Hoquiam School District No. 28
Job Title: Bus Driver
Job Description
Position Open Until Filled - First Screening Date: 9/1/26
Days/Hours: Monday - Friday AM 6:45 - 8:30, PM 2:30 - 4:30
Note - Route 401
Required Attachments:
- Cover Letter or Letter of Interest
- Resume
- 3 Letters of Recommendation - Including at least one from a supervisor
- Internal Applicants - Include a minimum of a cover letter and updated resume
Job Summary
The Bus Driver is responsible for safely transporting students and other authorized passengers to and from school, as well as on field trips, extracurricular activities, athletic events, and other district-authorized trips. The Bus Driver creates a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment for all students while operating school buses in compliance with Washington State laws, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) requirements, and Hoquiam School District policies and procedures.
The successful candidate demonstrates a commitment to the Hoquiam School District pillars by building Meaningful Relationships, supporting Engaged Learners, providing Adaptive Pathways for students with diverse needs, and strengthening Community Connections through professional and positive interactions with students, families, staff, and the community.
Key Responsibilities
Meaningful Relationships
- Establish and maintain positive, respectful, and professional relationships with students of varying ages, abilities, grade levels, and program placements.
- Maintain a safe, orderly, and supportive environment for all students while riding the school bus.
- Provide appropriate supervision and maintain control of student passengers in accordance with district expectations and safety requirements.
- Communicate effectively and respectfully with students, parents/guardians, district staff, and members of the community.
- Work effectively with students from diverse cultural, racial, social, and educational backgrounds.
- Report student misconduct, unsafe behavior, or other concerns in accordance with district procedures.
- Assist students who are ill, physically impaired, or otherwise require support entering or exiting the bus.
- Support students with disabilities and other individual needs as appropriate to the assigned route and equipment.
- Maintain professionalism, punctuality, appropriate attire, and proper footwear for the position.
Engaged Learners
- Transport students safely and reliably so they can access school, educational programs, activities, and other learning opportunities.
- Provide a safe and consistent transportation environment that supports student readiness for learning.
- Complete all required school bus driver training and professional development programs established by OSPI and/or the district.
- Maintain current knowledge of district transportation procedures, emergency protocols, student management expectations, and applicable state requirements.
- Perform basic first aid as appropriate, including CPR when trained and necessary.
- Assist students in safely evacuating the bus during accidents, emergencies, or other situations requiring evacuation.
Adaptive Pathways
- Safely transport students participating in specialized programs and services, including students with mobility or other support needs.
- Operate wheelchair lifts and assist students with loading and unloading when assigned to a lift-equipped bus.
- Follow appropriate procedures for safely securing mobility devices and assisting students with disabilities.
- Adapt transportation practices to meet the individual needs of students while maintaining established safety standards.
- Demonstrate sufficient strength, agility, and mobility to assist students during routine loading/unloading and emergency evacuation procedures.
Community Connections
- Operate school buses safely and professionally on regular routes and special program routes, including transportation to and from school.
- Provide transportation for field trips, extracurricular activities, athletic events, and other authorized district activities.
- Operate school buses safely under varying weather and road conditions, including fog, rain, hail, sleet, snow, ice, and other adverse conditions.
- Operate school buses in accordance with Washington State laws, OSPI regulations, district policies, and applicable transportation procedures.
- Complete required forms, records, time sheets, trip requests, route studies, trouble reports, misconduct reports, accident reports, and other transportation documentation accurately and legibly.
- Report unsafe acts, hazardous conditions, mechanical concerns, accidents, or other issues requiring the attention of transportation or district personnel.
- Maintain effective communication with transportation staff, school personnel, families, and other community members regarding transportation-related matters.
Transportation Safety & Vehicle Responsibilities
- Conduct required pre-trip, post-trip, operational, and safety inspections of the school bus and related equipment.
- Install tire chains as required and demonstrate proficiency with winter driving procedures.
- Operate all hand and foot controls installed in the school bus in accordance with Washington State requirements.
- Service, clean, and maintain school buses and related equipment as required by state and district procedures.
- Clean the interior and exterior of assigned buses and maintain an orderly and sanitary passenger environment.
- Add or check fuel, oil, coolant, and other required vehicle fluids as directed.
- Install, inspect, service, or replace required school bus equipment and safety accessories, including fire extinguishers, highway warning kits, first aid kits, emergency equipment, and snow chains.
- Identify and report mechanical problems or safety concerns promptly.
- Maintain required safety equipment in accordance with district and state requirements.
- Follow all district procedures related to accidents, emergencies, breakdowns, student misconduct, and other transportation incidents.
- Perform other bus driver-related duties as assigned by the Transportation Supervisor or designee.
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Valid Washington State Commercial Driver's License (CDL), Class B, with appropriate endorsements.
- Current Washington State School Bus Driver Authorization in accordance with WAC 392-144.
- Current first aid certification, including the required eight-hour Red Cross or equivalent training.
- Successful completion of all requirements established under WAC 392-144, including applicable drug testing, disclosure, fingerprinting, and background requirements.
- Successful completion of required OSPI and district school bus driver training.
- Demonstrated safe driving history, as verified through a Washington State Department of Licensing driver abstract.
- Ability to safely operate a school bus under a variety of weather and road conditions.
- Ability to communicate effectively in English with students, parents/guardians, district staff, and members of the public regarding job-related activities.
- Ability to complete required records and documentation accurately and legibly.
- Ability to maintain appropriate student supervision and behavior expectations.
- Ability to respond appropriately and effectively during emergencies.
- Physically able to perform the essential functions of school bus driving, including assisting students with loading and unloading, emergency evacuation, and other safety-related duties.
Working & Environmental Conditions
The Bus Driver works in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments and is exposed to changing weather and road conditions throughout the year, including rain, fog, snow, ice, hail, sleet, heat, and cold.
The position requires regular exposure to the noise associated with school buses, students, vehicle operation, and transportation activities. The employee may also be exposed to cleaning products, chemicals, and solvents used in routine bus cleaning and maintenance.
The position requires the ability to sit for extended periods while driving and to safely perform physical activities associated with school bus operation, including entering and exiting the bus, assisting students, installing tire chains, conducting inspections, and responding to emergency situations.
The employee must be able to maintain alertness and concentration while operating a school bus and must be capable of responding quickly and appropriately to changing traffic, weather, student, and emergency conditions.
Professional Expectations
- Demonstrate reliability, punctuality, sound judgment, and professionalism.
- Maintain confidentiality regarding students, families, and district matters.
- Follow all district policies, procedures, safety requirements, and applicable laws and regulations.
- Maintain a positive and respectful attitude toward students, families, staff, and community members.
- Promote a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for every student.
- Work collaboratively with transportation and school staff.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Transportation Supervisor or designee.
Salary: $30.09 - $38.62 an hour
Benefits: State allocation towards dental, vision, medical insurance, retirement, 9 paid holidays, 10 sick leave days, 3 personal leave days.
Employment is contingent upon successful clearance of a Washington State Patrol, FBI fingerprint criminal history background check, and Sexual Misconduct background check.
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY Hoquiam School District #28 does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Title IX Coordinator and Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator Marah Gannaway , Director of Student Support Services - 325 W. Chenault Avenue 360.538.8200 and Section 504/ADA Coordinator and HIB Coordinator James Irick , Director of Special Services and Teaching & Learning Director - 325 W. Chenault Avenue 360.538.8417