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

Portland Public Schools; United States; On-site; USD 26,422 - 32,414; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits per district policy

Job summary

Portland Public Schools is seeking a Bus Assistant for the Transportation department. The role supports special education students during transport, ensures orderly boarding/disembarking, maintains rider seat charts, and upholds vehicle safety and sanitation.

The position requires a high school diploma, CPR/First Aid certification, and CHRC clearance, with a 0.75 FTE schedule and part-time status. Employment includes union affiliation and benefits per district policy.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• CPR/First Aid Certification required.
• Maine CHRC authorization required.
• Minimum of one year related experience requested.

Responsibilities

• Assists bus driver in handling emergencies until driver takes over.
• Assists special education students and passengers loading/unloading safely.
• Monitors students with special needs until release to staff.
• Pre-trip safety inspection and bus sanitation assistance.
• Assist with monthly emergency evacuation drills for efficiency and compliance.
• Check for students or belongings left behind at trip end.
• Instruct students to follow safety rules and maintain wellbeing.
• Report observations/ incidents to appropriate personnel for follow-up.
• Secure students and equipment (seat belts, restraints, ramps).
• Attend in-person meetings or trainings as needed.
• Perform other duties to support transportation operations.

Skills

Safety awareness

Communication

Customer service

Diversity collaboration

Stamina/Endurance

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

CPR/First Aid Certification

Maine CHRC authorization

Minimum 1 year related experience

Job description

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

Position Details

• Position Type: TRANSPORTATION/ BUS ASSISTANT
• Date Posted: 7/7/2026
• Location: Transportation
• Date Available: ASAP

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 wheelchair 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 - more info here)

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.