Bus Driver Trainee (SY26-27)

Columbus City Schools - Ohio; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 2,548,560 - 3,173,990; Full time

Job summary

Columbus City Schools - Ohio is looking for a Bus Driver Trainee to safely operate a school bus on established routes and assist students with special needs. Responsibilities include conducting emergency drills, maintaining cleanliness, and ensuring pupil safety.

Applicants must be at least 21 years old with a valid driver's license and five years of legal driving experience. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to increase their hourly pay after completing the training program.

Qualifications

• Possession of a valid driver's license.
• Five (5) years of legal driving experience.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.

Responsibilities

• Learn to operate a passenger school bus safely.
• Assist students with special needs.
• Conduct emergency evacuation drills.

Skills

Safe school bus operation

Knowledge of Ohio Motor Vehicle Laws

Ability to enforce safety procedures

Ability to perform routine vehicle maintenance

Job description

Job Title

BUS DRIVER TRAINEE

Location

Columbus, Ohio

Salary

$18.50 hourly (potential to increase to $23.04 hourly after successful completion of the training program)

Responsibilities

• Learn to safely operate a passenger school bus on established routes, field trips, extra‑pay trips, and athletic routes, including picking up and discharging students at designated locations.
• Assist students with special needs and ensure all special‑needs equipment is used properly.
• Supervise student behavior on the bus through verbal direction for safety.
• Conduct emergency evacuation drills and train students in proper evacuation procedures.
• Consult with principals or designated staff when unresolved behavior issues arise.
• Maintain cleanliness of the bus by cleaning and waxing interior and exterior as needed.
• Perform pre‑trip inspections, maintain appropriate records, and develop route maps.
• Report mechanical defects to maintenance personnel promptly.
• Follow departmental procedures as documented in the Bus Driver Handbook.

Training Program Requirements

• Pass background check, drug test, and physical exam.
• Obtain required permit(s) and complete the training program.
• Obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) within two weeks of training completion.
• Failure to complete the training or obtain licensure within the deadline results in release from the position.

Minimum Qualifications

• Possession of a valid driver's license.
• Five (5) years of legal driving experience.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of Ohio Motor Vehicle Laws, Ohio Pupil Transportation Operation and Safety Rules, and Ohio Commercial Driver’s License Standards.
• Skill in safe school bus operation and daily maintenance procedures.
• Ability to enforce pupil safety procedures and to interact successfully with students, parents, principals, and teachers.
• Ability to read and understand written information, maps, and vehicle gauges.
• Ability to perform routine vehicle maintenance tasks such as oil changes and fluid refills.
• Ability to maintain written records and to identify bus malfunctions.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Columbus City Schools (CCS) is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants for employment will receive consideration regardless of race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, gender identity or expression, ancestry, familial status, military status or disability.