School Bus Driver

The Aspen School District seeks School Bus Drivers for the 2024-2025 School Year.
Position Title: School Bus Driver
Department: Transportation
Reports to: Transportation Director
Classification: Classified Part-time, Non-Exempt
Contract Period: 9-Month (178 days with some variance depending on the year)
Compensation: SY 2024-25 Hourly ESP Schedule
ASD offers district-funded employee and dependent health benefits including medical, vision, dental, and life insurance to benefit-eligible employees. Other benefits include (as eligible): paid leave, CO PERA (pension plan) enrollment with district contribution, TSA options, free transportation for employees from Carbondale to Aspen, employee assistance program, wellness program (can be used for highly reduced or free ski pass), and supplemental insurance (i.e. cancer, disability, etc).
I: Position Summary

• The purpose of the School Bus Driver position is to safely transport students to and from school as well as off-campus school-related activities.

II: School Bus Driver Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Operate a school bus in a safe and lawful manner on an assigned route in accordance with the Colorado Rules and Regulations Governing Operation of School Transportation Vehicles Manual
• Ability to maintain order and safety among students on a school bus
• Operate large school buses for an extended period of time to transport students off-campus for special activity trips, driving in a lawful and safe manner in unfamiliar surroundings varying from congested city streets to mountain roadway
• Ultimate responsibility for the choice of routes and stops on activity trips to ensure the safety of the passengers and the vehicle
• Perform pre- and post-trip bus inspections and periodic student evacuation drills in compliance with district rules and regulations for passenger safety
• Adhere to the established rules concerning daily checking of the buses for cleanliness, and reporting of any suspected malfunctions of the bus
• Report all student incidents, route stops, road conditions, time changes and grievances to the Director of Transportation immediately
• Read and abide by the operation procedures outlined and explained in the Colorado School Vehicle Instruction manual
• Ability to recognize malfunctions in equipment and take appropriate action
• See that loaded equipment is stored in a safe manner per C.D.E. regulations
• Be available, when possible, for extra driving as required by the District
• Report to the Director of Transportation immediately any misconduct occurring on a bus which may endanger the safety of any or all of the passengers
• Fully cooperate with sponsors while on activity trips
• Adhere to Board policy and Colorado State Law
• Report any citations immediately to the Transportation Director, and remain with our insurance pools insurability standards

III: Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities for School Bus Driver

• Knowledge of Colorado laws and rules regarding traffic safety, including traffic signs, signals, and devices
• Knowledge of safe motor vehicle operation including checking gas, oil, signals, wipers, brakes and other components to assure proper levels and operation
• Manages oneself (is organized, prepared, and punctual; manages resources; meets deadlines; follows through on commitments; demonstrates appropriate physical appearance relative to job and environmental expectations) in a manner that enhances the image of public education
• Displays willingness to learn new information
• Satisfactorily completes a course in bus driving as presented by the Aspen School District Transportation Department
• Ability to get along well with children and command their respect
• Learn bus routes and complete scheduled routes in timely manner, exhibiting flexibility as changes in schedules and routes occur
• Develops and maintains rapport and effective relationships with children and adults contacted in carrying out duties and responsibilities by using courtesy, diplomacy, collaboration, cooperation, support, and professional conduct
• Establish and maintain good working relationships with teachers, administrators, and all those contacted in the course of work
• Observe all district policies and procedures
• Due to the safety responsibilities involved with this position, drivers must be able to communicate clearly in English both orally and in writing; bilingual Spanish is a plus
• Ability to pass state-required physical exam and random drug testing per Colorado DOE Rules and Regulations for operators of school transportation vehicles
• Ability to pass a background check and drug and alcohol test upon hiring
• Ability to use Google and its products, familiarity with computers and emails.
• Satisfactorily complete a course in bus driving instruction as presented by the Aspen School District

IV: School Bus Driver Minimum Qualifications

• Current driver's license with good driving record
• Possession of or ability to obtain a Colorado Commercial Driver's License, special school bus operator's permit
• First Aid/CPR certification, or ability to obtain
• High School education or equivalency
• 4 to 6 years of driving experience preferred

V: Work Environment

• Exposure to noise, dirt/dust, odors or fumes, hazardous materials or situations, and temperature extremes

VI: Essential Physical Requirements

• Occasional standing
• Occasional lifting of up to 50 lbs. for bus evacuation situations - possibly over 50 lbs. if driving special needs school bus
• Physical ability to lower oneself to the ground, assisting students as necessary, to perform emergency evacuation from the back door of a school bus.
• Frequent reaching, sitting, and other repetitive motion

VII: Acknowledgement

• This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee. The successful candidate will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other related duties as assigned by the Director. The Aspen School District reserves the right to update, revise, or change this job description and related duties at any time.