Bus Driver Trainer, Full Year

Applitrack; United States; On-site; USD 37,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Guaranteed 40 hours all year

Union representation

Comprehensive benefits package

Paid professional development

Job summary

Portland Public Schools is seeking a Driver Trainer to lead safety and instructional efforts, delivering classroom and behind-the-wheel training for candidate drivers and ensuring high safety standards across our operations team.

The role offers guaranteed full-time schedule, union-backed structure, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional development through district-sponsored training and safety workshops.

Qualifications

• Must hold valid CDL Class B with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements for at least two years.
• Clean driving record: 3-year history with felony/DUI restrictions and no more than 2 moving violations in 24 months.
• Physical capability: pass pre-employment physicals, background checks, and drug/alcohol screenings; lift at least 50 lbs.
• Student & safety focus: strong communication, constructive teaching approach, positive impact on Portland's transportation team and students.
• Bonus qualifications: First Aid and CPR certifications are a plus (or we can help you get certified!).

Responsibilities

• Educate & mentor: conduct classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction for Class B CDL, Air Brake, Passenger (P), and School Bus (S) exams.
• Prepare drivers for the road: teach pre-trip and post-trip inspections, traffic laws, routing, and student behavior management.
• Conduct evaluations: administer driver evaluations, supervise road tests, and lead safety meetings.
• Support operational needs: training logs, yard duties, fueling, bus cleaning, minor repairs, and covering routes or trips as needed.

Skills

CDL Class B

P and S endorsements

Teaching / mentoring

Safety training

Strong communication

Job description

Looking to step into a rewarding leadership role, mentor new drivers, and make a lasting impact in our community? Portland Public Schools is hiring a Driver Trainer to join our Operations team! As a Driver Trainer, you will lead our safety and instructional efforts, providing complete classroom and behind-the-wheel training to prepare candidate drivers and keep our team operating at the highest standards of safety and care.

TOP PERKS:

Guaranteed 40 Hours All Year: Enjoy stable, year-round employment with guaranteed 40 hours per week across all 12 months.

Union Representation: Benefit from a structured, represented pay plan and strong workplace advocacy.

Comprehensive Benefits Package: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage, plus enrollment in the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).

Meaningful Community Impact: Serve as a vital mentor, guiding new drivers and ensuring Portland's students travel safely every day.

Paid Professional Development: District-sponsored trainer certification opportunities, safety workshops, and continuous professional growth.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Educate & Mentor: Conduct structured classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction to prepare driver candidates for their Class B CDL, Air Brake, Passenger (P), and School Bus (S) exams.

Prepare Drivers for the Road: Teach vehicle pre- and post-trip safety inspection protocols, traffic safety regulations, route navigation, and student behaviour management.

Conduct Evaluations: Administer driver evaluations, conduct supervised road tests, and lead regular departmental safety meetings.

Support Operational Needs: Maintain accurate training logs and operational records, assist with yard duties (fueling, bus cleaning, minor repairs), and cover routes or athletic trips when necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required License & Experience: Must have held a valid Commercial Driver's License (Class B) with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements for at least two (2) years.

Clean Driving Record: Furnish a 3-year driving record free of felony convictions and DUI/OUI convictions, with no more than 2 moving violations in the past 24 months.

Physical Capability: Ability to pass required pre-employment physical exams, background checks, and drug/alcohol screenings, and lift a minimum of 50 lbs.

Student & Safety Focus: Strong communication skills, a constructive teaching approach, and a desire to make a positive impact on Portland's transportation team and students.

Bonus Qualifications: First Aid and CPR certifications are a plus (or we can help you get certified!).

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS:

• Schedule: Full Time (1.0 FTE)
• Assignment: Permanent
• Shift: 1st Shift
• Contract: Part of BASE union (see 2026-2029Collective Bargaining Agreement here )
• Wage range: $26.72-$37.10, based on experience as outlined in CBA above
• Benefits: Eligible for benefits as outlined here

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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.