Substitute Bus Driver

Tacoma Public Schools; Washington; On-site; USD 37,000 - 51,000; Part time

Job summary

Tacoma Public Schools is seeking a part-time bus driver to operate school buses on scheduled routes and approved activities in the Washington state area.

The role requires at least high school graduation and five years of licensed driving experience, with valid CDL and school bus endorsement. Training and safety compliance are essential for daily operations and child protection.

Qualifications

• High school graduation or equivalent.
• Five years of experience as a licensed driver of a passenger vehicle.
• Completion of bus driver training programs.
• Must have valid Washington State driver’s license with CDL and school bus endorsement.

Responsibilities

• Drives a school bus on scheduled routes and activities.
• Inspects, services and cleans buses and equipment.
• Maintains passenger safety and reports unsafe acts.
• Completes forms and reports to comply with regulations.
• Attends required training and stays current on laws and policies.

Skills

Policies knowledge

First aid/CPR

Communication skills

Physical ability

Reliable attendance

Bus radio use

Cultural awareness

Education

High school graduate

5 years licensed driver experience

Job description

Tacoma Public Schools

Expected Start Date: September 1, 2026

FTE: 0.01

Hours per day: Varies

Salary Level: SUB/BD/1, $31.979hr

Benefits: This position is not benefits-eligible

This position operates school buses to transport students and other authorized persons on all types of District approved activities.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Drives a school bus on scheduled routes and/or on all types of District approved activities inside and outside District boundaries.
• Services, inspects, and cleans school buses and related equipment to ensure compliance with state and District regulations.
• Maintains control of student passengers as related to safety; reports unsafe acts or conditions which require the attention of any person other than driver.
• Completes forms, records and reports to ensure compliance with state and District regulations.
• Attends meetings and completes any training programs as required by the state and the District; maintains current knowledge of all laws and policies established by the state.

OTHER JOB DUTIES

• Performs basic first aid as necessary.
• Provides assistance in loading and unloading students from bus; assists passengers in evacuating bus in emergency situations.
• Performs related duties as assigned, on a temporary basis.
• Regular, reliable, predictable attendance or physical presence is an essential job requirement and critical to the performance of the work.

CONDITIONS

May be required to work outdoors in inclement weather; may be required to lift and carry up to 20 pounds, bend, squat, stoop, kneel, crouch, walk, twist, climb, and/or be mobile.

Education and Experience

High school graduation or equivalent; five years of experience as a licensed driver of a passenger vehicle, and completion of bus driver training programs; or any combination of experience and training which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and ability required to perform the work.

Licenses/Special Requirements

Valid Washington State driver’s license and commercial driver’s license with proof of acceptable driving record for the past five years (reference WAC 392-144-103) and appropriate endorsement for driving a school bus.

First aid and CPR card or required to obtain within first 30 days of employment.

Must be 21 years of age.

Required to pass a U.S. DOT physical.

Must continue compliance with State Board of Education Requirements for Bus Drivers (WAC 180-20).

Fingerprints and successful WSP and FBI background clearance/sexual misconduct clearance.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of state and District policies regarding school bus transportation.
• Knowledge of basic first aid and CPR.
• Skill in obtaining, clarifying and exchanging information.
• Ability to physically move in an overturned bus and assist students.
• Ability to demonstrate reasonable, reliable and regular attendance.
• Ability to operate communications equipment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of people in a multi-cultural, diverse socio-economic setting.