Bus Driver

NOTE: SVUSD Student Safety and Transit offers a School Bus Driver Certificate Training Program for those applicants who are interested in becoming Bus Drivers but do NOT yet possess the required qualifications. The training program consists of a minimum of twenty hours in class and twenty hours behind the wheel. Upon successful completion of the training program, you will move forward in the Bus Driver examination process. If placed on the eligibility list, you will be eligible for hire as a Bus Driver. Individuals are encouraged to apply for the position, and will be notified once training has been scheduled. Testing Information: The selection process consists of a Structured Interview Examination (weight 100%). Qualified applicants will be notified by mail/email of the scheduled interview date. Tentatively scheduled for as early as TBD Selection Interview: If you pass the interview, you will receive an email with your rank on the eligibility list. If you are within the top 3 ranks for a vacancy, you will be invited to the selection interview with the hiring manager. Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications stated in the job posting by the application deadline in order to move forward in the testing process. Those candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to the structured interview. The testing process is subject to change as needs dictate. All communication regarding this process will be delivered via email. Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

Summary: Bus Drivers are qualified to drive a school bus containing special features and equipment to assist students having mobility and other access problems over designated and special routes for the purpose of transporting students to and from school. Transports students on special trips and athletic events. Distinguishing Career Features: Bus Drivers must complete special coursework, behind-the-wheel observation/training and attain licenses required by the State. Advancement opportunities exist beyond Driver, as incumbents can take additional training, develop special competencies, and become authorized/certified in instructing, dispatching, or route analysis. Drives a specially equipped school bus over designated and special routes in compliance with time schedules, picking up and discharging students; and drives for special events. Inspects bus prior to operation for safety purposes. Cleans windshields and headlights. Cleans the interior and exterior of buses as needed, including, but not limited to, picking up debris, sweeping and mopping floor, and wiping and cleaning upholstery. Services bus with fuel and oil. Performs routine checks of belts, braking, turning signals, lighting. Inspects hydraulic lifts. Reports problems or equipment malfunctions. Maintains appropriate behavior among students on buses and while the bus is parked at bus stops. Follows District policies regarding the student control and contact with parents and the public. Escorts students across streets when necessary. Reports incidents affecting the safety of students. Maintains records of all trips. Files accident reports. Completes accurate records as required by State and federal laws and policies. Performs first aid or emergency assistance. Attends scheduled safety meetings and continuing education programs. May transport students and chaperons on field trips to various locations making departure and arrival time as scheduled. May repair upholstery using a commercial sewing/stitching machine. Replaces seats and frames. Removes graffiti and other material from bus interiors. May participate in moving office furniture and fixtures. Performs other duties as assigned that support the overall objective of the position.

Education and Experience: Requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Bus driver or truck driving experience desired. Licenses and Certificates: Requires a valid California Class B Commercial Driver's License with "P" Passenger Endorsement; valid medical examination card; valid California Special Driver Certificate with "S" School Bus Endorsement; and valid First Aid and CPR certifications (or qualification by California Highway Patrol examination).

Knowledge and Skills: The position requires: Complete working knowledge and understanding of safe bus driving practices sufficient to recognize problems and take appropriate action. Working knowledge of the operations of specially equipped buses. Working knowledge and understanding of State laws, rules and regulations and Education Code sections pertaining to school bus operations and pupil transportation, including those for students requiring accommodations. Knowledge of routine equipment servicing. Knowledge of first aid practices. Sufficient knowledge of the English language to prepare travel and safety logs and prepare work orders. Sufficient communication skills to exercise patience and maintain harmony within a work team and with students and parents Abilities: Requires the ability to: Perform all of the duties of the position with minimal supervision. Drive a school bus safely and efficiently while keeping to well-established schedules. Read and write sufficiently to perform all of the duties of the position including understanding applicable laws, regulations and codes required. Use special devices and equipment for the transport of students with mobility problems. Maintain order among students, both while driving and at bus stops. Recognize malfunctions in equipment and take appropriate action. Maintain an assigned vehicle in clean and safe operating condition. Administer first aid to ill or injured students. Perform routine servicing. Maintain required records. Work productively with peers, students, parents, and members of the general public. Must learn designated bus routes, including stops and traffic hazards. Physical Abilities: Requires: ability to function in a vehicle and outdoors engaged in work of an active nature; arm-hand and leg-foot dexterity to drive a bus; visual acuity including depth perception; ability to sit for extended periods of time; hearing sufficient to be aware of traffic and road distractions/conditions and listen to children; ability to move, lift and place into position light to medium weight, such as wheel chairs onto platforms.

Working Conditions: Work is performed outdoors where some safety considerations exist from physical activity, traffic conditions, and adverse weather conditions. Individuals protected by the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) may request accommodation if needed. In order for appropriate arrangements to be made for testing, your request must be received at the time your application is submitted. If special arrangements are not requested at the time the application is submitted, it is understood that no special accommodations are required. Documentation on the need for accommodation must accompany your request.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The Simi Valley Unified School District is committed to providing equal opportunity for all applicants for employment. The application, examination, and selection process shall be free from unlawful discrimination, including discrimination against an individual or group based on race, color, ancestry, nationality, national origin, ethnic group identification, age, religion, marital, pregnancy, or parental status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, or genetic information; a perception of one or more of such characteristics; or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

Salary: Five step salary range that provides annual increases of approximately five percent until the fifth step is reached. New hire initial step placement (normally up to Step 3) based on qualifying education and experience as outlined in Merit System Rule 7.20.1. An employee who is promoted to a higher class shall be placed on the step of the new salary range that is at least five percent above the current rate, excluding any differential pay.

Vacation: Earned based on assigned hours. Increased vacation allowance based on years of service with the district. Confidential employees receive an additional 3 days vacation allotment, up to a maximum of 22 days. Management employees receive 22 days of vacation (based on 12-month assignment). Sick Leave: Earned at the rate of one day (based on the number of assigned hours) per month, and is accumulative from year to year.

Holidays: Fourteen paid holidays per year (based on 12-month assignment). Insurance and Credit Union: The District offers a competitive Health and Welfare plan for employees and dependents, based upon the number of hours worked; employees who are placed in a regular assignment of 20 hours or more per week are eligible for benefits. The Ventura Schools Federal Credit Union offers a variety of services.

Retirement: Employees are covered by Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) Social Security and Medicare. Contributions are made by both the employee and employer. Click to visit Public Employees Retirement System(CalPERS) website.