2026 - 2027 SCHOOL BUS OPERATOR POOL

POSITION SUMMARY: The School Bus Operator supports the ongoing enrichment of Atlanta Public Schools (APS) students through the facilitation of bus services. The incumbent operates the school buses safely under all types of weather conditions, transporting students and other authorized persons to and from school on regular, special education and other routes. The school bus operator may make extracurricular trips as authorized by the local school system.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education:

• High School Diploma or GED required

Certifications/Licenses:

• Georgia Driver's License (Class C) required

• Must pass the driving test for a valid Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements, within 6-8 weeks of hiring

• Must satisfy all Georgia Department of Education medical examination requirements and successfully complete the Atlanta Public Schools physical agility assessment as conditions of employment *To be considered for reemployment for any ensuing school year, the driver shall pass the annual medical examination prescribed by the Department, not more than 60 days before the beginning of the school year and as often thereafter as Atlanta Public Schools deems necessary

• Maintain annual Safety Renewal Education Program (SREP) recertification

Experience:

• 1 year of work experience preferred
• Must provide a seven (7) year motor vehicle report; two (2) or more major traffic citations may exclude consideration
• Experience in K–12 education or public sector preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of applicable codes, policies, regulations, and laws
• Ability to adhere to established safety practices and procedures
• Ability to read, interpret, and follow printed and electronic maps, route descriptions, and directions
• Ability to operate district vehicles, two-way radios, fire extinguishers, and standard office equipment
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records
• Knowledge of emergency evacuation procedures and first aid administration
• Knowledge of local streets, routes, and locations
• Understanding of basic vehicle maintenance and inspection practices
• Knowledge of first aid, health standards, and hazard awareness
• Ability to apply safe driving practices and procedures
• Ability to operate wheelchairs, tie-downs, child safety seats, and lifts (by assignment)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with students and adults

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Transports passengers over scheduled routes and field trips in a safe and timely manner
• Ensures safe loading and unloading of passengers during routine transport and emergency situations
• Attends unit meetings, in-service trainings, and workshops to support job performance and compliance
• Assesses and responds to incidents, complaints, accidents, and emergency situations, recommending or implementing appropriate resolutions
• Administers basic first aid and follows established safety procedures
• Cleans and sanitizes assigned vehicles, including interior and exterior maintenance and post-trip cleaning as needed
• Conducts required emergency evacuation drills and ensures compliance with procedures and regulations
• Fuels and performs basic maintenance checks on assigned vehicles to ensure safe operating condition
• Monitors passengers during transit to ensure safety and appropriate behavior
• Communicates transportation information, including routes, schedules, and procedures, to school personnel and parents
• Performs pre-trip and post-trip inspections to ensure vehicle safety and compliance with requirements
• Prepares and maintains reports and records, including field trips, incidents, inspections, mileage, and student counts
• Reports safety concerns, discipline issues, accidents, and incidents to appropriate personnel and completes required documentation
• Responds to inquiries from students, parents, and staff regarding transportation services
• Assists with distribution of food or devices to students while using required PPE when directed or appropriate
• Utilizes electronic mobile data terminals (MDT) to log in/out, manage routes, and complete required reporting
• Required to have prompt, regular attendance in person and be available to work on-site during regular business hours and as needed
• Performs other duties as assigned by the appropriate administrator or their representative

PHYSICAL ABILITIES AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Vision: Ability to read small print and view a computer screen for prolonged periods

• Hearing: Ability to tolerate exposure to noisy conditions

• Speech: Ability to be understood in face-to-face communications, to speak with a level of proficiency and volume to be understood over a telephone or computer

• Upper Body Mobility: Ability to use hands to grasp, and manipulate small objects; manipulate fingers, twist and bend at wrist and elbow; extend arms to reach outward and upward; use hands and arms to lift objects; turn, raise, and lower head

• Strength: Ability to lift, push, pull and/or carry objects which weigh as much as 5 or more pounds on a frequent basis. Incumbent may be required to physically restrain parties involved in a conflict

• Environmental Requirements: Ability to encounter constant work interruptions; work cooperatively with others; work independently; work indoors

• Mental Requirements: Ability to read, write, understand, interpret and apply information at a moderately complex level essential for successful job performance; math skills at a high school proficiency level; judgement and the ability to process information quickly; learn quickly and follow verbal procedures and standards; give verbal instruction; rank tasks in order of importance; copy, compare, compile and coordinate information and records. Understand how to manage stress 

• Additional Work Conditions & Physical Abilities: N/A

SALARY GRADE: : BUSD (6-Hour) WORK DAYS: 201 SALARY SCHEDULE LINK:  Salary Schedules - Atlanta Public Schools