Durham International School, a well-established and highly regarded institution, is inviting qualified and experienced individuals to apply for the position of Bus Driver. The school is known for its dedication to academic excellence, holistic education, and the safety and well-being of its students. To ensure the smooth and efficient transport of students and other authorized passengers, the school seeks a responsible, skilled, and safety-conscious professional who will contribute to maintaining the highest transport and safety standards within the institution.
The Bus Driver will play an essential role in the daily operations of the school, ensuring the timely and secure transportation of students to and from school and during school-related activities. This position calls for a dependable individual with excellent driving skills, strong situational awareness, and a keen sense of responsibility toward passengers, vehicles, and traffic regulations.
This announcement provides a detailed description of the role, key responsibilities, and expectations for the Bus Driver position at Durham International School.
Job Description: Bus Driver
Purpose of the Role
The Bus Driver will be responsible for transporting students and other passengers safely on designated routes, adhering to traffic laws, maintaining the cleanliness and functionality of the school bus, and providing courteous service at all times. The individual will also support school-related transportation needs, including field trips and special events, and uphold the school’s commitment to safeguarding students.
General Responsibilities
Transport Duties
The Bus Driver will transport students from their homes to school in the morning and from school to their homes in the afternoon, ensuring each child’s safety throughout the journey. This includes adhering strictly to all scheduled routes and timeframes while maintaining punctuality. The driver must ensure that students are dropped off only at authorized stops and are assisted when boarding or alighting from the bus.
The role also involves driving for school-related errands and events, including extracurricular trips and excursions, as assigned by the Transport Manager. The Bus Driver must always uphold professionalism and maintain a positive image of the school in every interaction with students, parents, and the public.
Compliance and Safety
Safety remains the foremost priority in this role. The Bus Driver must obey all traffic laws and drive responsibly at all times. They are required to report to work in a fit and sober condition, and under no circumstances should they operate a bus while under the influence of alcohol or any impairing substances.
The driver should be present at the bus at least fifteen minutes before departure for school runs or field trips. This ensures adequate preparation time for pre-trip checks and the readiness of the vehicle and passengers.
Maintaining awareness of traffic and weather conditions is essential to ensure a safe and smooth journey. The Bus Driver must stay alert, follow all road safety regulations, and adjust driving practices in response to prevailing conditions.
Vehicle Maintenance and Inspection
The Bus Driver is expected to ensure the vehicle is always in excellent operating condition. This involves performing daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections, including checking brakes, tires, lights, seatbelts, and other critical components. Any irregularities, mechanical failures, or maintenance needs must be reported immediately to the Transport Manager.
The cleanliness of the bus is also part of the driver’s responsibilities. The bus must be washed thoroughly inside and outside at least twice a week. Daily cleaning involves sweeping the bus, emptying bins, and ensuring the interior remains tidy and hygienic.
Before departure, the Bus Driver must ensure that all seatbelts are functional and that every passenger has fastened theirs properly. The driver is also responsible for maintaining discipline on the bus, addressing minor behavior issues, and promptly reporting serious matters to the Transport Manager.
Operational Reporting and Communication
Clear and timely communication is critical to the transport function. The Bus Driver must notify the Transport Manager of any expected lateness, route deviations, or emergencies. They should also complete all required documentation, including incident and accident reports, fuel logs, and inspection forms.
Any movement of the bus in and out of the school premises must be authorized by the Transport Manager and recorded in the school’s security log. The driver must ensure proper record-keeping for fuel consumption, oil changes, and maintenance checks.
Passenger Safety and Conduct
Ensuring passenger safety extends beyond driving. The Bus Driver must keep track of all students on board, verify that each student boards and alights at the correct stop, and ensure that no child is left behind or disembarks unsupervised in an unsafe location.
Students must not cross roads to board or exit the bus; the driver must park in a safe location where students can board and leave safely. A calm and secure atmosphere should be maintained at all times, with clear enforcement of bus conduct rules to prevent any form of disorder or distraction while driving.
Additional Responsibilities
The Bus Driver may be required to drive for school field trips, after-school programs, or special activities outside regular hours. Flexibility is therefore essential, as occasional overtime may be required.
In addition, the driver should complete all required administrative reports related to diesel and oil usage, maintenance checks, and any unusual incidents. Other duties may be assigned by the Transport Manager as needed to support the smooth functioning of the school’s transport system.
Person Specification
Skills and Experience
The ideal candidate must possess the relevant qualifications and experience necessary for safe and efficient operation of a school bus. The following competencies are required for successful performance in this role:
- A Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) certificate.
- A valid bus driver’s license.
- A clean driving record, free from major infractions or accidents.
- A minimum of five years’ driving experience within Nairobi.
- Familiarity with school environments and experience working in an educational setting (preferred).
- Sound knowledge of Nairobi’s road network and traffic regulations.
- Proficiency in understanding and applying road safety and security measures.
- Excellent customer service and communication skills, with the ability to engage courteously with students, parents, and staff.
- Ability to remain calm, alert, and professional, especially during emergencies or challenging traffic conditions.
- Physical fitness sufficient to assist passengers when required, including bending, crouching, or lifting items.
- Flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, and weekends as operationally required.
Personal Qualities
The school seeks an individual who embodies professionalism, patience, and reliability. The successful candidate should demonstrate:
- A welcoming and polite demeanor, balanced with assertiveness when required.
- Strong focus and attention to detail.
- A high level of responsibility and accountability.
- A customer-oriented attitude and willingness to assist others.
- Dependability and punctuality in all aspects of the job.
- The ability to manage and maintain discipline among passengers calmly and effectively.
Confidentiality and Professional Conduct
Durham International School holds confidentiality and professionalism in the highest regard. All staff are expected to handle information about students, staff, and operations discreetly and respectfully. Breaches of confidentiality or professional conduct are treated with utmost seriousness.
The school is committed to providing a safe and nurturing learning environment, which extends to all aspects of student transport. The Bus Driver is therefore expected to model appropriate behavior, maintain discretion, and contribute positively to the school’s culture and reputation.
Safeguarding and Child Protection
Durham International School is firmly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are expected to share in this commitment.
Shortlisted candidates will undergo thorough screening to verify their suitability to work with children. Successful candidates will be required to provide a valid Certificate of Police Clearance before appointment.
This safeguarding policy ensures that all individuals working within the school are aligned with its mission to create a secure environment for students both on and off the school premises.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications by email to [email protected] no later than 14th November 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the school reserves the right to make an appointment before the closing date.
Applications must include the following documents:
- A letter of application addressed to The Headteacher, not exceeding one page (A4 size), explaining the applicant’s interest in the position and highlighting relevant experience and skills.
- A fully completed Durham International School Non-Teaching Application Form.
- The names, accurate addresses, email addresses, and telephone numbers of three referees, one of whom must be the applicant’s current employer.
References will only be requested at the shortlisting stage, and candidates will be notified prior to any contact being made with referees.
Applicants are reminded that incomplete applications or submissions lacking the required cover letter and application form will not be considered.
Durham International School remains dedicated to maintaining high standards of safety, efficiency, and integrity in all its operations. The Bus Driver plays a key role in this effort, ensuring that every student’s journey to and from school is safe, comfortable, and reliable. This position offers an opportunity to work in a respectful, structured, and supportive environment that values professionalism and commitment to student welfare.
