Bus Driver/Trainer

Forbes named Mesa Public Schools in their list of 2024 Best Employers in Arizona.

East Valley Tribune names Mesa Public Schools as Best Place to Work in East Valley for multiple years.

Employment Type:

Full-time (40 hours per week)

Base Hourly:

$20.76

Class/Calendar:

B22, 12 months

Benefits:

Vacation, sick leave, holidays, retirement matched through the Arizona State Retirement System, health, and life insurance

Performance Pay:

Available annually

New Hire Experience:

1% of the base hourly rate granted for each year of verified like experience (within ten years) beyond the requirement, up to a ten-year maximum

New Hire Education:

1% of the base hourly rate awarded for an AA or higher degree if not required for the position

Job Summary:

To provide classroom and behind-the-wheel training for school bus drivers according to District, DPS and FMCSA standards; to safely drive any school bus and/or any school van to transport students over any scheduled routes and/or any special excursions.

Prior to employment or during the first 3 months of new hire probationary period, drug and alcohol testing shall be required of all new contract employees who work in Transportation. Any applicants having a confirmed positive test shall not be eligible for employment.

Candidates must complete an on-line application

Key Responsibilities:

This section outlines the primary duties and key responsibilities required for this role, detailing the essential tasks and functions necessary to perform the job successfully, with or without reasonable accommodations.

Provide classroom and behind-the-wheel training for school bus drivers according to District, DPS and FMCSA standards

Drive any school bus and/or any school van safely to transport students over any scheduled routes and/or any special excursions (field trips, athletic events) for absent bus drivers

Assist students and other passengers to provide for safe loading and unloading from buses during normal and emergency transport

Administer first aid and medical assistance to provide appropriate care for ill, medically fragile and/or injured students

Assess potential emergency situations and take appropriate action to protect the safety and well-being of passengers

Instruct students in the rules and regulations of safe bus riding and evacuation procedures

Manage and handle conduct of students and passengers while they are on the bus

Inform school and/or district personnel of practices and incidents, providing information for proper procedures

Prepare documentation to provide appropriate personnel with written support and/or to convey information

Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections of each bus you drive each day

Report any discrepancies to vehicle maintenance following proper procedures

Do not drive an unsafe bus; maintain cleanliness and sanitation of bus

Complete required paperwork and keep route sheet current

Attend training programs to maintain skills and meet requirements of school bus certificate

Perform other related duties, as assigned, including bus driver duties

Regular and on-time attendance required

Assist other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities

Assists with other assigned duties as appropriate to the area of assignment and Mesa Public Schools.

Required Qualifications:

To be eligible for this position, an applicant must meet the following required qualifications. Verification of these required qualifications is necessary.

Education:

Must possess a valid Arizona driver’s license and a clean driving record from Arizona DOT MVD and be accident free

Must be certified continuously as a school bus driver in Arizona for the 12-month period immediately preceding the application and be employed as a certified school bus driver at the time of the application

Must currently hold a class B CDL with Passenger and School Bus Endorsements and have at least 2 years’ experience driving a CMV Class B with Passenger and School Bus Endorsements

Experience:

Knowledge of Arizona Minimum Standards for School Buses and School Bus Drivers

Knowledge of Arizona traffic laws

Preferred Qualifications:

It is preferred that the applicant possess the following preferred qualifications; however, the following qualifications are not required to be eligible for this position.

Education:

High School education or GED preferred

Experience:

Knowledge of district policies and procedures preferred

Knowledge of street and school locations within the district preferred

Skills & Competencies:

This section outlines the critical skills and competencies required to excel in this role, enabling effective performance, adaptability, and consistent achievement of job responsibilities.

Models the attributes and skills of the MPS Portrait of a Graduate.

Demonstrates commitment to the MPS Promise that every student is known by name, served by strength and need, and graduates ready for college, career and community.

Ability to train school bus drivers in behind-the-wheel training and/or classroom training

Ability to effectively communicate (written and verbal) with students, parents, coworkers and district personnel at all levels

Ability to read and understand routes, maps and schedules; knowledge of street and school locations within the district preferred

Ability to meet time schedules; must be punctual and reliable

Ability to work varying driving assignments and to drive a variety of buses (regular and special ed)

Ability to effectively communicate using a two-way radio

Proficient demonstration of driving skills and proficiency; Ability to drive safely under pressure

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

This section outlines the work environment and physical conditions associated with this role. It includes information on whether the job involves working in an office, classroom, or other settings, and if there are physical activities like standing, walking, or lifting.

Drivers work both inside the bus and outdoors when inspecting or fueling the vehicle.

Schedules include early morning and afternoon shifts, with a break in between.

The bus environment can be noisy due to student conversations and road noise.

Strong reflexes for steering, braking, and maneuvering the bus safely.

Physical ability to pull, reach, push, bend and walk

May require assisting students with disabilities, including lifting or securing mobility devices (up to 50 lbs)

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

Mesa Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination. The District strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Applicants and employees may contact Human Resources to request reasonable accommodations needed to perform the essential functions of this position.