POSITION TITLE: Transportation Administrative Assistant / Bus Driver

REPORTS TO: Transportation Director

HOURS: 30 Minimum

LOCATION: Transportation Department

BENEFITS: Retirement & Single/Employee Only Insurance

JOB SUMMARY:

The Bus Driver / Transportation Assistant is responsible for both the safe transportation of Schoolcraft Community Schools students and assisting the Transportation Director with key administrative operations. This hybrid role involves operating routes as needed while working at the transportation desk to manage office paperwork, maintain compliance for state auditing, execute bus safety verification processes, conduct new driver training, and support day-to-day administrative tasks within the department.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Education & Certification: High school diploma or equivalent. CPR/AED and First Aid certification (training provided if needed). Fleet management degree/experience preferred.
2. Licensure: Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with appropriate endorsements for pupil transportation (training provided if needed).
3. Background & Medical: Must pass a criminal background check, regular drug and alcohol testing, and meet Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination requirements.
4. Driving Record: Excellent driving record with a strong history of vehicle safety.
5. Administrative Skills: Proficiency with basic computer programs (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, spreadsheet management, and school logistics/routing software). Strong organizational and clerical skills.
6. Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to maintain confidentiality and maintain positive professional relationships with drivers, school staff, state auditors, parents, and community members.
7. Experience: Prior experience operating a school bus or in pupil transportation preferred. Experience with training/mentoring or administrative office duties is highly desirable. Prior work experience with children required.
8. Physical Requirements: Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds, perform physical inspections of buses, and sit/stand for extended periods during administrative or driving duties.
9. Attendance: Regular, reliable job attendance and punctual performance are essential.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Administrative, Compliance & Desk Duties:

1. Work directly under and report to the Transportation Director, assisting with day-to-day office management and transportation desk operations.
2. Maintain detailed records and prepare documentation to ensure full compliance with the Michigan Department of Education (MDE), Department of Transportation (DOT), and local district policies for state audits.
3. Coordinate and oversee bus safety verification processes, ensuring all pre-trip/post-trip inspection logs, maintenance records, and safety protocols are completed and filed accurately.
4. Assist in planning, scheduling, and conducting onboarding and Behind-the-Wheel (BTW) training for new bus drivers, ensuring they meet all state and district safety standards.
5. Manage student route sheets, driver schedules, trip requests, and assist in determining route/time changes when necessary.
6. Prepare and maintain departmental paperwork, including accident reports, fuel logs, mileage reports, and maintenance request forms.
7. Serve as a primary point of contact at the transportation desk, handling phone calls, radio dispatches, and inquiries from parents, school administrators, and staff in a professional manner.
8. Keep all student, family, employee, and medical/confidential records strictly confidential.

Driving & Operational Duties:

1. Meet all legal, state, and local requirements established by the Michigan Department of Education and Schoolcraft Community Schools.
2. Safely drive a school bus according to designated routes and schedules when assigned or needed to cover driver absences.
3. Operate district vehicles in various traffic, road, and weather conditions, prioritizing student safety above all.
4. Maintain student discipline and safety on the bus, managing behavior in accordance with district standards and communicating issues to building principals or the Transportation Director as needed.
5. Complete daily pre-trip inspections of vehicles and immediately report mechanical issues or required repairs.
6. Ensure proper securing of wheelchairs and special-needs safety equipment when applicable.
7. Maintain assigned buses in a clean, sanitized, and safe condition (wash exterior, sweeping, trash removal, and refueling as required).
8. Drive the inter-office mail runs.

General Professional Responsibilities:

1. Adhere strictly to the district cell phone and communication policies.
2. Maintain a positive, collaborative attitude when interacting with students, staff, parents, and community members.
3. Perform other transportation-related or administrative duties as assigned by the Transportation Director or Administration.