Bus Driver - Substitute - School Year 2026-2027

Spring Branch ISD; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 20,664 - 30,307; Full time

Job summary

Spring Branch Independent School District is seeking a substitute Bus Driver to cover routes when regular drivers are absent. The role requires safe operation of school buses, adherence to schedules, and communication with the Transportation Office.

Candidates should have a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid CDL with endorsements, and a clean driving record. This non-exempt, on-site position offers the opportunity to support students and coordinate with district staff.

Qualifications

• Must maintain a valid CDL with endorsements and required licenses.
• Able to read and follow routes, maps, and reports.
• Acceptable driving record as per DPS and SBISD requirements.
• Must be 18 years or older and able to pass pre-employment checks.
• Completion or enrollment in the School Bus Driver Certification Course is required.
• Interest in the education and welfare of students.

Responsibilities

• Drive routes when regular drivers are absent and follow established schedules.
• Operate bus equipment and communicate via two-way radio with transportation office.
• Maintain pupil safety, manage behavior, and supervise students boarding and alighting.
• Inspect vehicle for safety, report defects, and ensure emergency equipment is ready.
• Adhere to safety procedures, traffic laws, and district policies during operations.

Skills

CDL Endorsements

Safe Driving

Communication

Route Knowledge

Education

High school diploma or equivalent preferred

Job description

Spring Branch Independent School District

Bus Driver - Substitute

Job Title: Bus Driver - Substitute

Reports To: Director of Transportation

Classification: Substitute

Wage/Hour Status: Non-exempt

Days: 177

Salary: See Compensation Plan - Substitutes

Contract: None

Date Revised: 11/15/2023

Primary Purpose: Drive routes when regular drivers are absent.

Qualifications / Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Must be 18 years and older.
• Must obtain and maintain a valid CDL with all appropriate endorsements and classifications and all other required licenses, permits and certificates.
• Acceptable driving record as determined by the Texas Department of Public Safety, SBISD, and any other local, state and federal requirements.
• Must have completed or be enrolled in the School Bus Driver Certification Course developed by the TEA and Texas DPS.
• Eligible for coverage under the district's vehicle insurance program.
• Certification of good health as required by the State of Texas and signed by a licensed physician.
• Must have an interest in the education and welfare of children.

Special Knowledge / Skills

• Mature judgment.
• Ability to read, write and perform basic mathematical skills including interpreting routes and maps, and completing assigned forms and reports.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to read and speak the English Language.
• Knowledge of student discipline procedure.

Other

• Ability to pass alcohol and drug tests administered pre‑employment, randomly, post‑accident or on reasonable suspicion basis in accordance with law and District policy.
• Must have and maintain satisfactory driving and criminal background as determined by the Texas DPS that reflects a professional driver and which meets all contractual, local, state and federal requirements.
• Work irregular hours as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Vehicle Operation

• Check bus for mechanical defects before and after each operation and notify Fleet Manager of needed repairs.
• Report all accidents, vehicle damage, student injuries, and mechanical failures. Complete required reports.
• Operate two‑way radio equipment to communicate with the transportation office.
• Follow assigned route and adhere to established schedules.
• Keep interior of bus clean and neat and maintain appropriate level of fuel as stated in department policy.

Student Management

• Maintain effective pupil behavior management control over groups of children.
• Establish and maintain good rapport with students, parents, school personnel and co‑workers.
• Supervise students while they board and leave the bus and cross the street.
• Instruct students on safe riding rules and regulations.

Safety

• Observe all traffic laws and safety regulations for school buses.
• Inspect bus by checking fuel, oil, water, tires, lights, brakes, and steering to ensure bus can be operated safely before driving.
• Ensure proper condition of emergency equipment, such as first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and reflector(s).
• Correct unsafe conditions in work area that could cause an accident and inform supervisor if not corrected immediately.
• Report any hazardous conditions along the route.
• Practice safety techniques in lifting, climbing, and performing other job duties.
• Perform emergency evacuation of students on bus, if needed: walking to the rear of the bus, exiting the rear door, and/or lifting students in emergency situations.

Working Conditions

Mental Demands

• Maintain emotional control under stress.
• Work with frequent interruptions.
• This position requires regular in‑person interaction with the public.

Physical Demands

• Continual standing, walking, pushing, and pulling.
• Frequent stooping, bending, kneeling and climbing (ladder), moderate lifting and carrying.
• Load and unload vehicle, lifting and pulling up to 20 pounds on hand device while operating the service door, opening and closing numerous times per shift.
• Enter and exit the bus through the emergency exits. Heavy lifting and dragging (50 pounds and over). Walking and standing. Operation of a motor vehicle, including driving in reverse which requires twisting the upper body and neck while driving.
• Specific visual requirements (Driving), depth perception, ability to distinguish basic colors. Specific hearing requirements (Driving, oral and phone conversations).

Environmental Factors

• Work outside and inside; moderate exposure to extreme temperature (heat) and humidity.
• Excessive noise (intermittent); periods of constant noise.
• Dust, fumes, smoke or gases.

Spring Branch Independent School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer in compliance with Title IX and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, veteran status or disability.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required. By applying for this position, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the job description listed above.