school bus transporting pupils and authorized personnel to and from schools. Upon assignment, an employee in this class assumes all the duties and responsibilities of the regular route driver for following an assigned route and schedule in the safe operation of a school bus. Auxiliary Bus Drivers are trained in the location of all routes assigned to their particular lot and are expected to be able to drive routes out of other bus lot locations throughout the county as needed and assigned. Incumbents are also trained and expected to effectively operate all types of buses assigned to the lots. Auxiliary Drivers may be called upon to assume the duties and responsibilities of the Assistant Bus Driver Foreman in their absence. General supervision is received from the Bus Driver Foreman and Assistant Bus Driver Foreman.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Operates various types of school buses over any of the lot’s assigned routes, as well as at other lots as needed, in transporting children to and from schools;
• Maintains order among students aboard school bus and reports cases of misbehavior to school and staff officials through proper procedures;
• Inspects bus and checks gas, oil, water and all lights, brakes, and safety equipment before driving;
• Assists the Bus Driver Foreman/Assistant Foreman in preparing and updating route sheets and student rosters using a remote computer terminal;
• Assists in maintaining records to include daily and bi-monthly payroll reports, and in the distribution, receipt and checking of monthly reports;
• Assists in tactfully and effectively answering telephone inquiries regarding student transportation;
• Distributes bulletins, job related materials and gives job related messages to drivers;
• Prepares reports of accidents and prolonged traffic delays;
• Attends safety meetings and other meetings as necessary;
• Assists with inventory of equipment at the lots;
• Assists new and relief drivers in locating stops and designated runs throughout the area;
• Takes spare bus to a driver in case of a breakdown, accident, or runs the route for the regular driver; and
• Assists Bus Driver Foreman and/or Assistant Foreman in the smooth operation of the bus lot; filling in for either or both as necessary.

Qualifications:

• Good knowledge of driving safety and courtesy; good knowledge of the operation of automobiles and buses;
• Good knowledge of all facets of a bus lot operation;
• Good knowledge of the local streets and road system;
• Good knowledge of State regulations and laws pertaining to the operation of school buses;
• Good knowledge of Motor Vehicle Laws and Regulations of the State Board of Education, some knowledge of first aid;
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions, ability to deal courteously and effectively with school principals and parents;
• Interest in and liking for children; ability to maintain effective control over groups of children;
• Ability to work in tandem with other school system employees; and
• Dependable attendance record; and must be in good physical condition.

Education and/or Experience Requirements:

Must have at least five (5) years driving experience and have attained the minimum age of twenty-one (21) years.

Certification:

Possession of Commercial Driver's License (CDL), Class A or B with passenger endorsement or Class B Learners Permit with passenger (P) and school bus (S) endorsements; and the ability to meet special training and qualifications as set forth by Prince George's County Public Schools.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

No direct supervisory responsibilities.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, talk, hear, walk, sit, see, and drive. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, lift, pull, push, grasp, climb, balance, and conduct repetitive wrist and/or hand movements. Employee must have the ability to sit in the bus driver seat, reach the steering wheel and grasp with both hands, reach the pedals, and wear a seat belt properly. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 25 lbs. and/or 100 lbs. when operating a wheelchair lift and assisting a special-needs student.

Working Environment:

The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.

Additional Information:

None.