Bus Driver, Trainee

DEFINITION

This is a temporary, trainee position. Candidates that successfully complete training will be eligible for hire as a Temporary (Substitute / part-time) or Regular (full-time) Bus Driver. Operates school buses to transport students, faculty, and others to and from school, field trips, athletic events, and other events. Travels to and between Office of Transportation worksites throughout Baltimore County. Drives various routes of regularly assigned bus drivers as needed. Performs other duties as assigned. Performs other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :

Trainees will learn to perform the following functions :

• Operates school buses in compliance with laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Adheres to established schedules to safely pick up, transport, and discharge students and staff.
• Maintains student discipline on the bus. Coordinates with school principals and area transportation supervisors to resolve serious disciplinary problems.
• Transports students and faculty members on special field trips and to and from athletic events.
• Travels to and between Office of Transportation worksites throughout Baltimore County. Drives various bus routes. Fills in for regularly assigned bus drivers as needed. Reports to worksites and shifts as assigned.
• Completes pre- and post-trip inspections of bus. Fuels bus.
• Responsible for appearance of assigned vehicles. Reports suspected mechanical defects and malfunctioning equipment on assigned vehicles.
• Responsible for the cleanliness of vehicle, inside and outside. May wash, clean, wax and polish vehicle.
• Notes and reports any damage to assigned bus.
• Places wheelchairs securely on wheelchair lifts. Transports students' medical apparatus.
• Keeps records of bus operations and submits required reports; compiles and submits accident report information; and communicates prolonged traffic delays.
• Develops emergency evacuation plans for all students with all pertinent information for all groups of students transported.
• Attends meetings.

OTHER FUNCTIONS :

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

Education, Training and Experience :

Possession of a high school diploma or an appropriate equivalent is preferred.

Must be 21 years of age.

Meets and maintains all qualifications and certifications for school vehicle drivers required by the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR 13A.06.07.01).

Note : Other combination of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform effectively in the position, may be considered.

Licenses and Certificates :

Possession of a valid commercial, class B Maryland driver's license is required. (The license may require certain endorsements and / or the absence of certain restrictions.)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

Knowledge of school safety, procedural, and policy guidelines and applicable regulations.

Skill in communication and human relations.

Ability to pass an annual physical examination and random drug tests for CDL. Ability to read and write. Ability to use and care for school bus and related equipment and supplies according to written and oral instructions. Ability to maintain good relationships with administrators, teachers, students, other employees, and the general public.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS :

Work requires the performance of physical labor including the operation of vehicles and travel throughout the Baltimore Metropolitan area, under a variety of weather and road conditions and topography. Work includes prolonged periods of sitting, lifting students, climbing on and off buses, using foot controls to operate gas and brake pedals, and pushing manual door openers.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT :

Persons appointed to this class must be physically qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle in accordance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations and must remain physically qualified to operate such vehicles throughout their employment. Persons holding a commercial driver’s license (CDL) are subject to alcohol and drug testing in accordance with applicable state and federal regulations and Board of Education policy.

Persons appointed to this class must successfully complete the Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training program within an assigned period of time. Failure to successfully complete the training may result in termination.

Annual successful completion of Baltimore County Public Schools in-service instruction for school vehicle drivers is required to maintain employment.

The job requires the ability to travel to worksites throughout Baltimore County in a timely manner.

FLSA STATUS : Non-exempt

This document describes the duties and responsibilities of a position. It shall not be held to exclude duties not referenced nor limit the right of management to assign work to employees.

Citizenship, residency or work VISA in United States required.

SALARY

Trainee and Substitute / Part-time Rate : $20.12 per hour

Regular Rate : $20.12 – $28.65 per hour

FLSA : Non-exempt

Regular Bus Drivers are eligible for the Baltimore County Employees’ Retirement System.