Bus Driver Trainee

Mass Transit magazine; Portland (ME); On-site; USD 26,000 - 32,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid CDL training

40 hours/week after licensing

30 hours/week during training

Fridays off in summer

Union representation

Job summary

Portland Public Schools in Portland, ME is offering a Bus Driver Trainee program that pays you while you learn. You will receive fully paid in-house training to earn your Class B CDL with P and S endorsements and will work as a Bus Assistant on district routes during training.

Upon licensure, you’ll transition to a 40-hour-per-week schedule during the school year (30 hours in summer) with a guaranteed pathway to a permanent position.

Qualifications

• Valid driver's license with a clean record and no felonies or DUI/OUI convictions.
• Background check through Maine Department of Education CHRC.
• High School diploma or GED required.
• Willingness to complete training to earn Class B CDL with P and S endorsements.
• Ability to pass pre-employment physicals, background checks, and drug/alcohol screenings; lift up to 50 lbs.
• Friendly, student-focused attitude and good communication skills.
• First Aid and CPR certifications are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Participate in classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction for Class B CDL, Air Brake, Passenger, and School Bus exams.
• Drive district vans and serve as a Bus Assistant aboard routes, ensuring student safety and a welcoming environment.
• Assist students with boarding and daily operational needs for transportation.
• Learn vehicle pre- and post-trip inspection protocols and route navigation.

Skills

Driver's License

Background Check

HS/GED

Commitment to Learn

Physical Fitness

Student Focus

First Aid

CPR

Education

High School or GED

Job description

Position Overview

Looking to start a rewarding new career, earn your Commercial Driver's License (CDL) for free, and get paid while you learn? Portland Public Schools is hiring

Bus Driver Trainee

Looking to start a rewarding new career, earn your Commercial Driver's License (CDL) for free, and get paid while you learn? Portland Public Schools is hiring Bus Driver Trainees to join our Operations team!

No commercial driving experience? No problem. We provide complete, in-house paid training to help you succeed, offering steady work while you train and full-time guarantees once licensed.

Top Perks

• Get Paid While You Learn: We offer fully paid in-house training to help you obtain your Class B CDL with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements?no out-of-pocket tuition costs!
• Steady Work While You Train: Start earning immediately! While in training, you will work 30 hours per week year-round as a Bus Assistant and Van Driver, gaining valuable hands-on experience.
• Guaranteed 40-Hour Schedule After Licensing: Once you pass your exams and earn your CDL, you step into guaranteed 40 hours per week during the school year (and 30 guaranteed hours per week in the summer).
• 3-Day Summer Weekends: Enjoy your summers! Most positions feature Fridays off during the summer months, giving you extended weekends to relax and recharge.
• Frequent Course Starts: Don't wait to start your new path?new training cohorts begin frequently so you can jump in right away.
• Union Representation: Benefit from a structured, represented pay plan and strong workplace advocacy.
• Meaningful Community Work: Serve as a vital extension of the classroom, supporting students daily and helping them travel safely.

Duties & Responsiblities

• Earn & Learn: Participate in structured classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction to prepare for your Class B CDL, Air Brake, Passenger, and School Bus exams.
• Gain Hands-On Experience: Drive district vans and serve as a Bus Assistant aboard routes, helping maintain a safe, welcoming environment for student passengers.
• Support Student Transportation: Assist students with boarding, ensure student safety, and support drivers with daily operational needs.
• Prepare for the Road: Learn vehicle pre-and post-trip safety inspection protocols, traffic safety rules, and route navigation.

Qualifications

• Valid Driver's License: Active standard driver's license with a clean, safe driving record (no felony or DUI/OUI convictions, max 2 moving violations in the past 24 months)
• Background Check: CHRC authorization through the Maine Department of Education (cost is $70 - more info here)
• Education: High School or GED diploma required
• Commitment to Learn: Eagerness to complete training schedules and earn your Class B CDL with P and S endorsements.
• Physical Capability: Ability to pass required pre-employment physical exams, background checks, and drug/alcohol screenings, and lift a minimum of 50 lbs.
• Student Focus: Friendly attitude, good communication skills, and a desire to make a positive impact on Portland's students!
• Bonus Qualifications: First Aid and CPR certifications are a plus (or we can help you get certified!).

Employment Details

• Schedule: Full Year, Part Time (0.75 FTE)
• Assignment: Temporary, until licensed - then offered permanent position
• Shift: 1st Shift
• Contract: Part of BASE union (see 2026-2029 CBA here)
• Wage range: $19.18-$23.53, based on experience
• Benefits: Eligible for benefits as outlined here

Ready to get paid to launch your new career with Portland Public Schools?

Apply today to join our next paid training cohort, start earning 30 hours per week while you train, and step directly into a full-time CDL career!

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.