Starting Date: Immediately
Job Description
On-call position. 4 to 8 hours per day when called. Primary work schedule may start as early as 5:40 a.m. and end as late as 5:50 p.m., dependent on route. Occasional opportunities for field trips that end as late as 12:00 a.m.
The rate of pay is $18/hour while in training.
If you require a CDL (Class B) endorsement, we will provide classroom and behind‑the‑wheel training, skills‑test training, DOT physical and drug screening, and First Aid/CPR training.
Substitute bus drivers complete comprehensive training to successfully prepare them to assist in managing passenger behavior and maintain the safe transport of a school bus.
Classroom training takes approximately 40 hours and includes rules and regulations to operate a school bus, SPED training, and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports training. Behind‑the‑wheel training takes approximately 20 hours. CDL skills training takes approximately 10 hours.
Costs (may be incurred by the applicant)
- Driving abstract - $15.00
- CDL permit fee - $40.00
- General Knowledge, School Bus (S) endorsement, air‑brake and passenger endorsement fees - $40.00
- Fingerprint background check - $92.40
- CDL new license - $156.00
Reimbursed Fees
- Drug screen - $86.00
- Medical examiner’s certificate - $90–$95.00
- Third‑party examiners fee - $100.00
We appreciate your interest in employment with Vancouver Public Schools (VPS). All applications are considered and reviewed. The most qualified and competitive applicant(s) that possess directly related experience and expertise, training, and education may be invited to participate in the interview/selection process. As part of the selection process, the district conducts confidential reference checks to include former and present employers and also requires a criminal background investigation. Unfortunately, due to the number of applications received, not all applicants will receive an interview.
Qualifications
- Possess a valid Washington State driver’s license with a Class ‘B’ CDL ‘S’ endorsement, successful completion of VPS training, and an acceptable driving record.
- One year experience as a driver of a truck or commercial passenger vehicle, or five years experience as a driver of a passenger car.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a current Washington State school bus driver’s certificate.
- Ability to read and understand road maps and other directions.
- Ability to deal calmly with students and maintain concentration and patience in noisy conditions.
- Maintain WISHA approved first aid/CPR certification.
Requirements
- Ability to work effectively as a team member and team leader as needed.
- Ability to work with frequent interruptions.
- Ability to meet tight time constraints and deadlines, including but not limited to varying working hours when necessary.
- Regular attendance to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the position to achieve program requirements, goals, and outcomes.
- Ability to pass the annual physical required for certification.
- Ability to operate hand and foot controls installed in school buses as required by Washington State school bus certifications.
- Ability to operate and service school bus equipment and accessories such as fire extinguishers, highway warning kits, snow chains, sanders, and first aid kits.
- Sufficient strength and agility to assist well and/or physically impaired students on or off bus through the passenger service door. Sufficient strength and agility to move about in an overturned bus to assist students with evacuation.
- Hearing sufficient to detect and distinguish traffic sounds from any direction, from a distance that will allow enough time for defensive or evasive action if necessary.
- Vision equivalent to 20/40 in best eye, with/without correction; about 140 degrees peripheral. Depth perception adequate to determine distance and closing rate of other vehicles from a stationary or moving school bus. Eye coordination to avoid diplopia; color vision adequate to read traffic signals.
Essential Functions
- Drive school buses on regularly scheduled routes, field trips, and other district‑approved trips, including conventional and transit buses, possibly equipped for wheelchair‑bound and other special‑needs students.
- Perform daily maintenance on assigned vehicle, following a checklist; notify shop if more extensive maintenance is needed.
- Maintain control of student passengers to ensure their safety; report severe or repeated discipline problems to the appropriate building principal.
- Complete required paperwork in an accurate and timely manner.
- Participate in regular bus driver training courses given by the Superintendent of Public Instruction and/or the school district.
- Treat co‑workers, supervisors, students, parents and others with dignity and respect at all times.
- Serve as a positive role model for students and practice the behaviors that are expected of them.
- Work in a flexible and cooperative manner.
- Perform other tasks and assume other responsibilities as assigned by supervisor.
Job Details
- Position Type: Flexible Working Schedule
- Salary: $26.77 to $30.17 hourly
- Fair Labor Standard Act Status: Non‑exempt
- Application deadline: Jun 30, 2026 5:00 PM (Pacific Standard Time)
- Posted: Jun 16, 2025 7:00 AM (UTC)
- Job ID: 5239154