SPECIALTY TRIP DRIVER

Salary: $25.96 - $31.55 Hourly Location : Palmdale, CA Job Type: 10-month Job Number: 25/26-08/01 Division: Business Services Opening Date: 08/01/2025 Closing Date: 9/12/2025 4:00 PM Pacific Summary EXTENDED RECRUITMENT THROUGH SEPTEMBER 12, 2025 DEFINITION Under the supervision of the Transportation Director and/or designee, operate a bus to transport passengers on activity trips safely and efficiently. In addition, provides services to other agencies as necessary for special activities. Drivers will also transport passengers to and from school as deemed necessary, follow designated routes per time schedules, ensure the bus is in safe operating condition, and perform a variety of duties relative to the assigned area of responsibility. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS Due to the nature of the work, employees in this class receive minimal supervision and are expected to follow established rules and guidelines. However, incumbents report to the supervisor who is readily available via two-way radio or cellular phone and can provide direction on more serious situations that may arise, such as traffic accidents/injuries. Success in this class is based on the incumbent's ability to: drive a large vehicle safely concentrating on road conditions while maintaining good order among passengers on the bus; following written and oral instructions, and performing required duties in accordance with strict time schedules. Representative Duties Drives a school bus daily over designated activity trips/routes in accordance with time schedules, picking up and discharging passengers. Transports passengers on activity trips to various locations, while observing departure and arrival times as scheduled; Assists in inventory of safety vests, straps, and wheelchair tie-downs, clean safety vests, straps, and wheelchair tie-downs; assist in vehicle inventory and assessment of damages; Inspects bus prior to operation for safety purposes as required (Calif. Code Regulations 13 § 1215 Vehicle Condition), and additional components in accordance with District standards; Monitors camera systems to ensure they are functioning properly; Maintains proper fuel and fluid levels; cleans exterior and interior of buses, including windshields, windows, headlights, wheels, picking up debris, sweeping and mopping the floor, wiping and cleaning upholstery, and bodily fluids; Operates a lift ramp and assists special education students to load and unload bus; Follows specific transportation requirements in student IEPs. Secures passengers in car seats; five-point restraint system, safety vest special equipment, and wheelchairs as appropriate; Ensures that required safety devices are secure and properly used (e.g. seat belts, car seats, five-point safety system, safety vest, wheelchair seat belt, and anchor tie-downs); Manages and maintains appropriate behavior among passengers during travel and while bus is parked at designated bus stops; follows District policies regarding passenger control, and contact with parents and the public; Administers routine first aid or emergency assistance to passengers; files accident reports; Reports mechanical problems or equipment malfunctions, and all incidents affecting the safety of passengers; Maintains records of all activity trips; prepares and completes accurate records as required by State and District laws, regulations, and policies; Retains student release forms, and verifies passengers are released only to a parent or someone designated by the parent or school; Escorts students across streets, stopping traffic when necessary, as warranted by traffic, road, and weather conditions (California Vehicle Code § 22112); Checks buses at the culmination of each assigned activity trip to ensure no passengers or property are left behind; Oversees evacuations of passengers during emergency situations; Utilizes two-way radio systems or other devices (i.e. cell phone) to communicate with dispatch staff during field trips or emergencies, only when the bus is stopped at a safe location and secured; Keeps current and maintains all driver's licenses, special driver certificates, DOT Medical Exams, and First Aid credentials as required to drive in the State of California; Attends scheduled safety meetings and safety programs, necessary in-services, classroom, and behind-the-wheel training; Backfills for daily student bus routes as needed; Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted during the course of work; Performs other duties as required to accomplish the objectives of the position. Click HERE for the full job description Minimum Qualifications Education: Graduation from high school or evidence of equivalent educational proficiency. Successful completion of a minimum of 20 hours of classroom instruction related to skills and safety requirements for driving a school bus; and successful completion of a minimum of 20 hours of instruction behind the wheel of a school bus required. Experience and Training: One year of experience in driving a large transit school bus. License and Certification: Valid Class A or B, California Commercial Driver License with Passenger, School Bus, and Air Brake Endorsements Possession of a current Medical Examination Report (MEC Form, MCSA-5875}. California Special Driver Certificate designated for School Bus (with no restrictions for Air Brakes and/or Conventional Type-II buses only} issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Valid First Aid certificate comparable to the American Red Cross Standard First Aid certificate, or approved by California Emergency Medical Service Authority (EMSA) School Bus Training program providers. Ability to be insured, and continue to be insurable, by the District's liability insurance carrier. IMPORTANT NOTE: This classification has been designated as safety-sensitive in accordance with the drug and alcohol testing requirements adopted by the District under Board Policy . All licenses and certificates listed above must remain current and maintained during the course of employment unless otherwise noted. Employment Standards Application Filing Applications for this position will be accepted online only during the specified recruitment period. Applicants will receive notifications electronically by email only. The following documents are REQUIRED attachments to the application: Valid Class A or B, California Commercial Driver License with Passenger, School Bus, and Air Brake Endorsements Medical Examination Report (MEC Form, MCSA-5875) California Special Driver Certificate designated for School Bus, issued by the California DMV K4 Driving Record First Aid Certificate (comparable to American Red Cross or approved by EMSA School Bus Training program providers. Examination The most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the examination. It will consist of a qualifying written examination, an oral technical examination, and skills examination. Those invited will be required to take the exam and notified via email communication of the scheduled date, time, and location. A valid picture identification is required prior to admittance. Tentative Test Date: Week of September 22, 2025 (Subject to change as necessary) An eligibility list will be established and used to fill vacancies. When a promotional and open eligibility list is established, the promotional list will be used first, unless otherwise stated on this bulletin. Work Schedule Positions in this classification are full-time, eight hours per day, forty hours per week, and 10 months per year. May work an extended schedule when necessary in accordance with activity trip schedules. Salary and Benefits The initial hiring rate for a new employee is typically at the first step of the salary range on the appropriate salary schedule for the position. The probationary period is 130 work days in paid status. Upon completing the probationary period for permanent status, a one-step salary advance will be granted with future annual advances up to the maximum step of the salary schedule. The District provides and contributes to a comprehensive benefits package that is earned in accordance with the District's insurance program that includes medical, dental and vision coverage, life insurance and other protections. View the benefit plan matrix Holidays and Leaves There are seventeen (17) paid holidays that fall within the work year, pursuant to the District's Collective Bargaining Agreement with California Schools Employees Association Chapter 296 (CSEA). Vacation is earned at the prescribed rate as part of compensation, and does not become vested until after completion of the initial probationary period. Individuals employed five (5) days a week for a fiscal year of service shall be granted leave of absence days for illness or injury, exclusive of all days not required to render service to the District. The amount of sick leave granted shall be accumulated from fiscal year to fiscal year. WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL ABILITIES Work is performed in an indoor and outdoor environment with seasonal weather conditions. Ability to safely lift, carry, push, or pull objects weighing up to 60 pounds without assistance; assist passengers with disabilities on and off the bus; lift passenger ambulatory aids, such as wheelchairs, onto platforms. Sitting for extended periods of time; some standing, stooping, crouching, bending, reaching overhead and horizontally, frequent walks up and down the steps of a bus. Mobility of arms, dexterity of hands, fingers, leg-foot to drive a bus; visual acuity including depth perception with or without correction; hearing sufficient to be aware of traffic and road conditions/distractions, and listening to passengers and perceive information at normal speaking levels. Incumbents will be required to drive during daytime, late afternoon, and nighttime hours in accordance with trip schedules; may be exposed to driving a school bus during adverse weather and traffic conditions; exposures to dust, allergens, gas, bus exhaust, and odors; traffic and passenger noise; direct contact with passengers, District personnel, the public, and uncooperative individuals. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER In accordance with Federal civil rights law, civil rights regulations and policies, the Palmdale School District, its offices, and employees, are prohibited from discriminating based on age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, immigration status, marital status, nationality, parental status, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, political beliefs, or association with a person or a group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity. For further information regarding Palmdale School District's non-discrimination, sexual harassment and Title IX policies and/or Coordinator contact information, please click the following link: For further information regarding Palmdale School District's Personnel Sexual Harassment Board Policy, BP , please click the following link: Offers a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave, as well as medical, dental, vision, and life up to the maximum district contribution for eligible employees. More detailed information regarding benefit package eligibility will be presented at time of employment offer. 01 The following supplemental questions give you the opportunity to fully explain your background and qualifications as they pertain to the Specialty Trip Driver position. Your answers are required for your application to be considered complete. The information that you provide will be evaluated as it stands, and revisions to clarify the information provided are not allowed. Respond honestly and truthfully to all questions. Overstating your skill level is considered false and/or misleading information. Applicants found to have provided false or misleading information will be disqualified from further consideration.NOTE: All work experience and education that is described or included in your response(s) must be reflected in the "Work Experience" and "Education" sections of the application. A résumé or other documentation to convey this information will not be considered in lieu of completing all sections of the application. I have read and understand the statement and instructions 02 Do you possess a high school diploma or equivalent education, such as a GED? Yes No 03 Have you completed a minimum of 20 hours of classroom instruction related to skills and safety requirements for driving a school bus, in addition to the completion of 20 hours of instruction behind the wheel of a school bus? Yes No 04 If you responded "Yes" to question 3, provide the name and location of the company that provided the classroom and behind the wheel instruction, and dates of your participation. Otherwise, type N/A. 05 Indicate the certificates and licenses below that you possess. CA Commercial Driver's License, Passenger Endorsement "P" CA Commercial Driver's License, School Bus Endorsement "S" CA Air Brake Endorsement Valid Medical Examiner's Certificate Special Driver Certificate designated for School Bus, issued by California Dept. of Motor Vehicles Valid First Aid certificate (front and back) comparable to the American Red Cross, or approved by California Emergency Medical Service Authority (EMSA) 06 Indicate the amount of on-the-job experience that you possess in driving a large transit school bus. No experience or less than one year One to two years' experience Two to three years' experience Three to four years' experience More than four years' experience 07 Indicate your level of proficiency to perform bus maintenance inspection procedures. No ability to apply this knowledge in work-related situations Limited ability and experience to apply this knowledge in work-related situations Proficient and experienced in applying this knowledge in work-related situations 08 Indicate your level of proficiency to perform and follow state school bus pre-trip inspection standards. No ability to apply this knowledge in work-related situations Limited ability and experience to apply this knowledge in work-related situations Proficient and experienced in applying this knowledge in work-related situations 09 Indicate your level of proficiency to operate lift ramps to assist passengers with special needs to load and unload bus. No ability to apply this knowledge in work-related situations Limited ability and experience to apply this knowledge in work-related situations Proficient and experienced in applying this knowledge in work-related situations 10 Indicate your level of proficiency to recognize malfunctions in the bus and bus equipment to take appropriate action. No ability to apply this knowledge in work-related situations Limited ability and experience to apply this knowledge in work-related situations Proficient and experienced in applying this knowledge in work-related situations 11 Indicate your level of proficiency to administer first aid or emergency assistance to passengers. No ability to apply this knowledge in work-related situations Limited ability and experience to apply this knowledge in work-related situations Proficient and experienced in applying this knowledge in work-related situations 12 Indicate your level of proficiency to monitor/control passenger behavior. No ability to apply this knowledge in work-related situations Limited ability and experience to apply this knowledge in work-related situations Proficient and experienced in applying this knowledge in work-related situations 13 Indicate your level of proficiency to complete and maintain accurate records of all activity trips, and any required by State and District laws, regulations and policies, as they relate to this position. No ability to apply this knowledge in work-related situations Limited ability and experience to apply this knowledge in work-related situations Proficient and experienced in applying this knowledge in worl-related situations 14 You have reached the end of the application. Before submitting, please ensure you have done the following: 1) reviewed the job description and understand the responsibilities of the position applied for; 2) meet the required experience, education, and license and certification requirements; 3) clearly state your relevant experience and ALL education on the application; 4) verify that all sections of the application and responses to the supplemental application are complete and thorough; and 5) attached all required documents. I have read and understand the above statement, and acknowledge that an incomplete application and failure to attach the required documents may result in disqualification. 15 "As an applicant for Specialty Trip Driver, I certify that my answers to the supplemental questions are true and accurate."Type Full Legal Name to serve as your signatureType Date Signed (mm/dd/yyyy) Required Question

Created: 2025-09-25