Bus Driver

ABOUT OUR DISTRICT

The Syracuse City School District is On the Rise! We are undergoing a new phase of innovation and transformation with the goal of ensuring that all students graduate high school with the skills needed to be ready for college and career. For Syracuse, all means all. The School Board and Syracuse community have charged the Superintendent with improving student achievement, and she is seeking a dedicated and diverse team of educators to partner with her in moving the district toward its goals.

The Syracuse City School District represents 35 schools and programs, including 6 high schools, 6 middle schools, 6 K-8 schools, 13 elementary schools, and 4 alternative education programs, serving approximately 19,000 students Pre-K–12. Of these students, 82.3% qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, 20.1% are served by the Office of Special Education, and 83% are students of color.

Location: Transportation

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

The work involves responsibility for the safe and efficient operation of a school bus in transporting students to and from school and school district functions. The employee is charged with the safety of the children upon entry to the vehicle and during their transport. The employee may be accompanied by a School Bus Attendant. The Attendant maintains order if present, but the driver assumes responsibility in the Attendant's absence. It is the employee's responsibility to check the vehicle for safety purposes prior to making trips. A supervisor assigns bus routes and periodically evaluates the employee's driving skills and knowledge of State laws applicable to transporting students. There is no supervision exercised by this class. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

• Operates a school bus or mini van on assigned routes in transporting students to and from school classes and special activities as established by the district.
• Checks the vehicle before a run to insure its proper operation.
• Makes reports of any unusual occurrences that occur during a trip, e.g. such as student behavior problems and operation malfunctions with the vehicle.
• May be required to fill gas tank, check oil and battery before taking bus on run.
• May be required to perform related work such as replace tires, put on chains, hose off vehicle etc.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Good knowledge of a motor vehicle operation as applies to school bus driving.
• Working knowledge of the New York State Motor Vehicle Regulations relative to transporting school children.
• Skill in the operation of a school bus.
• Ability to establish and maintain order with the students.
• Ability to follow simple oral or written instructions.
• Physical conditions commensurate with the demand of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: There are no minimum qualifications.

SPECIAL NECESSARY REQUIREMENT

• Possession of a valid CDL class B with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsement motor vehicle license issued by the State of New York at time of appointment.
• The school district is responsible for ensuring that drivers possess valid licenses for the type of vehicle being operated.
• In addition, candidates must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.

SALARY:   The current starting salary for this position is $24.52 per hour per the Unit 6 contract. 

WORKING HOURS: This position will work 25 hours per week, 10 months per year. This position is full-time. This position is non-exempt.

QUALIFICATIONS: To be considered, all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the position as outlined on the Onondaga County Civil Service job specifications for this title.

The successful candidate will be required to pass three clearances:

• Drug screening (free of cost to the candidate)
• Medical Physical Examination (free of cost to the candidate)
• A fingerprint-based background check (cost of $104.50 to the candidate)
• City Residents are encouraged to apply!
• The Onondaga County Civil Service job description for this position can be viewed by clicking here.