School Bus Driver

Role overview

The Education Authority (Northern Ireland) is recruiting School Bus Drivers to work across Omagh, Fintona and Trillick. The post is based in Omagh, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom, and there are 6 vacancies.

The purpose of the role is to operate the assigned vehicle safely and legally, while giving careful attention to the people and equipment being transported.

Main duties

• Safely carry children to and from school or other approved destinations, including those with mobility needs or moderate/severe learning difficulties.
• Help children enter and exit the vehicle, including passengers who need mobility support.
• Where possible, manage children’s behaviour on board and report any incidents to the Transport Officer or the designated deputy.
• Use vehicle lifts and ramps when needed and make sure wheelchairs are correctly secured and clamped.
• Give basic first aid when required, ensure injured children receive medical attention promptly, and complete accident or injury reports without delay.
• Guide school bus escorts, where present, in carrying out the related support duties.
• Transport school meals, return empty containers to school kitchens, and assist at schools when required.
• Try to keep to the planned schedule and maintain detailed journey records, including fuel matters, oil, servicing, repairs, and mileage.
• Perform daily vehicle inspections, checking fuel, vehicle condition, oil, water, and tyre pressure, and top up as needed.
• Record defects in the defect log and submit them to the engineer.
• Follow EU drivers’ hours rules, tachograph regulations, and the Working Time Directive for mobile workers.
• Keep spare parts, tools, equipment, and other goods in safe custody while under your control.
• Wash the allocated vehicle when necessary and keep the interior clean and tidy.
• Work in line with the Education Authority’s official Drivers’ Manual.

Essential criteria

• Hold a full Category D driving licence.
• Hold a Driver Qualification Card (DQC).
• Have a valid Digital Tachograph Card before starting employment.
• Be able to show experience driving a bus, including vehicles with 17 seats or more.
• Show that you can keep accurate and up-to-date records.
• Be willing to complete job-related training and any certifications needed for the role.

Interview and assessment requirements

• Demonstrate safe and competent bus driving in line with Category D and PSV requirements, as well as the Highway Code.
• Show strong communication and interpersonal ability.
• Work effectively as part of a team.
• Provide excellent customer service.
• Show that you can work to deadlines.
• Be able to understand instructions and communicate in English.
• Complete a practical driving test before interview.
• Show evidence that your experience and working style reflect the Education Authority’s values and ethos.

Desirable criteria

• Experience using safety and mobility aids linked to wheelchair accessible vehicles.

Additional notes for applicants

Applicants must clearly explain in the application form how they meet each required criterion, including both essential and desirable criteria where relevant. Failure to do so may affect shortlisting. Criteria should be demonstrated by the closing date unless stated otherwise.

Shortlisting will be based on the essential criteria in Section 1 using the information provided on the application form. The panel may shortlist only the candidates it considers strongest for the role. If there are too many applications, desirable criteria may also be used at shortlisting, in the order listed.

The role is part of regulated activity in relation to children or young people. If appointed, an enhanced criminal background disclosure will be required, and the applicant will be expected to pay for the certificate. Payment details will be provided later in the pre-employment process.

The post-holder is expected to promote good relations and equality of opportunity in line with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

The employer states that it is an equal opportunities organisation and particularly welcomes applications from women, as women are currently under-represented in the driver fleet. All appointments will be made on merit.

Terms and conditions

This job description may be reviewed if circumstances change and should be treated as a guide rather than a rigid statement. Other comparable duties appropriate to the grade may also be assigned from time to time. The role requires work in the normal conditions associated with this type of post, and all necessary paperwork must be completed.

The post-holder must comply with all relevant health and safety requirements, legal obligations, statutory instruments, regulations, and codes of practice. Duties may also include tasks up to and including those in the same grade, provided they fall within the employee’s competence.

Additional guidance notes for applicants and a summary of the terms and conditions were referenced in the source notice.