Bus Assistant, Full Year (0.75 FTE) - Multiple Openings in Transportation

Young World Physical Education; Portland (ME); On-site; USD 26,422 - 32,414; Part time

Job summary

Portland Public Schools is seeking a Bus Assistant for the Full Year, 0.75 FTE, in Portland, ME. The role supports student transportation, assisting special education students during transit, and maintaining safety and order on buses.

Responsibilities include aiding loading/unloading, conducting safety inspections, and participating in drills and meetings as required. Requires CPR/First Aid and CHRC, with wage range listed as $19.18–$23.53 per hour.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of one year related experience.
• CPR/First Aid certification required.
• Maine CHRC authorization required (cost $70).

Responsibilities

• Assist bus driver in emergencies until the driver takes over.
• Assist special education students loading/unloading safely.
• Monitor students with special needs during transport.
• Assist with pre-trip safety inspection and bus cleaning.
• Conduct monthly emergency evacuation drills.
• Check for students or belongings left on the bus.
• Enforce safety rules and student wellbeing.
• Report incidents to appropriate personnel.
• Secure students and equipment for safety.
• Attend meetings or trainings as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

First aid

Safety knowledge

Record keeping

Effective communication

Flexibility

Diversity awareness

Health regulations

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Bus Assistant, Full Year (0.75 FTE) - Multiple Openings in Transportation

Job ID: 5827262
Application Deadline: posted until filled
Posted: Jul 10, 2026 7:00 PM (UTC)

Job Description

TITLE: Bus Assistant, Full Year (0.75 FTE) Multiple Openings in Transportation

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Under general supervision, the Bus Assistant’s responsibility is to provide support within the student transportation services area with specific responsibilities for assisting special education students during transport to and from school and/or special activities; ensuring orderly entering and leaving of bus patrons; maintaining seat chart of riders; and ensuring the safety and sanitation of assigned vehicles.

Essential Responsibilities

• Assists bus driver in handling emergency situations until the driver can take over
• Assists special education students and other passengers in loading and unloading safely from buses during normal transport and emergency situations
• Monitors students with special needs until released to teacher, instructional assistant, parent, etc. to ensure the safe transportation of all passengers
• Assists bus driver with pre‑trip safety inspection and cleaning the bus to ensure bus is maintained in a safe and sanitary operating condition
• Assists with conducting monthly emergency evacuation drills to ensure the efficiency of procedures and compliance
• Completes walk‑throughs to check for students or articles left behind at the end of each trip (e.g. clothing, bags, prescriptions, etc.)
• Instructs students for the purpose of enforcing rules/regulations and maintaining student safety and well‑being
• Reports observations and/or incidents (e.g. discipline, accidents, inappropriate social behavior, etc.) to appropriate personnel for follow‑up action
• Secures students and/or their equipment (e.g. restraints, checks wheel chair tie downs, seat belts, opens ramp, etc.) to ensure their safety and well‑being
• May attend in‑person meetings, in‑service training, workshops, etc. for the purpose of gathering information required to perform job functions
• Performs other related duties as assigned to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to adhere to safety practices and administer first aid
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records
• Knowledge of operating equipment used in transporting special needs students
• Ability to speak clearly and have excellent communication
• Ability to work outside regular business hours
• Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals
• Knowledge of health standards and hazards, state regulations, and laws pertaining to the operation of school buses and child behavior

Education, Training, and Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• Minimum of one year of related experience

Credential Requirements

• CPR/First Aid Certification
• Maine State CHRC authorization (cost is $70 to obtain certification)

Physical Demands

• Light physical effort may be required

Employment Details

• Calendar: Full Year
• Schedule: Part Time, 0.75 FTE
• Assignment: Permanent
• Contract: Part of BASE union (new contract will be posted here soon)
• Wage range: $19.18–$23.53 (based on years of experience)
• Benefits: Eligible for benefits as outlined here

Portland Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.

Contact Information

• Barbara Stoddard, HR Director
• 353 Cumberland Ave
• Portland, Maine 04101
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]