MoE Driver - Ara

Ritchies Transport; Oamaru; On-site; NZD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Ongoing training and development

Friendly team environment

EAP support

School-hour shifts with holidays off

Job summary

Ritchies Transport is seeking caring, reliable bus drivers to operate MoE runs, completing Ara routes to Timaru and return, five days a week from Otago. You’ll work school hours, with holidays off unless training, and be part of a team focused on safety and student welfare.

Applicants must hold a minimum Class 2 licence with a P Endorsement, show a positive attitude, and demonstrate strong communication skills while keeping safety as a top priority.

Qualifications

• Must hold a valid NZ driver’s licence (Class 2 or 4) with a P Endorsement.
• Strong focus on safety, reliability, and customer service.
• Excellent communication and patience when working with students.

Responsibilities

• Transport students to and from school safely.
• Work school bus hours with mornings and afternoons shifts.
• Provide a positive, supportive experience on every journey.

Skills

Reliable

Safety focused

Good communication

Education

Class 2 or Class 4 licence (Minimum class 2)

P Endorsement

Job description

The Opportunity

We’re looking for caring, reliable, and safety-focused drivers to join our team as an MoE driver to complete our Ara runs to Timaru and return, 5 days per week.

About us

Ritchies Transport is one of New Zealand’s largest privately owned transport operators, providing bus and coach services across the country. Founded in 1935, the company has grown from a small family-run business into a major player in public transport, school bus services, and charter travel.

Ritchies operates urban bus networks in several regions, including Auckland, Queenstown, and Dunedin, as well as offering long-distance coach services and tourism transport. Known for its focus on safety, reliability, and customer service, the company plays a key role in connecting communities and supporting both daily commuters and the tourism industry.

About the role

In this rewarding role, you’ll transport students to and from school safely while providing a positive and supportive experience on every journey. This is more than just driving; it’s about being a familiar face in the community and helping students get to school safely each day. You’ll work school bus hours, meaning mornings and afternoons with the benefit of school holidays off, unless required for training or development.

What you offer

• A full Class 2 or Class 4 license (Minimum class 2)
• P Endorsement
• A positive attitude and strong communication skills
• Reliability and a commitment to safety
• Patience and confidence working with children and young people
  

What we offer

• School hours with weekends and school holidays mostly off
• Ongoing training and development
• Stable employment with a well-established company
• Friendly and supportive team environment
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) support
• Opportunity for additional charter or casual work when available

As we are a health and safety consious employer, our pre-employment checks include drug testing, Ministry of Justice checks and reference checking.

Candidates for this position must be in New Zealand and have the right to work in New Zealand at the time of application.