Bus Driver Trainee 26050

Poway Unified School District; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Poway Unified School District is seeking candidates for a Bus Driver Trainee position in Poway, CA. The role involves operating a school bus on designated routes, ensuring student safety, and completing required inspections and trainings.

Upon completion of the trainee program, drivers pursue licensure with state qualifications. Applicants must meet education and driving record requirements and may participate in ongoing safety and staff development activities.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school (or equivalent).
• One year of experience in the operation of a motor vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Drive a school bus on designated routes following schedules and laws.
• Inspect vehicle and report defects; perform daily safety inspections.
• Assist students with special needs and maintain order on the bus.
• Maintain records of inspections, mileage, and passenger counts.
• Attend trainings and safety meetings as required.

Skills

Defensive driving

Interpersonal skills

Oral communication

Written communication

Basic math

Record-keeping

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

*This next video is being provided to give you a clear understanding of the nature of the position of Bus Driver Trainee and its requirements. Please take the time to watch the video.*

https://youtu.be/N6ZDNpCPOUI

*This posting is for those interested in participating in a training program to become licensed as a School Bus Driver.*

*The NEXT class is scheduled to start October 5th 2026*

*This is a safety sensitive position and employees will be subject to

Department of Transportation Drug Testing Guidelines

Upcoming orientations to be announced.

PUSD Transportation Department

13626 Twin Peaks Road

Poway, CA 92064

https://www.powayusd.com/en-US/Departments/Business-Support/Transportation/BusDriverTraining

BASIC FUNCTION:

Under the direction of the Operations Supervisor, operate and maintain a school bus to transport students safely and efficiently to and from assigned locations using designated routes; assure vehicle safety by performing daily safety inspections and cleaning duties.

BUS DRIVER REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

1. Drive a school bus over designated routes in accordance with specified time schedules and in accordance with regulations and laws related to pupil transportation; transport students to and from school, special events, and field trips. E
2. Pick up and discharge students at established bus stops; escort children across streets or roadways, stopping traffic as necessary; report incidents or conditions affecting the safety of students as appropriate. E
3. Maintain bus in a safe operating condition through prescribed daily vehicle inspections including cleaning windows, mirrors, and bus interior and exterior; check and maintain fuel, oil, and water levels; check brakes, brake lights, wheel chair lifts, and doors; report mechanical defects and malfunctions to appropriate personnel. E
4. Inspect wheelchairs and car/safety seats for safe transportation of students, toddlers, and infants; report unsafe conditions to appropriate personnel. E
5. Instruct students on safe riding procedures; maintain order and discipline among passengers on the bus and while waiting at bus stops in accordance with District policies. E
6. Assist students with special needs to board, ride, and exit the bus safely; assist students in wheelchairs by loading and securing chairs before departure and assuring students are safely fastened into their seats; secure adaptive and assistive devices; utilize wheelchair lifts and tie‑downs; operate a hydraulic lift as assigned. E
7. Communicate with students, parents, District personnel, and various outside agencies to exchange information and resolve issues or concerns related to bus routes, schedules, student behavior, Behavior Modification Plans, and other assigned activities. E
8. Prepare student conduct, incident, and accident reports. E
9. Maintain electronic data collection, such as daily pre‑trip inspection, daily mileage, student count, and school bus routing. E
10. Conduct State mandated school bus evacuations drills as required. E
11. Maintain routine written or electronic records related to inspections, maintenance, and assigned activities. E
12. Operate two‑way communication devices. E
13. Verify student bus passes; collect single‑ride bus fares as needed. E
14. Administer first aid or emergency assistance as needed. E
15. Attend classes, safety meetings, and in‑service trainings as assigned or as required for maintenance of certificate and license. E
16. Mentor new/other bus drivers as assigned or needed.
17. Perform a variety of clerical duties including selling bus passes, filing and other duties as directed.
18. Participate in ongoing training and staff development.
19. Perform related duties as assigned.

At the end of some of the duty statements, there is an "E" which identifies essential duties required of the classification.

Applicants must provide a valid California driver's license and K-4 driving record from the DMV not more than 30 days old. The K-4 must be provided after completion of the first day of the Bus Driver Trainee course.

**A valid California driver's license must be attached and submitted with the application** Please be sure to check your email spam folder for any communications from our Transportation department.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Graduation from high school (or equivalent) and one year of experience in the operation of a motor vehicle.

After completing the Bus Driver Trainee program, Trainees must attain the following to become licensed Bus Drivers:

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR BUS DRIVER:

• Valid California Class B or Class A commercial driver's license with passenger and air brake endorsements.
• Valid California School Bus Driver Certificate.
• US Department of Transportation Medical Examiner's Certificate.
• Incumbents must have an acceptable driving record and must qualify for insurability by the District's insurance carrier.
• Maintain current First Aid Certification (as required to maintain valid and current CA Special Driver's Certificate for School Bus).

BUS DRIVER REQUIREMENTS:

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Proper operations of school buses.
• Safe and defensive driving methods and techniques.
• All applicable provisions of the California Vehicle Code, California Code of Regulations Title V and Xiii, the Passenger Transportation Safety handbook, HPH 82.7, and Education Code relating to pupil transportation.
• Various mechanical characteristics of buses.
• School district geographic area.
• Applicable District and site policies, procedures, and objectives of assigned program and activities.
• Proper operation of two‑way radios.
• Appropriate Health and Safety regulations, safety precautions and procedures.
• Standard first aid procedures.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Proper lifting techniques.
• Basic record‑keeping and report preparation techniques.
• Basic computer skills.

ABILITY TO:

• Drive a school bus safely and efficiently.
• Learn and observe legal and defensive driving practices.
• Learn and follow designated routes.
• Maintain a safe discipline level among passengers.
• Conduct safety inspections and perform routine preventive maintenance.
• Maintain bus in clean and proper working condition.
• Comprehend and follow equipment instructions for student assistive devices such as wheelchairs.
• Assist in loading and unloading students with special needs.
• Administer first aid.
• Operate a two‑way radio.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Respond appropriately to feedback, direction, and evaluation.
• Prepare and maintain routine records and reports.
• Understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Meet schedules and time lines.
• Participate in various job related activities, professional growth training, and workshops.
• Exercise sound judgment.
• Learn and perform basic math.
• Learn and perform record‑keeping techniques.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

ENVIRONMENT:

• Driving a vehicle to conduct work.
• Driving in various road and weather conditions to conduct work.
• School bus and outdoor environment.
• Work irregular hours in the performance of job duties.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Bending at the waist, kneeling, stooping, twisting or crouching.
• Must be able