Lead Cover Driver

JOB TITLE: Lead Bus Driver (Cover)

DEPARTMENT: Transportation

REPORTS TO: Director of Transportation

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time, 12-Month

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Education: High school diploma or GED preferred.

Licensure: Valid Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements required. No air brake restriction. Must meet all current Oklahoma and federal requirements, including a valid DOT medical card and Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) completion.

Experience: Two years of school bus driving experience preferred.

Skills: Ability to communicate appropriately with students, parents, and district staff. Understanding of district transportation policies and procedures.

SUMMARY:

The School Bus Lead Driver (Cover) fills open or vacant routes when regular drivers are absent and assists drivers with bus management and overall transportation issues. This position is responsible for the safe transport of students to and from school and assists with data entry, training, and mentoring of other staff.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: These statements are intended to describe the responsibilities assigned to the position and are not intended to represent an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

1. Monitor assigned routes daily.
2. Demonstrate the ability to drive any assigned route.
3. Stay up to date and train new divers on driver tech (Tyler Drive Tablets) or additional routing equipment.
4. Review and audit pre-/post-trip documentation, bus inspections, and seating charts.
5. Check assigned buses for cleanliness, required signage, and needed equipment.
6. Maintain a route coverage plan for the assigned area as needed.
7. Assist with route evaluations.
8. Mentor and coach drivers, provide documented feedback to the Director of Transportation, and promote a positive, team-oriented environment.
9. Enforce all policies and procedures of the district and the Transportation Department.
10. Attend all required meetings.
11. Create analytical reports (e.g., on-time performance, incident, or route efficiency reports).
12. Monitor fleet maintenance and relay pertinent information to maintenance personnel and the Fleet Manager.
13. Work in specialty positions when needed (e.g. training, digital video recorder (DVR) maintenance, call center).
14. Assist with emergency bus evacuations when needed.
15. Attend and assist in training classes as needed.
16. Assist with bus routing, including route planning, route adjustments, and stop changes, as directed by the Director of Transportation or designee.
17. Perform any and all other duties as assigned by the Director of Transportation or designee.

ESSENTIAL BEHAVIOR:

Ability to use sound judgment in any situation. Ability to deal successfully and rapidly with changes in assignments and to respond properly to applicable correspondence and communication received. Ability to project a professional image through in-person, phone, and electronic interaction. Ability to build and foster harmonious rapport and work cooperatively with district staff and the public while achieving the objectives and goals of the position. Ability to handle problematic or difficult situations professionally by communicating with the appropriate person.

ATTENDANCE STATEMENT:

Able to be in attendance for assigned responsibilities with 95% attendance.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Exposure to extremes of heat and cold. Possible exposure to bodily fluids and blood-borne pathogens.

PHYSICAL STANDARDS:

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. for a distance of 20 feet.
• Must pass a DOT physical and pre-employment drug screening, and participate in random drug and alcohol testing as required by federal regulations.
• Walking as required to access equipment and perform responsibilities.
• Sitting for the length of the assigned route.
• Use of hands and arms to assist with wheelchairs, set brakes, operate foot pedals, etc.
• Climbing and descending bus steps.
• Stooping, kneeling, and crouching as required for student care.
• Talking and hearing sufficiently to communicate about job-related duties.
• Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less), with or without correction.
• Distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more), with or without correction.
• Color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors).
• Peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.