School Bus Driver

distinctiveschools; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25+ paid holidays

12 weeks family paid leave

Healthcare (Medical, Dental, Vision)

403b match

Tuition reimbursement

Wellness discounts

Professional development

Job summary

Distinctive Schools is seeking a School Bus Driver to transport students between two Chicago locations, ensuring safety, maintaining vehicles, and adhering to a strict timetable. The role requires a CDL-B, endorsements, and a clean background check, with opportunities to support students and schools through flexible routing and teamwork.

The position is full-time, with benefits and a starting salary of $42,029, commensurate with experience, and a September 2026 start date.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required.
• CDL-B and endorsements (Passenger, School Bus) and Illinois School Bus Permit required.
• Successful background check.
• Good driving record and safety-focused.
• Experience with school transportation preferred.
• Ability to switch routes and adapt as needed.
• Physical ability to perform required tasks.

Responsibilities

• Transport students along established routes to and from school and events.
• Drive safely following timetable and traffic laws.
• Assist students, including those with disabilities, on and off the bus.
• Maintain bus condition and report maintenance needs.
• Travel up to 100 miles as needed.
• Follow supervisor instructions and school policies.

Skills

Good driving skills

Independent work

Team collaboration

Professional communication

Physical stamina

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

CDL-B

Passenger Endorsement

School Bus Endorsement

Illinois School Bus Permit

Radio basics

Routing software

Attendance software

Job description

Position Title: School Bus Driver

Location: Split between CICS Bucktown- 2235 N Hamilton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 and CICS West Belden- 2245 N McVicker, Chicago IL 60649

Reports To: Director of Transportation

F.T.E: Full Time

Salary: Starting at $42,029, commensurate with experience

Start Date: September 2026

Distinctive Schools creates diverse, joyful, welcoming communities rooted in social justice and rigorous learning. We support all learners to be engaged, curious, and to achieve their full potential. Our students become confident advocates, creative problem-solvers, and collaborative leaders.

Overview

School Bus Driver transports students to and from school and extracurricular events following a scheduled route while ensuring student safety. The Bus Driver will also ensure their vehicles are in good shape and receive proper maintenance for safe operation.

Responsibilities

• Pick up students at stops along established routes and drop them off at school and designated after-school location
• Transport students and faculty to special events, such as field trips or sporting event
• Drive safely along designated routes
• Obey traffic laws, safety procedures, and transit regulations
• Pick up and drop off passengers at designated locations
• Follow a specific timetable while on duty
• Assist passengers with disabilities to get on the bus
• Assist with school monitoring or other tasks as requested by supervisor
• Prevent or stop unruly behavior from passengers
• Reasonably expected to travel distances of up to 100 miles

Requirements (minimum)

Education: High School Diploma

Qualifications

• Commercial Driver's License (CDL-B)
• Passenger Endorsement, School Bus Endorsement, Illinois School Bus Permit
• Successful background check
• Good driving skills and record
• Previous School Experience
• Flexibility in switching bus routes as needed
• Must possess physical ability to perform all required work
• Maintain a professional relationship with supervisors, staff, families, students and the public
• Work independently and in teams to complete job duties and assignments in a timely
• Technology demands
  • Basic knowledge of radio, routing software and attendance software

Physical demands: Sit for extended periods of time. Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry tools, objects, or equipment above shoulder level without assistance. Move up and down stairs easily. Reach overhead and below the knees, including bending, twisting, pulling, and stooping.

Benefits

• 25+ paid holidays, upfront sick leave, and an accrual-based personal time bank
• 12 weeks family paid leave
• Comprehensive Healthcare (Medical, Dental, Vision)
• 403b match
• Fully match up to 3%
• 50% match up to 5%
• Professional development including tuition reimbursement
• Gym and wellness discounts
• And more

Description Disclaimer: Since no job description can detail all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a job, duties and responsibilities that may be inherent in a job, reasonably required for its performance, or required due to the changing nature of the job shall also be considered part of the jobholder's responsibility.

EEO

Distinctive Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other personal characteristic protected by applicable law. Distinctive Schools is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, Distinctive Schools will take the steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact [e-mail] or call 773.828.4191.