Title:

Bus Driver

Work Unit:

Transportation Department

Reports To:

Director(s)

Work Calendar:

175 days

Pay Schedule:

Transportation - Bus Drive- Assistants

Overtime Status:

Non-exempt

Hours:

Variable hours per week according to route

Union Status:

NEA

Licensure:

Driver's License with "P" and "S" endorsements

Note: All positions with Santa Fe Public Schools require a post-offer/pre-employment background check. Some positions have additional requirements as established by federal or state rules and regulations.

General Function:
Transport students to and from school on established routes. Additional extracurricular trips, educational field trips, athletic events, and/or other related activities are possible. Typical trips are in the mornings and afternoons.

Education/Training/Experience:
Minimum: Must be twenty-one years of age. Must be able to obtain and maintain a license (with "P" and "S" endorsements) and adhere to requirements as outlined in NMAC 6.41.4. No applications will be accepted if applicants have two or more DWIs/DUI's, as they will not be able to obtain a CDL in accordance with NMAC 6.41.4.

Preferred: High school diploma or equivalent. Commercial driving license. Bilingual: English-Spanish.

Knowledge/Skills and Abilities:
Ability to read, write, and understand basic verbal and written communication. Must have the ability to take care of student, parent, and school needs while following District procedures. Must have the ability to maintain effective pupil behavior management, and if needed, in accordance with a student's IEP. Ability to maintain a cheerful and calm demeanor at all times. This position requires drug and alcohol testing as detailed in the DOT regulations.

Essential Job Functions:
Performs all functions in accordance with established policies, procedures, safety and environmental regulations, facility and computer security policies and procedures. Functions are subject to change from time to time to meet the needs of the organization. Current essential responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

Operates a school bus on an assigned route by transporting children to and from school, as well as related activities, in a safe, timely manner.
Maintains, reads, and understands route sheets, including time changes, and notifies supervisor or dispatcher immediately of any changes.
Exercises student management through correct use of communication and discipline, and reports discipline problems through the Transportation and local school district procedures.
Properly cares for vehicles and parts as prescribed by the district to minimize wear and to extend useful life.
Operates the bus two-way radio correctly and according to district policy.
Inspects each vehicle before and after each trip using the correct procedure and completes a pre- and post-trip inspection form.
Operates the vehicle and stops to allow passengers to board and disembark using safe and responsible procedures.
(Special Education Drivers) Operates adaptive transportation equipment to board and discharge passengers using safe and responsible procedures.
Keeps the bus clean and orderly with daily cleaning after each route, as well as checks for lost items.
Fuels the bus in accordance with transportation standards.
Controls emergencies according to district procedures
Completes bus evacuation drill to district and state/federal standards.
Completes and turns in all required documentation to the Transportation Department in a timely and accurate manner.
Attends all required in-service trainings, as well as any other required meetings.
Complies with all contractual obligations as well as all local, state, and federal laws and regulations about the vehicle.
Performs other related duties as assigned.

Salary Range and Benefits:

Starting at $25+/hr minimum based on experience

Resources Used in Performing the Job Include (but are not limited to):
School bus and related records. Adaptive bus equipment for special education runs, including wheelchairs, tire chains, and securing devices.

Physical/Cognitive Requirements:
Climbing: Getting on and off the bus to assist challenged riders. Walk to and from the vehicle in the parking lot, walk in aisles on the bus, and walk around the bus for inspection. Pushing: Closing the door, pushing wheelchairs, opening the emergency door. Reaching: Opening and closing the door. Repetitive Motions: Turning the steering wheel, shifting the transmission. Sitting: Driving the vehicle, attending meetings. Talking: talking with passengers, talking on the radio. Seeing: keeping aware of general traffic conditions, stopped vehicles, traffic signals, viewing the color of traffic lights, inspecting the vehicle, and monitoring passengers. Hearing: Listening to traffic sounds, for emergency vehicles, passenger inquiries, monitoring the radio, detect mechanical problems. Standing: Operating lift controls. Stooping/Stretching: Picking up and securing young or challenged passengers, securing the wheelchair, and inspecting under the bus. Lifting: Handling challenged passengers into their seats, wheelchairs, tire chains, and securing devices. On occasion may include dealing with mentally challenged children and adults, dealing with life-threatening emergencies, and coping with screaming children.

Environmental Conditions:
Conditions include operating in inclement weather, un-air-conditioned buses, and exposure to possible injury due to traffic accidents.

Personal Accountability:

Demonstrates reliability as evidenced by attendance records and punctuality.
Properly notifies supervisor and/or designee of absences or tardiness.
Begins and completes work within the allotted time.
Consistently appears in attire appropriate to the work environment.
Demonstrates skill in the use of equipment, including its capabilities, limitations, and appropriate/ special applications.
Protects the district's resources through appropriate and careful use of supplies and equipment.
Utilizes appropriate body mechanics to aid in the prevention of muscle strain/injury.

Santa Fe Public Schools does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, disability, age, veteran status, medical/genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

2026-2027 SY: Bus Driver (5 positions)