Johnston County Public Schools

TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT

JOB TITLE: VAN DRIVER (Non-CDL)

Effective 4/13/2024

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

Under general supervision, operate a passenger van on an assigned route(s) and schedule to provide safe and efficient transportation so that students may have the opportunity to capitalize on the programs and offerings of the school system. The employee will report to the Transportation Coordinator for daily driving duties and assignments.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• Comply with all federal, state and local laws, policies and regulations, including traffic laws.
• Perform daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections and document inspections as required by the Transportation Services Department. 
• Report all mechanical defect(s) or failure(s) on the driver sign-in sheet or to the Transportation Coordinator or the mechanic on duty at the vehicle parking site or the school bus garage. In the event the assigned vehicle is declared unfit for service, the employee will perform a pre- and post-trip inspection on a substitute van. 
• Attend monthly safety meetings
• Must operate the vehicle on the assigned route(s) and discharge students only at the authorized school or designated stop location. 

• Observe all safety regulations and standards for passenger vehicles. This includes clearing the vehicle and evacuating students quickly in the event of an emergency.
• Possess a copy of the current Transportation Handbook and refer to it for guidance and to answer questions.
• Maintain discipline when students are on the van; report infractions of school van safety rules to the principal or designee.
• Transport only authorized students and school personnel.
• Keep the vehicle clean and free of papers, bottles, cans, food wrappers and other items which may present a safety problem.
• Report all accidents as required by the Transportation Services Department and remain at the scene of the accident until released by law enforcement or a transportation administrator. 
• Complete personal time card and required reports, including reports required in the event of an accident or incident aboard the vehicle.

• Secure the assigned vehicle before leaving at the conclusion of a run or route. This includes parking the vehicle properly, making a visual inspection of the van to check for damage and the possibility of remaining passengers and securing all windows and doors to protect the interior of the vehicle. 
• Maintain acceptable relationships with parents/guardians of students transported and with school personnel.
• Refrain from the use of drugs or alcohol before and/or while operating the van; participate/meet all post-accident drug and alcohol testing requirements; comply with all Johnston County Public Schools’ policies related to drug or alcohol use or testing, including those policies related to maintaining a drug-free work environment within the Johnston County Public Schools.
• Maintain up to date knowledge on current job-related technology being used by Johnston County Public Schools.
• Maintain the confidentiality of student information during the performance of van driving duties (examples:  medical issues, EC designation).
• Maintain knowledge of procedures and ability to use all equipment required for transporting Exceptional Children.
• Assume responsibility for one-on-one service to students when required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduation from high school or the equivalent from an accredited school is preferred.
• Must be 18 years of age with at least 6 months of driving experience.
• Must possess and maintain a North Carolina Class C driver’s license.
• Must pass pre-employment drug and alcohol tests.
• Must be eligible to meet NCDMV driving record standards.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

• Considerable knowledge of safe and efficient practices and procedures used in the operation of a motor vehicle.
• Considerable knowledge of traffic laws and motor vehicle regulations.
• Considerable knowledge of safety regulations and standards for passenger vans.
• General knowledge of Johnston County Public Schools Transportation Services operating procedures.
• Ability to physically inspect the vehicle according to Transportation Services operating procedures.
• Ability to communicate quickly and effectively in situations relating to the safety of the students.
• Ability to detect and report observable mechanical defects or failures on the vehicle.
• Ability to maintain discipline of students assigned to ride the vehicle.
• Ability to maintain a clean vehicle.
• Ability to complete required reports.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions, including the route description (TD-29).
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative in applying standards to a variety of work situations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Tasks involve the regular and, at times, sustained performance of moderately demanding physical work, typically involving some combinations of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling. Tasks may also involve the lifting, carrying, pushing and /or pulling of students in an emergency situation in which vehicle evacuation is required. Employees must have the ability to complete these tasks. Employees must also have the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape, the ability to coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately while operating the passenger van, the ability to handle a variety of items, safety equipment, control knobs, switches, etc., the ability to engage in minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination, the ability to recognize the colors of traffic signals and devices showing standard red, green and amber, the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions, and the ability to talk and/or hear:  (talking: expressing or exchanging of ideas by means of spoken words; hearing: perceiving nature of sounds by ear). The employee’s hearing ability is sufficient if the employee can distinguish warning sounds made by horns, screeching tires, sirens, grade crossing alarms or train whistles. Hearing a forced whispered voice in the better ear at a distance of five feet is considered adequate hearing.

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this position. They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of the employees assigned to this position. This description may be revised by the supervisor, with HR review and approval, at any time.

Johnston County Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in the employment or promotion of employees on the basis of gender, race, religion, age, national origin or disability.