School Bus Route Driver $3,000 Sign On Bonus!

Catlin Gabel School seeks to employ the best qualified individuals and provide opportunity for advancement in a manner that values each employee’s contribution to the school’s success. This position description outlines primary duties and qualifications but does not limit the scope of work or the employee’s potential impact.

About the role

This is a part-time, hourly position between 0.5 - 0.75 FTE, reporting to the Transportation Manager. The School Bus Route Driver ensures the safe and timely transportation of students to and from school, field trips, and other approved activities while maintaining compliance with all traffic laws, safety procedures, and district policies. We are a small, dynamic team seeking a qualified driver to join our supportive and close-knit community. Flexibility is available for the right candidate.

Responsibilities

• Drive an assigned morning and afternoon bus route on school days and drive class and athletics trips between routes (as available).
• Follow the schedule distributed by the Transportation Manager.
• Perform pre- and post-inspection of the bus daily, including all required safety testing, and complete a Vehicle Inspection Report noting any defects.
• Load and unload students at designated stops and/or campus areas, and return the bus to the assigned parking area.
• Maintain cleanliness of the bus interior and check for items left behind after each trip.
• Operate vehicles in compliance with all Federal, State, and local laws, as well as School policies, practicing defensive driving principles.
• Maintain order and discipline among riders, checking students on and off the bus using provided technology.
• Follow Catlin Gabel School Bus Guidelines and Oregon Department of Transportation Pupil Transportation Behavior Policies.
• Report discipline problems, vehicle issues, or any driving-related incidents (e.g., accidents, convictions) to the Transportation Manager promptly, as specified by Oregon regulations.
• Maintain a current Commercial Driver License (CDL) with required endorsements (S, P, A) and School Bus Driver Certification, monitoring expiration dates.
• Attend all scheduled driver meetings and participate in training sessions, including ODE-required training, annual school trainings (e.g., Vector Solutions, CPR/First Aid, mandatory reporting), and evacuation drills.
• Discuss safety features of the bus and perform annual evacuation drills (twice hands-on and one verbal) with students as required by ODOT.
• Complete tasks with minimal supervision and perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED.
• One year of experience driving school buses in city traffic.
• Current Oregon Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with Air Brake, Passenger, and “S” endorsements, and ODE certification.
• No more than two (2) convictions, consistent with ODE laws and regulations.
• Required number of training hours on record with the ODE.
• Pass background check, fingerprinting, and drug/alcohol testing (including pre-employment and random testing as required by the Oregon Board of Education and Federal DOT).
• Ability to drive all sizes of school buses (14–84 passengers).
• Proficiency in reading and writing English.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. and push or pull 100 lbs.
• Strong communication skills for interacting with students, colleagues, and families, including using telephone, voicemail, and email.
• Ability to navigate using maps, GPS, or printed turn-by-turn instructions.
• Self-motivation and ability to work independently while adhering to legal and safety regulations.

Skills

• Adaptability & Problem-Solving: Adjust to new situations, analyze problems, and implement solutions in dynamic environments.
• Communication & Teamwork: Convey information clearly, foster collaboration, and work effectively as part of a team.
• Organization & Time Management: Prioritize tasks, manage resources, and handle multiple responsibilities efficiently.
• Cultural Awareness & Crisis Management: Demonstrate sensitivity to diverse perspectives and maintain composure during emergencies.
• Technology Proficiency & Willingness to Learn: Leverage modern technology and stay open to continuous learning and development.

Working Conditions

• Duties are performed on school buses of varying sizes, with frequent exposure to loud noise, fumes, vibrations, traffic, and occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts or outdoor weather conditions.
• Frequent sitting for long periods, use of hands and foot controls, reaching, climbing, bending, stooping, and kneeling.
• Must be physically able to perform emergency evacuation procedures, including pushing/pulling up to 50 pounds and using emergency exits at any location on the bus.
• Required vision abilities include close, distance, night/dusk, color, and peripheral vision.
• Occasional bending, squatting, stooping, and kneeling for bus maintenance.

Pay

Pay Range: $32/hour. If pursuing a CDL, the pay rate is $28/hour. A $3,000 sign-on bonus is available, paid in two installments of $1,500 upon successful completion of the first Fall and Spring semesters while in good standing and actively employed.

Schedule

• Daily and/or split shift hours as scheduled, typically following a 10-month schedule aligned with the school year.
• Opportunities for additional hours to drive trips, including during the summer, based on availability and program needs.