Bus Driver - IDEA Lake Houston (Immediate Opening)

About the role

The Bus Driver is responsible for transporting students over scheduled routes to and from a variety of school sites and ensuring the safety of all passengers, including special education students, while operating the assigned bus. This position ensures the bus is always in a safe operating condition and receives general supervision within a framework of standard policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Safely transport students by driving a school bus in accordance with time schedules, including trips to and from homes, school sites, and field trips.
• Maintain order and discipline of passengers; resolve disputes and document/report severe disciplinary cases.
• Conduct daily safety and operational inspections of the assigned vehicle.
• Oversee the loading and unloading of students, release students only to authorized individuals, and ensure safety belts are fastened in passenger vans.
• Maintain records and reports, including mileage, routing, maintenance, and time schedules.
• Notify appropriate individuals of any delays in scheduled routes.
• Keep proper credentials (CDL, Medical Card, & Region One) updated according to DOT and IDEA policy.
• Understand and follow directions and feedback effectively, maintaining open communication with campus managers.
• Accept and reflect on both positive and negative feedback to improve performance.
• Manage multiple tasks by prioritizing work and adapting to changing circumstances.
• Handle various tasks simultaneously within established time constraints.
• Work evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours as necessary to meet business needs.
• Work a minimum of 32 hours per week, excluding extra-curricular activities assigned by the campus.

Requirements

• GED or High School Diploma.
• Experience in operating large passenger vehicles or an equivalent combination of experience and training.
• Ability to manage student behavior.
• Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with class P (passenger) and S (school bus) endorsements.
• Completed bus driver safety training course.
• Must be over 21 years old.
• Pass alcohol and drug tests.
• DOT Physical Examination.

Skills

• Ability to take directions and feedback well.
• Open communication with managers and team members.
• Self-reflection to improve performance and operations.
• Prioritization and management of multiple tasks.
• Adaptability to changing circumstances.
• Ability to work in an open calendar and handle extended hours when necessary.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits plan covering the majority of the employee premium for the base medical plan and subsidizing costs for a spouse/domestic partner and children.
• Paid Family Leave: Up to 8 weeks of paid leave for the birth or adoption of a child, based on tenure and caregiver designation.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Up to 50% of tuition paid toward a qualifying degree program, up to $5,250 maximum per year (subject to manager discretion and budget availability).
• Employer-Paid Mental/Behavioral Health: 5 face-to-face counseling sessions per year, unlimited 24/7 telephonic counseling, and other work-life services at no cost.
• Dental and vision plans.
• Disability and life insurance.
• Parenting benefits.
• Generous vacation time.
• Referral bonuses and professional development opportunities.
• Potential relocation allowance to defray moving costs, if applicable.

Pay

Hourly rate ranging between $20.00 (0 years of experience) and $27.15. Eligible for a performance bonus based on team performance and goal attainment.

Schedule

• Expected to work a minimum of 32 hours per week, not including extra-curricular activities assigned by the campus.
• Must be available to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours as necessary to meet business needs.

About IDEA Public Schools

At IDEA Public Schools, we believe every child can go to college. Since 2000, IDEA has grown from a small school with 150 students to a multi-state network of tuition-free, Pre-K-12 public charter schools. IDEA serves over 80,000 college-bound students in 143 schools across Texas, Florida, and Ohio, with a legacy of sending 100% of its graduates to college. IDEA fosters a culture of integrity, respect, and belonging, promoting human connection through its Core Values.