Bus Driver - Floater

We acknowledge that the Abbotsford School District is located on the traditional and unceded territory of the Semá:th First Nation and Máthxwi First Nation. With this, we respect the longstanding relationships that Indigenous Nations have to this land, as they are the original caretakers.

Why Abbotsford?

Located under an hour from Vancouver, the Abbotsford School District is settled in the heart of the beautiful Fraser Valley and surrounded by spectacular mountain views.

Learn more about the Abbotsford community:  tourismabbotsford.ca //  thefraservalley

Why the Abbotsford School District?

Every day, in every classroom and office at Abbotsford School District, our employees provide a world-class, innovative educational experience for over 21,000 students. We provide a workplace that fosters creativity, inspires excellence, and challenges everyone to embrace growth.

Working in public education is both challenging and rewarding, but at the Abbotsford School District we truly believe that every one of our employees has the opportunity to help children learn, grow, and succeed.

This position works a morning and afternoon split shift, with routes and shift times varying each day. You will be guaranteed a minimum of 25 hours per week with opportunity to increase hours based on operational requirements. This position is eligible to participate in the extended health benefit and pension plans. You will be paid minimum wage for the training period and will be paid the regular wage upon successful completion of training.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Transportation Supervisor, the Bus Driver is responsible for safely operating the school bus according to a set daily schedule, and ensuring all passengers are safely transported to and from schools and other destinations within the expected timelines.  Passengers include: Students, Students with Special Needs, Employees and Volunteers. While operating the bus, the bus driver must use their professional judgement to manage student behaviour, maintain order and discipline, reroute around major traffic or accidents, and communicate with dispatch using a 2-way radio to communicate with Dispatch. Professional customer service is required as the bus driver is first response in receiving complaints from students, parents, members of the public, principals and teachers about schedule delays and quality of service.  This requires good communication skills, and a courteous, respectful manner. 

In addition, the Bus Driver is responsible for the overall condition and cleanliness of the bus. This includes: conducting pre/post trip, in-service and end-service inspections; logging extra-curricular trip mileage; various maintenance routine inspections; communicating to mechanics any bus issues; and washing/cleaning the interior and exterior of the bus.

The work is self-directed, with exceptions brought to the attention of the Dispatcher or Transportation Supervisor for direction.  Duties are completed through a combination of interpersonal skills, technical skills and in accordance with the Motor Vehicle Act, BC Professional Drivers’ Manual and the BC Air Brake Manual.

SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Operating School Busses to safely transport passengers on designated routes at specific times in accordance with established policies, procedures, regulations and codes, as follows:
  • Carrying out daily pre-trip inspections;
  • Maintaining daily vehicle records;
  • Maintaining cleanliness of vehicles at all times.This includes the washing of exterior and sanitization of the interior of the bus;
  • Reporting all vehicle deficiencies and safety hazards promptly to the Transportation Manager or designate;
  • Maintaining safety standards and report hazardous conditions or situations;
  • Replenishing fuel and oil as required;
  • Communicating with the Dispatcher I or II at check in times and are prepared and ready to go.
• Communicating to students so they are aware of the rules and their responsibilities as passengers.
• Managing passenger behaviour using professional judgement to resolve issues and in accordance with district policies and procedures; Communicating immediately to the supervisor any unusual circumstances or incidents and referring to a supervisor for guidance when needed.
• Receiving complaints from parents, teachers and principals in a professional and courteous manner and relaying those messages to the Foreman, Transportation.
• Ensuring that equipment and supplies used to perform duties are stored and maintained in a neat and orderly manner.
• Submitting reports of damages or other requirements for repair in assigned areas. Maintaining accurate written records as required.
• Attending meetings and training sessions to maintain current working knowledge of managing student behavior, handling fire extinguishers, district operational and safety policies and procedures.
• Performing all other such duties as may be assigned by the Transportation Manager or designate.
• Ensuring that First Aid Level 1 certification is maintained.
• Maintaining confidentiality in all matters pertaining to the school district.

  QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

  Grade 12 diploma, or equivalent, supplemented First Aid Level I. A minimum of 3 recent years of related experience is also required. A valid Class 2 BC Driver’s License, including air ticket, and three years accident/violation free driving record. As well, incumbent also require the following:

• Proven ability to use Microsoft Office programs, internet and internet-based programs, with the ability to learn other software programs;
• Proven ability to determine, judge and select appropriate courses of action in accordance with established policies and procedures;
• Understanding and awareness of cultural diversity;
• Proven ability to multi-task, prioritize, self-motivate, and meet deadlines;
• Proven ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, and to provide service and relationship to the public and School District in a professional, respectful, positive and courteous manner;
• Proven ability to establish and maintain positive, effective work relationships in a team environment at all times;
• Proven ability to use tact and discretion and maintain confidentiality in matters pertaining to the School District;
• Working knowledge of WHMIS and WorkSafe BC occupational health and safety regulations and the demonstrated ability to work in a manner that recognizes personal safety and the safety of others;
• Ability to be flexible, adaptable and resilient to change;
• Ability to explain complex or simple instructions or information clearly to others;
• Proven ability to operate a school bus in a safe and responsible manner;
• Proficient knowledge of highway, school bus regulation, safety regulation, scheduling systems and procedures;
• Proficient knowledge of how to deal with students and students with special needs;
• Proficient knowledge of equipment cleaning standards and procedures;
• Ability to maintain accurate daily records.