Bus Driver Trainee

Adams 12 Five Star Schools; United States; On-site; USD 31,547 - 38,889; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance

Job summary

A public school district in Thornton, CO is seeking a Transportation / Bus Driver Trainee for a limited duration training position. The incumbent will learn to transport students safely and manage special needs passengers. Key responsibilities include performing pre-trip inspections, communicating safety conditions, and ensuring proper usage of safety devices. Candidates must hold a high school diploma or equivalent, be over 21 years, and complete relevant training certifications. This role offers competitive pay and comprehensive benefits from day one.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Successful completion of a Department of Transportation (DOT) Physical required for hire.

Responsibilities

• Transport students safely and expediently.
• Perform daily pre‑trip inspections.
• Communicate via radio for routine and emergency situations.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Position Overview

Position Type: Transportation / Bus Driver Trainee
Location: Support Services Center, Thornton, CO
Date Posted: 12/18/2025
Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Salary

GRADE: G13 (Hourly Range/Step 1 - Step 8: $22.90 - $28.23)
Minimum Hourly Rate: $22.90
Standard Hours Per Week: 40
FTE: 1.0
Months Per Year: 9
Job Code: 1603
Position Type: Permanent/Regular

Commitment to Excellence

Adams 12 Five Star Schools is deeply committed to a community of excellence, equity, and inclusion in everything we do. We commit to eliminating the predictability of who is included in excellence. We put students first and support our district's mission to elevate student success for every student every day in every classroom. Candidates who can contribute to our goal are encouraged to apply and identify their strengths in this area.

Job Summary

This is a limited duration training position. Incumbents are taught the knowledge and skills necessary to become a district Bus Driver. Within four weeks, the incumbent must either become qualified and be promoted to Bus Driver, or be declared not qualified and employment terminated. After successful completion, the incumbent will know how to transport students safely and expediently, monitor student behavior, and manage special needs passengers.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Transport students safely and expediently, driving routes according to schedules and bus stop locations. Monitor student behavior, address noise, settle disputes, and communicate with transportation personnel, parents, and school officials.
• Perform daily pre‑trip inspections per Colorado regulations, maintain vehicle cleanliness, check fluids, and fuel vehicles according to department guidelines.
• Communicate via radio for routine and emergency situations; report unsafe conditions to the Scheduler/Dispatcher.
• Use proper procedures when working with special education and wheelchair students; ensure seatbelts, safety vests, and restraint devices are used correctly. Protect confidential student information.
• Attend all meetings and training sessions, including first aid and CPR classes required by the District.
• Verify route times, provide updates to Scheduler/Dispatcher, complete state‑required October 1st mileage and student count reports, and establish seat charts.
• Perform additional duties as assigned, including annual comprehensive bus cleaning.

Education and Related Work Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• No experience required.

Licenses, Registrations and Certifications

• Criminal background check required for hire.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Valid Colorado driver’s license.
• Copy of an individual Motor Vehicle Record must be submitted at time of application.
• Successful completion of a Department of Transportation (DOT) Physical required for hire.
• Commercial driver’s license (CDL) with Class B P2 S CDL endorsement required within one month after entering position.
• Must meet Colorado Department of Education and FMCSR Part 382 requirements.
• CPR and First Aid certifications within three months after entering position.

Application Information

All applicants (current district employees and external applicants) should list any and all work experience, including current district experience, when completing the employment application. Include job titles and duties held. The Human Resource department uses the application to screen for minimum qualifications required for each job.

Salary Information

All classified positions are paid on an hourly basis. Newly hired classified employees are placed initially on Step 1 of the pay grade for their position. Employees can advance up to 7 additional steps based on previous experience. Final hourly placement depends on the grade level and prior work experience. Refer to the Classified Salary Schedule and Classified Master Agreement for details.

Benefits Information

Adams 12 Five Star Schools offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. Additional programs include an employee assistance program, voluntary life insurance through PERA, and 401(k), 403(b), and 457(b) plans. Benefits are available immediately upon hire date. For more information, see our Benefits Overview.