2026-2027 Bus Driver Lead (Internal Only) (CC 2104)

Job Title: Bus Driver Lead
Reports to: Operations Projects Supervisor / Director of Business and Finance
Salary: Classified Exempt
Employment: Exempt, Full-time, 12 Months
Supervises: Students; provides leadership and support to Bus Drivers and Bus Monitors

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with appropriate school bus and passenger endorsements.
• Valid School Bus Driver Certification as required by state law.
• Valid Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card.
• Ability to meet all applicable state, federal, District, and DOT requirements.
• Clean driving record and ability to meet District insurability requirements.
• Current First Aid/CPR certification or ability to obtain as required.
• One year of school bus driving, transportation, or related experience preferred.
• Knowledge of District, state, and transportation policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of school bus safety requirements and student transportation practices.
• Basic to intermediate proficiency with technology, routing software, GPS, camera, communication, and other transportation technology systems, with the ability and willingness to develop proficiency as needed.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, customer service, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Ability to take direction, implement feedback, and assist others in meeting District expectations.
• Ability to manage student behavior in alignment with District policies and expectations.
• Experience working with diverse communities and student populations.
• Experience with grant-funded transportation programs preferred.

Job Summary

The Bus Driver Lead is a professional school bus driver and transportation team leader responsible for safely transporting students while supporting the daily operational, administrative, routing, technology, and supervisory functions of the Transportation Department.

This position combines regular bus driving responsibilities with lead-level duties, including route scheduling and coverage, driver onboarding and mentoring, transportation technology, recordkeeping, student behavior management, and support of the Operations Projects Supervisor/Finance Director with daily department operations.

The Bus Driver Lead serves as a role model for transportation staff by demonstrating professionalism, accountability, punctuality, effective communication, sound judgment, and high-performance standards. The position requires the ability to respond calmly and professionally to transportation issues while maintaining a safe and positive environment for students and staff.

Preferred Characteristics

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Tenacity and a strong work ethic.
• Professionalism, integrity, and accountability.
• High expectations for individual and team performance.
• A positive, solutions-oriented mindset.
• Strong interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional improvement.
• Desire and ability to grow into leadership and management responsibilities.
• Ability to foster a positive and collaborative team environment.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Driving and Student Transportation

• Safely operate a school bus on assigned daily routes, field trips, athletic events, and other District-approved activities.
• Transport students and authorized personnel safely and efficiently.
• Ensure student safety during loading, transportation, and unloading.
• Monitor student behavior and maintain a safe, orderly, and positive bus environment.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with students, parents, school staff, and District personnel.
• Coordinate with the Transportation Department to ensure assigned routes are completed safely, completely, and on schedule.
• Assist with other drivers' routes when necessary.
• Participate in bus evacuation drills, required training, pre-run checks, and other safety activities.
• Resolve transportation issues quickly, calmly, and professionally.

Bus Safety, Maintenance, and Inspection

• Conduct required pre-trip and post-trip inspections in accordance with state, federal, DOT, and District requirements.
• Inspect assigned buses for safety, readiness, damage, and cleanliness.
• Report mechanical, safety, or maintenance concerns promptly to appropriate transportation or maintenance staff.
• Coordinate with the District mechanic regarding necessary repairs and maintenance.
• Maintain assigned buses in a clean and orderly condition, including washing windows, removing trash, dusting, sweeping, and completing other required cleaning duties.
• Follow all applicable transportation safety regulations, District policies, and procedures.

Leadership and Transportation Operations

• Perform lead-level supervisory and management-related duties approximately 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after assigned routes, as directed.
• Support the Operations Projects Supervisor/Finance Director with daily transportation operations.
• Serve as a point of contact for drivers regarding transportation procedures, expectations, schedules, and operational concerns.
• Model professionalism, punctuality, accountability, and appropriate workplace conduct.
• Assist with onboarding, training, and mentoring new drivers and transportation staff.
• Assist with coordinating route coverage when drivers are absent.
• Assist drivers with scheduled routes, vehicles, and transportation-related concerns.
• Support transportation services for field trips, sporting events, special-needs transportation, and other District activities.
• Assist with transportation-related problem solving and communicate significant concerns to the Operations Projects Supervisor/Finance Director.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Routing, Dispatch, and Scheduling Support

• Assist with developing, reviewing, updating, and optimizing bus routes and schedules for safety and efficiency.
• Support daily route assignments and coverage.
• Assist with identifying and resolving route conflicts, delays, and transportation concerns.
• Communicate route changes and operational information to drivers in a timely and professional manner.
• Maintain accurate transportation schedules and related records.

Technology and Transportation Systems

• Assist with managing and maintaining transportation technology systems, including GPS tracking, bus camera systems, communication systems, and routing software.
• Support drivers in the proper use of transportation technology platforms.
• Assist with troubleshooting and reporting technology issues to appropriate staff.
• Help ensure transportation technology is used appropriately and consistently.
• Assist with reviewing transportation data to support safety, routing, and operational efficiency.

Student Management and Communication

• Monitor and manage student behavior in accordance with District policies and transportation expectations.
• Address student discipline concerns appropriately and professionally.
• Document transportation-related incidents accurately and communicate significant concerns to appropriate school administration.
• Communicate professionally with parents, school staff, administrators, and other District personnel when necessary.
• Support positive behavior expectations and safe transportation environments.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding student, employee, and District information.

Records and Documentation

• Complete and maintain required transportation documentation, including bus information sheets, mileage records, incident reports, seating charts, route sheets, inspection documentation, and other required forms.
• Maintain accurate records related to transportation operations.
• Assist with preparing transportation reports and documentation as requested.
• Ensure required paperwork is completed accurately and submitted in a timely manner.

Professional Expectations

The Bus Driver Lead is expected to:

• Demonstrate integrity, professionalism, respect, and accountability in all interactions.
• Maintain high personal and professional performance standards.
• Follow all District policies, procedures, and transportation regulations.
• Accept feedback and pursue continuous improvement.
• Promote a positive and collaborative culture within the Transportation Department.
• Serve as a positive role model for students and transportation staff.
• Represent the District in a professional manner within the school and community.
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality at all times.
• Demonstrate sound judgment and remain calm during emergencies or challenging situations.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed both inside and outside, including exposure to varying weather conditions.
• Frequent sitting and driving for extended periods.
• May require bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, and lifting.
• May involve exposure to traffic, vehicle noise, dust, fumes, and other transportation-related conditions.
• Must be able to respond calmly and effectively during emergencies.
• Work schedule may include early mornings, evenings, field trips, athletic events, and other schedules necessary to meet District transportation needs.

How to Apply:

Applications can be obtained from the Balsz School District office via a website at www.balsz.org. District employees applying for this position are required to submit an application on the website.

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and isn't an exhaustive list of duties performed for this position. Balsz is an Equal Opportunity Employer.