Substitute Bus Driver - Vancouver Public Schools

Fair Labor Standard Act Status: Non-exempt

SOC Code: 533051

Benefits: May qualify for health insurance if required hours are met.  Detailed information, including eligibility criteria, can be found here.

On-call position. 4 to 8 hours per day when called - Primary work schedule may start as early as 5:40 a.m. and end as late as 5:50 p.m. dependent on route. Occasional opportunities for field trips which end as late as 12:00 a.m.

The rate of pay is $18/hour while in training. 

If you require a CDL (Class B) endorsement, we will provide Classroom and Behind the Wheel Training; Skills Test Training; DOT Physical and Drug Screening; and First Aid/CPR training. 

Substitute bus drivers complete comprehensive training to successfully prepare them to assist in managing passenger behavior and maintain the safe transport of a school bus.

Classroom training takes approximately 40 hours and includes rules and regulations to operate a school bus, SPED training, and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports training.  Behind the wheel training takes approximately 20 hours.  CDL skills training takes approximately 10 hours.

Below are the costs that may be incurred by a substitute bus driver applicant.

• Driving Abstract - $13.00
• CDL Permit Fee - $40.00
• General Knowledge, School Bus (S) Endorsement, Air Brake and Passenger Endorsement fees - $35.00
• Fingerprint background check - $85.00
• CDL New License - $156.00

Reimbursed Fees:

• Drug screen - $58.00
• Medical Examiner’s Certificate - $90-$95.00
• Third party examiners fee - $100.00

We appreciate your interest in employment with Vancouver Public Schools (VPS). All applications are considered and reviewed. The most qualified and competitive applicant(s) that possess directly related experience and expertise, training, and education may be invited to participate in the interview/selection process. As part of the selection process, the District conducts confidential reference checks to include former and present employers and also requires a criminal background investigation. Unfortunately, due to the number of applications received, not all applicants will receive an interview.

Résumés should include education, relevant experience (including current position), and skills which highlight the qualifications of the position to which a person is applying.

All district employees are encouraged to review their personnel file periodically to ensure that their file includes current and relevant documentation that supports their education, experience, training, etc., as it relates to qualifications described on job postings.

         Qualifications:

• Possess a valid Washington State Driver’s License with a Class ‘B’ Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with ‘S’ endorsement, successful completion of Vancouver Public Schools training, and acceptable driving record
• One year experience as a driver of a truck or commercial passenger vehicle, or five years experience as a driver of a passenger car
• Ability to obtain and maintain a current Washington State School Bus Driver’s Certificate
• Ability to read and understand road maps and other directions
• Ability to deal calmly with students, and to maintain concentration and patience in noisy conditions
• Maintain WISHA approved first aid/CPR certification

        Requirements:

• Ability to work effectively as a team member and team leader as needed
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions
• Ability to meet tight time constraints and deadlines including but not limited to varying working hours when necessary
• Regular attendance to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the position to achieve program requirements, goals, and outcomes
• Ability to pass the annual physical required for certification
• Ability to operate hand and foot controls installed in school buses as required by Washington State School Bus Certifications
• Ability to operate and service school bus equipment and accessories such as fire extinguishers, highway warning kits, snow chains, sanders, and first aid kits
• Sufficient strength and agility to assist well and/or physically impaired students on or off bus through passenger service door. Sufficient strength and agility to move about in overturned bus to assist students with evacuation.
• Hearing sufficient to detect and distinguish traffic sounds from any direction, from a distance which will allow enough time for defensive or evasive action if necessary
• Vision equivalent to 20/40 in best eye, with/without correction; about 140 degrees peripheral (which, as a single criteria will not be excluding); depth perception adequate to determine distance and closing rate of other vehicles from a stationary or moving school bus. Eye coordination to avoid diplopia; color vision adequate to read traffic signals.

         Essential Functions:

• Drive school buses on regularly scheduled routes, field trips, and other types of district approved trips, including conventional and transit buses, possibly equipped for wheelchair-bound and other special needs students
• Perform daily maintenance on assigned vehicle, following a checklist; notify shop if more extensive maintenance needed
• Maintain control of student passengers to ensure their safety; report severe or repeated discipline problems to the appropriate building principal
• Complete required paperwork in an accurate and timely manner.
• Participate in regular Bus Driver training courses given by the Superintendent of Public Instruction and/or the school district
• Treat co-workers, supervisors, students, parents and others with dignity and respect at all times
• Serve as a positive role model for students, and practices the behaviors that are expected of our students
• Work in a flexible and cooperative manner
• Perform other tasks and assume other responsibilities as assigned by supervisor

It is understood that the district has the right to transfer and assign employees to best fit the needs of the district.

Benefits/Compensation:

Salary range:  New employees will start at the minimum hourly rate in the salary range.  

Benefits: Include health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance. Detailed information, including eligibility criteria, can be found here.