Charter Bus Driver - Substitute

Independent School District 196; Minnesota; On-site; USD 29,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Independent School District 196 is seeking a Charter Driver Substitute to safely operate district charter buses for students, staff and chaperones on field trips, athletic events, and activities. The role adapts to varying routes, destinations, and schedules while prioritizing passenger safety and well‑being.

Responsibilities include pre-trip inspections, route reviews, proper loading/unloading, timely reports, and maintenance of the bus.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required or preferred.
• Valid Minnesota driver's license with a good driving record.
• DOT pre-employment drug screening may be required.
• Background checks and medical/physical criteria apply.

Responsibilities

• Inspect the school bus prior to operations.
• Review routes and follow designated stops and loading procedures.
• Obey Federal, State and Local rules and regulations.
• Complete written reports as required.
• Maintain a clean and fueled school bus.
• Operate two-way radio and ensure student discipline per policies.
• Report all mechanical issues and any crashes immediately.
• Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections and logs.

Skills

Good driving record

3 years driving experience

Prompt, regular and reliableAttendance

Ability to lift up to 40 pounds

Enjoy working with children

Diversity experience

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

• Date Posted: 10/22/2026
• Location: District Office East
• Closing Date: 11/13/2026

Description: Charter Driver Substitute: Variable schedules, including mornings, afternoons, evenings, and weekend trips during the school calendar and summer programs

Qualifications: In order to be hired by the Rosemount/Apple Valley/Eagan School District 196 you will need to participate in the following if you currently hold a CDL and School Bus endorsement:

• Driver Record Check
• Interview
• Criminal Background Check
• Reference Checks
• Training and a Behind the Wheel Evaluation
• Pass the DOT Pre-employment Drug Screening

If you do not have a School Bus License we will train you. You will need to do the following in addition to the above items:

• Pass a CDL physical
• Obtain a CDL permit with school bus and Passenger endorsement
• Attend Training and Behind the Wheel Training
• Pass the Minnesota CDL/ School Bus Road Test

Charter Driver Substitute Job Summary:

Responsible for the safe and reliable operation of district charter buses to transport authorized students, staff, and chaperones to assigned field trips, athletic events, and extracurricular activities. This role requires adaptability to navigate varying routes, destinations, and schedules while ensuring the utmost safety and well‑being of all passengers during transit.

Primary Job Duties

• Inspect the school bus as required before operations
• Review route direction as needed prior to driving route
• Follow designated routes, times, bus stops and follow safe loading and unloading procedures when discharging students at their school or designated stop
• Obey Federal, State and Local rules and regulations
• Complete written reports as required
• Maintain a clean and fueled school bus
• Operate the two-way radio
• Maintains proper student discipline according to district policies and department procedures and reports student discipline problems
• Report all mechanical problems to Transportation shop
• Reports all crashes immediately
• Enforce regulations against smoking and eating on the bus
• Complete pre-trip logs, mileage, maintenance, accident and discipline reports as required and/or requested.
• Conduct a post trip inspection after each route
• Follows the policies and procedures in accordance with School District 196 Transportation Department Handbook and the provisions listed in the Employee Contract
• Other duties as assigned

Physical Requirements:

• Pre-trip vehicle inspection: lifting hood, climbing and reaching to inspect engine area, bending and squatting to inspect tires, walking up and down bus aisle to check seats and exits. Will require some periods of exposure to elements.
• Continued braking, accelerating, steering and operation of service door and controls while driving.
• Capable of lifting or dragging students in case of an emergency (ranging in weight from small child to full adult weight).
• Exposure to road dust, occasional fuel and exhaust fumes.

Charter Driver Qualifications:

• Applicants must be a high school graduate or equivalent
• Have a valid Minnesota driver's license with a good driving record and at least 3 years of driving experience (in any type of vehicle)
• Valid School Bus License or will train
• Fully participate in training as requested
• Prompt, regular and reliable attendance
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds
• Prefer individuals available to work mornings and afternoons.
• Enjoy working with children.
• Demonstrates and role models positive, safe and responsible behavior.
• Demonstrated experience and proficiency working with a culturally, ethnically, racially and socioeconomically diverse school community is preferred.
• Successfully meets the qualifications of the transportation department physical test
• Ability to perform routine computer functions, including the use of email

Responsible To: Coordinator of Transportation

Compensation / Benefits: Charter Bus Drivers: $25.80 Hourly (based on 2026-27)

Our team of dedicated educators is committed to the mission of educating, developing, and inspiring our students for lifelong success. Our core values are student-centered, based in empathy and integrity to support the wellbeing of the whole person, and learning with high expectations for all. Our culture of collaboration fosters an environment of inclusivity, engagement and belonging for all students, and inspires a love of learning for all ages. Our vision is to provide the experiences that our students, families and employees desire by developing the whole student and honoring diverse needs and cultures; engaging students with opportunities in academics, arts and athletics (Triple A philosophy), and living our mission to prepare students for lifelong success.

District 196 is a Minnesota public school district of choice, serving more than 29,000 students and 160,000 residents in the cities of Rosemount, Apple Valley, Eagan, Burnsville, Coates, Empire, Inver Grove Heights and Lakeville, and Vermillion Township. District 196 is the third largest school district in Minnesota and among the largest employers in Dakota County, with more than 4,000 full- and part-time employees. District 196 has been named to Forbes' list of America's Best-in-State Employers multiple times based on a survey asking employees to rate their employers and how likely they would be to recommend them to others.

District 196 has 20 elementary schools (grades K-5); six middle schools (grades 6-8); four high schools (grades 9-12); an optional School of Environmental Studies for juniors and seniors; an Area Learning Center high school program; a K-12 special education school, and a special education program serving young adults ages 18-22. The district also operates three learning centers that provide early childhood and Adult Basic Education services, and offers extensive community education programs and classes for learners of all ages.

Equal Opportunity Employer As required by Title IX and other state and federal nondiscrimination laws, District 196 does not discriminate in employment or in any of its education programs and activities, including vocational opportunities, on the basis of sex, race, religion, color, creed, national origin, marital status, familial status, disability, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, age or genetic information. District 196 provides equal access to designated youth groups.

*Asterisked categories are limited to employment-related discrimination and harassment.

The Director of Human Resources, Joel Milteer (651-423-7859 [e-mail]) is the designated Title IX Coordinator and has also been designated to respond to employment-related inquiries regarding the district's non-discrimination policies. The Director of Elementary Education, Jeremy Sorenson (651-423-7782 [e-mail]) and the Director of Secondary Education, Eric Hansen (651-423-7712 [e-mail]) have been designated to respond to student-related inquiries regarding the district's non-discrimination policies. The Director of Special Education, Janet Fimmen (651-423-7629 [e-mail]) has been designated to respond to inquiries concerning the rights of a student with a disability. The mailing address for all directors is 3455 153rd Street W, Rosemount, MN 55068. Title IX inquiries may also be referred to the Assistant Secretary of the US Office for Civil Rights (OCR).

Need Help?

We're here to help! For questions regarding position qualifications or application procedures, please contact Tamara Bosiacki at 651-423-7755, District 196 Human Resources. For substitute teaching qualifications, please contact Stacie Shandorf at 651-423-7761, District 196 Human Resources. For technical questions regarding the Applicant Tracking system, please contact the Applicant Tracking help desk using the Request Technical Help link below.