Position Title: School Bus Driver

Department: Transportation

Reports To: Director of Transportation

MCDS is an independent, K-8, co-educational school of 600 students. Our mission is to create an inclusive community of learning that inspires curiosity, empathy, and action. Rooted in our values of respect, responsibility, and compassion, we are an intentional community where varied perspectives and life experiences are vital to our collective growth and the strength of our program.

Our Academic & Community Programming: We model teaching excellence through student-centered, differentiated instruction framed around experiential and place-based education. Our 35-acre campus on the hillside of Ring Mountain serves as a living laboratory where students engage directly with environmental sustainability. Our academic program is purposefully scaffolded around three key skill areas—literacy, mathematics, and writing—partnered closely with the developmental milestones and social-emotional needs of our learners.

A Culture of Professional Learning: MCDS is devoted to cultivating an inspiring professional learning environment where adults are engaged in growth throughout the trajectory of their time here. We provide robust funding and time for professional development, encouraging practitioners to seek constant improvement as educators, team members, and community leaders.

The Opportunity

The School Bus Driver is responsible for the safe, reliable, and professional transportation of Marin Country Day School (MCDS) students and staff. This position requires compliance with all California Department of Education (CDE), California Highway Patrol (CHP), and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, as well as MCDS transportation policies. Drivers must demonstrate excellent judgment, strong safety awareness, professional communication, and a student-centered approach.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Safely operate a school bus along designated routes; pick up and discharge students in accordance with scheduled times.
• Stop traffic and escort students across streets as necessary to ensure safe loading and unloading.
• Observe and comply with all legal and defensive driving practices, as well as applicable traffic and student transportation laws, codes, and regulations.
• Maintain order and discipline on the bus and at bus stops, following school policies and procedures.
• Conduct and document required pre-trip and post-trip inspections, including interior, exterior, and engine checks.
• Report mechanical malfunctions, safety hazards, or other concerns promptly.
• Maintain the bus in a clean, safe operating condition; sweep, clean, and refuel as needed.
• Transport students, faculty, and parents on field trips and school events; load and unload luggage and equipment.
• Meet all scheduled departure and arrival times.
• Determine appropriate action in medical or emergency and administer first aid as needed.
• Utilize hands-free communication devices for bus-to-base and bus-to-bus communication in accordance with state law.
• Use SchoolPass prior to every afternoon route to verify student ridership and confirm accurate dismissal information.
• Maintain accurate records, including logs, timesheets, mileage reports, and other required documentation.
• Attend all required safety meetings, in-service trainings, and professional development programs.
• Represent MCDS professionally when interacting with students, families, faculty, and the public.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

• At least 21 years old.
• Valid U.S. driver's license held for at least 3 years.
• Valid California Commercial Driver License (Class A or B) with:
• Passenger (P) endorsement
• School Bus (S) certificate
• Air brake endorsement
• Valid California School Bus Driver Special Certificate issued by CHP.
• Valid DL-51 medical exam and ability to pass all required physicals.
• Valid First Aid Certification issued by an authorized agency.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening.
• Subject to DOT drug and alcohol testing.
• DOT Regulation 49 CFR Part 40 does not authorize the use of Schedule I drugs, including marijuana, for any reason.

Preferred

• Prior school bus driving experience.
• Familiarity with the MCDS community.
• Strong knowledge of Marin County and San Francisco roads and traffic patterns.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Safe and defensive driving practices.
• Proper and safe operation of a school bus.
• Applicable traffic, safety, and student transportation laws, codes, and regulations.
• Basic bus mechanics and emergency procedures.
• Basic first aid procedures and emergency response.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and complete required reports.
• Ability to safely operate a two-way radio and required communication devices.
• Practical oral and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
• Ability to maintain discipline and a positive environment on the bus.
• Ability to keep the bus clean and in proper working condition.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-cultural situations and demonstrate cultural competence.
• Ability to use SchoolPass and other basic digital tools.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods and operate steering, braking, and additional vehicle controls.
• Ability to bend, stoop, and lift up to 40 lbs to assist children or handle equipment.
• Ability to support and participate in bus evacuation drills and emergency procedures.

Work Environment

• Exposure to varying weather, traffic, and noise conditions.
• Early morning and afternoon split shifts; occasional evening or weekend assignments.
• Frequent interaction with students, parents, faculty, and community members.

Additional Requirements

• Ongoing compliance with all state and federal certification, training, and safety standards.
• Commitment to the mission, values, and community-centered culture of MCDS.