Substitute Bus Driver

Hamilton Community School; Hamilton (MI); On-site; USD 30,000 - 36,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid CDL training

Job summary

Hamilton Community Schools is seeking a dedicated Substitute School Bus Driver to join the Transportation team in Hamilton, Michigan. The role supports student transport, adheres to safety protocols, and helps maintain a positive, reliable service for families.

New drivers can receive paid training to obtain a CDL with B, P, S, and Air Brakes endorsements. The position is nonexempt and requires background checks, a clean driving record, and the ability to pass required physicals.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must pass alcohol/ drug testing.
• Favorable results from a Driver Record check.
• Must be fingerprinted and have a Criminal Background check.
• CDL-B temporary license with Passenger, School Bus endorsements and Air Brakes.

Responsibilities

• Safely transport students to and from school and activities.
• Manage student behaviors effectively and professionally.
• Maintain vehicle cleanliness and safety equipment.
• Complete required trainings and reporting accurately.
• Report safety or maintenance concerns promptly.

Skills

Flexibility

Safety mindset

Student behavior management

Effective communication

Team player

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

CDL-B license (temporary) with endorsements

Job description

Substitute Bus Driver

Hamilton Community School District Transportation - Hamilton, Michigan Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in Hamilton Community Schools

Job Details

Job ID: 4705422

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Re-Posted: Aug 21, 2026 4:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

Substitute Bus Driver

JOB SUMMARY:

Hamilton Community Schools invites dedicated individuals that want to have a positive impact on students to apply for being a Substitute School Bus Driver. A substitute driver is a great position for someone to stay active in the community or for parents who want to be on their children's school schedule while also having the flexibility to determine the days that can be worked. A school bus driver plays a crucial role in getting our kids safely to where they need to be while being a supportive role model along the way.

Don't have your CDL? We will train you! Paid training is available to obtain the necessary CDL license with B, P, S, and Air Brakes endorsements.

JOB TYPE: Substitute

REPORTS TO: Transportation Supervisor

FLSA STATUS: Nonexempt

LOCATION: Hamilton Transportation

PAY RATE: $22.29/hour (Base)

HIRING BONUS:

New certified drivers will receive a $1,500 sign-on bonus.

• The bonus is $500 after hire and a 60-day (days worked) probation period.
• Then $1,000 after one year of employment.

New drivers that must earn driver certification will receive a $750 sign-on bonus.

• The bonus is $250 after a 60-day (days worked) probationary period.
• Then $500 after one year of employment.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must pass alcohol/ Drug testing
• Favorable results from a Driver Record check required
• Must be fingerprinted and have a Criminal Background check.
• Must have a CDL-B temporary license with the following endorsements:
• P-Passenger Endorsement
• S-School Bus Endorsement
• Air Brake Test

In order to obtain this license, you must pass the written CDL test. HCS CDL trainers will prepare potential drivers for the road test. This is paid training.

• Must have DOT/Michigan Department of Education physical at the clinic approved by the Hamilton Community Schools Transportation Supervisor.
• Must maintain a good driving record.
• Must complete training for school bus drivers required by the State of Michigan and Hamilton Community Schools.
• Must complete all Advanced School Bus Driving classes as required by the State of Michigan and Hamilton Community Schools.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The following are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed by such a person. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Safely transport students to and from school, activities, etc.
• Effectively and appropriately manage student behaviors
• Ability to multi-task for the services that we provide
• Maintain a cooperative attitude and build rapport with students, peers, supervisors, parents, school personnel, and the community
• Use effective and professional verbal and written communication skills
• Present self in a professional manner including attire and being alert and attentive
• Successfully complete all initial and ongoing required trainings, meetings, classes and professional development
• Work together as a team to keep interior and exterior of vehicle clean, safe and presentable
• Quickly and safely evacuate vehicle in case of an emergency
• Check student roster to ensure proper ridership
• Maintain current knowledge of all student requirements, such as medical protocols, IEP’s, etc. and respond appropriately to events by following written protocols
• While students are exiting, check vehicle for remaining/lost students, items, etc. ENSURE ALL PASSENGERS ARE OFF THE BUS at the end of the trip.
• Properly secure students in required safety equipment and restraints (i.e. wheelchairs, harnesses, etc.)
• Safely assist non-ambulatory students into and out of the vehicle
• Accurately complete reports and paperwork in a timely manner. Including, vehicle maintenance requests, student behavior referrals, timecards, directions, etc.
• Abide by federal law, state law, and district policies, procedures, and expectations
• Utilize technology when required
• Consistently perform thorough and accurate pre-trip and post-trip inspections
• Immediately report accidents
• Ensure vehicle is properly fueled according to department policy
• Prepare vehicle for student transport including inclement weather, harnesses, wheelchair tie-downs, etc.
• Safely and appropriately operate various types of school buses and equipment, including wheelchair lifts, radios, and emergency equipment
• Report any safety or maintenance concerns to appropriate personnel in a timely manner
• Report all moving violations to Transportation Supervisor, including any received while on or off the clock
• Clean bus as designated by department procedures
• Other duties as assigned

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Sitting, standing, and walking for extended periods of time
• Ascending and descending approximately 14” steps regularly
• Entering and exiting vehicles regularly
• Descend from back door of vehicle in emergencies onto uncertain surfaces
• Possibly repeated lifting and carrying students or object(s) weighing up to 75 pounds for 100 or more feet
• Possibly repeated pushing and pulling wheelchairs/objects(s) weighing up to 75 pounds for 100 or more feet
• Continuous use of hands, fingers, and wrists repetitively
• Using both hands and legs simultaneously
• Repeated stooping, bending, and kneeling
• Occasional pushing, pulling and maintaining balance
• Reach over head to approximately 72” height to open wheelchair lift door and operate lift mechanism
• Rapid mental/muscular coordination
• Verbal, auditory, and written capabilities to effectively communicate in an articulate manner
• Accurate depth perception
• Clarity of vision at varying distances to see small details
• Operate mobile motorized equipment
• Drive a vehicle to conduct work

HAZARDS:

• Possible contact with blood-borne pathogens and/or bodily fluids
• Contact with chemicals used for cleaning buses

WHO ARE WE?

Hamilton Community Schools is a rural district located in West Michigan south of Holland and east of Saugatuck. Our well-maintained district consists of four elementary buildings (Bentheim, Blue Star, Hamilton Elementary, and Sandyview) along with one middle school, one high school, and Hamilton FLEX (Virtual, Blended, and Shared Time options). Hamilton prides itself on being a big district (135 square miles) with a small-town feel.

Hamilton Community Schools is one of 18 member public school districts within the Ottawa Intermediate School District (OAISD). Our district consists of 400 employees and over 2,500 full-time students and 1,100 non-public students in a variety of programs and formats. Hamilton Community Schools is known throughout the state as a premier district balancing a small-town atmosphere with educational innovation to meet the needs of each learner. The focus on K-12 academics, work-based learning, athletics, and the arts makes Hamilton a destination district. WE are HAWKEYES!

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Hamilton Community Schools is an equal opportunity employer and

employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard

to race, religion, sex, national origin, age, color, height, weight, marital status, familial

status, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status with

applicable state and federal laws.

DISTRIBUTION: Internal / External

Position Type: Part-Time

Salary: $22.29 Per Hour

Job Categories:

Support Staff > Transportation

Contact Information

• Kathy Dykema , Transportation Supervisor
• Transportation
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]