School Bus Driver

Palmer Bus Service has a wonderful opportunity for you to be a School Bus driver with paid training and continued support with a company that treats each employee with dignity and as an individual. If you are looking for an opportunity which will allow you to:

• Get paid while getting your permit with our new in-house training program
• Get additional pay added to our starting wage for every year of experience that you have a CDL 
• Have flexibility throughout the day 
• Option to have your child or children can ride with you 
• Receive a Core Value Bonus 
• Requires no weekend or holiday work 
• Have time-off when the kids aren’t in school 

Then this is the perfect opportunity for you! 

We are looking for reliable and dependable people who want to be School Bus drivers and make a difference in the lives of children within our community. Palmer Bus Service is a business family that helps each other and prides itself on safety and quality. We have part-time positions available with the opportunity to grab additional hours as they are offered with extracurricular activities and trips.

What do you need to drive with Palmer Bus Service?

- In order to drive with Palmer Bus, you will need to participate in the following IF you hold a CDL with School Bus and Passenger Endorsements.

1.) Interview

2.) Driver’s License Check

3.) Behind the Wheel Evaluation

4.) DOT Pre-employment drug test

- In order to drive with Palmer Bus, IF you do not have a CDL you will need to be trained and complete the following, in addition to the above:

1.) Get a CDL Physical

2.) Pass criminal background check

3.) Pass MN CDL knowledge tests and obtain a CDL Class B permit

4.) Complete behind the wheel training

5.) Pass the MN CDL Road Test.

We have paid training and assistance all the way along to make sure that you are successful!

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Functions

• Report to bus garage before scheduled departure time to check with dispatcher for any changes in normal duties or student passenger changes.
• Perform DOT required pre-trip inspection and complete a radio check before starting each route.
• Pick-up students at assigned stops, ensuring children safely board the bus and are seated before proceeding to the next stop.
• Enforce rules for proper discipline during ride. Report to Site Manager any student who refuses to cooperate in observing safety rules.  Report of any serious incident and communicate with the Site Manager so matter can be discussed with school authorities.
• Safely operate the bus by following all traffic laws, state and federal transit regulations. Carefully navigates roads, watch for ice, debris or slippery stops.  Follow safety procedures to ensure that they and all students are safe.
• Check the bus upon arrival at the bus garage to ensure that there is no child left on the bus.
• Transport students and school district authorized passengers to field trips, sporting events and other activities.
• Report accidents immediately to the Site Manager and promptly completes the accident report.
• Properly maintain the bus by keeping fuel levels above half a tank or filled up after the completion of a trip. Sweep and clean the interior of the bus after each trip, or as needed or at least once a week.  Alert office staff of maintenance needs.

Other Functions

• Attend meetings, in-service training, workshops, etc. for the purpose of gathering information required to perform job functions.
• Perform other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the vehicle.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Specific knowledge-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include:

• Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid Minnesota Commercial Driver’s License with passenger, school bus and air brake endorsements. Must maintain once acquired.
• Strong knowledge of safety practices and procedures.
• Understand emergency evacuation techniques.
• Administer basic first aid and / or be CPR certified if required by district.
• Knowledge of health standards and hazards.
• Understand state regulations and laws pertaining to the operation of school buses; and child behavior.

Specific skill-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include:

• Able to adhering to safety practices.
• Prepare and maintain accurate records.
• Operate equipment used in transporting special needs students.

Specific ability-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include:

• Be reliable and capable of working independently.
• Patience and firmness for dealing with children.
• Be attentive to detail.
• Display tact and courtesy, establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Communicate with diverse groups.
• Able to maintain confidentiality.

Physical Requirements

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands:

• Generally, the job requires 90% sitting, 5% walking, and 5% standing