Primary Purpose:

 

Participate in the employee training activities of the Transportation department to ensure that employees are optimally trained to operate a district school bus/vehicle and adequately serve the transportation needs of the students. Texas City ISD Transportation strives to provide safe, efficient, on-time service to students every day. The transportation department is committed to being partners in the education of our children by supporting learning through exemplary service and performance.

 

Qualifications:

 

Education/Certification:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Valid Texas Commercial Driver’s License (Class A or B) with P and S endorsements
• Acceptable driving record in accordance with Texas DPS guidelines for school bus drivers
• Acceptable criminal history
• Ability to pass U.S. Department of Transportation drug and alcohol tests and annual physical exam
• Valid Texas School Bus Driver Safety Training Certificate or Certificate of Completion of TEEX Train the Trainer course
• Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) instructor certification, preferred.

 

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Must have working knowledge of a computer and the ability to create/edit training documents, research using the internet, use Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, and Outlook effectively, etc. 
• Knowledge of the geography of Galveston county (Texas City/LaMarque), Texas City ISD schools and streets/roads in the area
• Skill in communicating in English effectively and clearly, both verbally and written, utilizing tact and diplomacy and remaining calm in emergency situations.
• Skill in operating a school bus and adhering to traffic and driving rules.
• Skill in following route directions and reading maps as required to perform driving duties.
• Skill in managing student behavior.
• Ability to complete required bus driver safety training.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to manage multiple complex tasks simultaneously and exercise good judgment.
• Ability to adhere to professional bus driver standards of conduct in regards to safety, attendance, cooperation, attitude, communication, and contributions.
• Ability to perform duties with attention to detail, accuracy, follow-through, courtesy, cooperativeness and work with minimum supervision.
• Ability to work under pressure situations and prioritize effectively.
• Ability to comprehend complex systems and technical information.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of privileged and sensitive information.
• Ability to maintain professional behavior, appearance, and work ethic to represent the school district in a positive manner at all times.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, District staff, outside organizations, elected officials, and the general public.

Experience:

• Three years of school bus driver experience required
• Experience as a driver trainer preferred

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

• Maintains the transportation training program that is in compliance with DOT, DPS, TEA and TCISD regulations, policies, and procedures.  Ensures all employees are trained on all aspects of the program.
• Makes presentations during driver in-service training and small group meetings and assists in department-wide staff development programs as needed.
• Makes school bus safety presentations to schools, as requested.
• Assist in school bus emergency evacuation training.
• Serves as focal point to in-process new employees for the department.
• Serve as a substitute bus driver or monitor as needed, performs duties and functions of these positions and maintains all licenses and certifications required to perform these duties.
• Perform behind-the-wheel evaluations of all drivers and random field observations, as necessary.
• Perform post-accident training according to the Accident Committee findings.
• Safely operate a school bus and perform all duties without accidents, driving tickets or formal complaints and in accordance with applicable traffic laws, as well as Texas City ISD policies, transportation guidelines, and instructions.
• Report for work consistently and adhere to established routes and schedules as assigned, arrange appointments and personal business so as not to interfere with scheduled duties.
• Drive school buses to and from extracurricular activities and field trips as assigned.
• Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections according to specifications to ensure the bus can be operated safely and promptly notify dispatch of needed repairs.
• Report all accidents/incidents, vehicle damage, student injuries, and mechanical problems and complete required corresponding reports. Recognize the need for preventative action in advance.
• Complete and maintain accurate, updated, and timely records and reports including but not limited to those related to bus mileage and number of passengers transported.
• Keep assigned bus clean/neat and maintain the appropriate level of fuel. Ensure proper condition of emergency equipment, such as but not limited to first aid kit, fire extinguisher, fuses, flares, and reflectors.
• Exhibit effective behavior management skills and report student discipline issues using the appropriate forms and procedures.
• Supervise students while they board and exit the bus and cross the street.
• Instruct students on safe loading, unloading, and bus riding rules.
• Perform emergency evacuation of students on the bus if necessary.
• Observe all traffic laws and follow regulations for safe operation of school buses.
• Correct unsafe conditions in work area that could cause injury or accident and inform supervisor of any hazards that are not immediately correctable.
• Effectively communicate with supervisors about conditions requiring attention and listening to parents, students, and staff regarding concerns.
• Adjusts driving to compensate for unusual weather, road and traffic conditions. Anticipate problems and make necessary adjustments to ensure student safety and reduce delays. Report any issues to dispatch and a supervisor.
• Attend and complete required department monthly and annual training programs as required
• Establish and maintain good rapport with students, parents, school personnel, co-workers, and the public. Cooperate with parents and all district staff to make operations run smoothly.
• Operate and monitor two-way radio equipment to communicate with transportation office and other drivers.
• Understand the importance of student information confidentiality.
• Contribute to resolve problems, make suggestions and work toward common goals of the department with other drivers, staff, and management.

Records, Reports, and Correspondence

• Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents as required.

Communication

• Maintain a positive and effective relationship with students, parents, coworkers, supervisor, District officials and employees, outside agencies and organizations.
• Provide outstanding customer service.
• Maintain good judgment and decision making when dealing with students, parents, supervisor, coworkers,district officials and employees, outside agencies and organizations.

Policy and Laws

• Comply with all federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and board policy in transportation area.
• Comply with applicable personnel policies.

Other

• Maintain confidentiality of privileged and sensitive information when received and distributed to appropriate designees as directed by the Director of Transportation.
• Attend professional growth activities to keep abreast of innovations related to position.
• Maintain an organized work environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

 

Equipment Used:

School bus; wheelchair lift or ramp; wheelchair locks; passenger restraints and car seats; special adaptive equipment; two-way radio; computer; copy machine; printer/fax; use of safety equipment including but not limited to flares, reflective signs,fluid spill kits, and fire extinguisher

 

Working Conditions (Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors):

 

• Maintain emotional control under stress
• Frequent interruptions
• Moderate exposure to noise, extreme temperatures, and vehicle fumes
• Work outside and inside
• Occasional travel outside of school boundaries along with district-wide travel
• Frequent contact with parents, community, and/or other district/campus employees
• Prolonged and irregular work hours – flexibility with schedule to include AM/PM/Weekend shifts and special projects to meet transportation operational needs
• Continual sitting, reaching, and repetitive hand and arm motions
• Frequent walking, standing, climbing, stooping, bending, kneeling, reaching, heavy lifting, and carrying
• Ability to lift 20 to 50 lbs
• Daily attendance and punctuality are essential functions of the job