For forward-thinking citizens in Philadelphia, opportunities abound in the School District of Philadelphia. We are committed to transforming the education opportunities we offer the city's 200,000 school-aged children, and seek employees who have a passion for working with schools, principals and communities and are are committed to ensuring all students achieve. Serving a population as diverse as ours requires creativity, commitment and vision. Will you join us?

Job Summary

Under the direction of Garage Operations' Training Department, learns to operate a school bus and receives a Commercial Driver's License and related endorsements to become a Bus Chauffeur for The School District of Philadelphia. Completion of all classes, written exams and in-bus training must be successfully completed within 45 days of acceptance of the position. Observes and learns how to provide transportation to students on a regularly scheduled route, to and from school sites during the school day and after school hours, and on school-sponsored field trips.

Essential Functions

• Attends the pre-certification Commercial Driver's License (CDL) training classes.
• Passes the written tests administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PENNDOT) for General Knowledge, Air Brakes, and the School Bus (S) Endorsements
• Completes in-bus training consisting of pre-/post-trip inspections, vehicle cleaning and maintenance, with SDP Training Instructors for a maximum of 20 hours a week.
• Passes the skills test administered by a PENNDOT approved Examiner.
• Shadows current School District of Philadelphia Bus Chauffeurs to observe the transportation operations on assigned routes, picking up and discharging students at a designated location, and transporting students on field trips.
• Attends administrative on-boarding sessions inclusive of applicable Board policies and administrative procedures, route operation reports, standard operating procedures, and the sign in/sign out procedures for payroll.
• Learns how to use a two way radio and state of the art communications and electronic equipment.
• Learns how to operate geotagging technology and routing software.
• Learns procedures for safe vehicle operations.

Minimum Requirements

• Able to obtain a driver's license (if not in possession of one at time of hire).
• Maintain two years of employment with the School District of Philadelphia upon receipt of a Commercial Driver's License [1] and completion of the trainee program.
• Pass DOT physical and drug screening
• Pennsylvania Criminal History Check
• Child Abuse Clearance
• FBI Fingerprint Clearance
• ACT 126: Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting Training within 30 days of hiring
• Act 168 Sexual Misconduct/Abuse Disclosure Release
• Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination

If a Bus Chauffeur Trainee voluntarily leaves employment with the School District of Philadelphia before this period, they will be required to repay the School District the cost of training, and expenses for the CDL Permit, School Bus (S) Endorsement, Passenger Endorsement, Air Brake Endorsement, and General Knowledge Endorsement.

Certificates/Licenses

• Possession of a proper class license valid to operate a motor vehicle in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to and during tenure of appointment.
• Class A or B Commercial Driver's License issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with a passenger and a school bus endorsement and the removal of the air brake restriction.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Demonstrated knowledge of:

• the principles, methods and procedures governing the operation of school buses and trucks.
• the traffic laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
• the geography of the city and current traffic conditions.
• requirements to operate a motor vehicle having an automatic transmission.
• performing light manual tasks if required by work assignment.
• industry standards in transportation safety.

Demonstrated ability to:

• understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Additional Information

• Reimbursement for the cost of required permits and licenses upon completion of training within the allotted time frame

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Nondiscrimination

The School District of Philadelphia provides to all persons equal access to all categories of employment in this District, regardless of race, color, age, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin or handicap/disability, gender identity, or genetic information. Please refer to Board Policy 104 for further information regarding the District's commitment to Nondiscrimination in Employment Practices.