Substitute Bus Driver (2026/2027)

Payson Unified School District; Payson (AZ); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Payson Unified School District is seeking a Substitute Bus Driver to transport students on school routes and field trips in a safe, timely manner. The role is 10 months, with a trainee program and pay commensurate with the district's minimum wage during onboarding.

Qualifications include a high school diploma or equivalent, a clean driving record, and the ability to obtain a Class B CDL with P and S endorsements. Expect adherence to district safety policies and HIPAA/FERPA guidelines.

Qualifications

• Clean driving record.
• Possess or be able to obtain a valid Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card within 45 days of employment.
• CDL with P & S endorsements or ability to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Transport students safely to and from school and on activities.
• Maintain discipline and report incidents.
• Perform pre/post trip inspections and ensure vehicle cleanliness.

Skills

Clean driving record

Patient & safety focus

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Substitute Bus Driver (2026/2027)

Payson Unified District Transportation - Payson, Arizona Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in Payson Unified School District #10

Job Details

Job ID: 5262712

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Re-Posted: May 13, 2026 6:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Jul 1, 2026

Job Description

TITLE: BUS DRIVER

DEPARTMENT: Transportation

NOTE: Any applicant hired for a school bus driver position must possess or be able to obtain the following:

• Valid Commercial Driver License (CDL) with the appropriate passenger (P), school bus (S) and air brake (A) endorsements
• Valid Identity Verified Prints (IVP) Fingerprint Clearance Card.
• Arizona Dept of Public Safety Student Transportation certificate.

Until a person hired for a school bus driver position posseses these items, the person will be in a driver trainee program with the District and will be paid an hourly rate commensurate with the current minimum wage.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Three years of documented safe driving experience is preferred.
• Must possess a clean driving record.
• Possess or have the ability to obtain a valid Arizona Identity Verified Prints (IVP) Fingerprint Clearance Card within forty-five (45) days of employment.
• Valid Arizona Driver’s License – Class B CDL with P & S Endorsements or ability to obtain.
• Any combination equivalent to training and experience that could likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities would be qualifying.
• Health and age requirements as may be required by rule, regulations, law or the Governing Board.
• Additional Arizona Department of Public Safety - Student Transportation Division requirements:
• Successfully complete (pass) the required Physical Performance Test (PPT).
• Successfully complete (pass) required 5 panel and 9 panel drug screening tests.
• Possess or have the ability to obtain First Aid and CPR certifications.

JOB GOAL:

The Bus Driver is responsible for the transportation of students to and from school and on activity/field trips in a safe and efficient manner.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following tasks are essential for this position. This list is not inclusive of all responsibilities. Individuals may not perform all of these tasks, or may perform similar related tasks not listed.

• Complies with all HIPAA and FERPA related confidentiality requirements.
• Develops positive relations with students, parents, school staff and the public.
• Operates District radio equipment in order to communicate with District Transportation department personnel while driving assigned routes.
• Obeys all traffic laws and enforces all bus regulations.
• Observes all mandatory safety regulations for school buses.
• May administer emergency first-aid.
• Maintains discipline when students are on the bus.
• Reports unruly students to proper authorities.
• Keeps the bus or other assigned vehicle clean.
• Runs assigned schedule efficiently, varying only after consultation with the Director of Transportation.
• Performs Pre and Post Trip bus/vehicle inspections for mechanical and safety defects and notifies proper authorities of issues when found.
• Transports only authorized students and student supervisors.
• Reports all accidents to proper authorities and completes required documentation/reports.
• Responds to all internal and external customers, as it relates to the position, in a prompt, efficient, friendly and patient manner.
• Is responsible, reliable and punctual.
• Exercises positive problem solving behavior and conflict resolution skills.
• Adheres to the dress code appropriate to the department and position.
• Shares sensitive student and staff information with only those who are required to have access to this information.
• Participates in students’ daily school experience in a constructive and appropriate manner.
• Works with a large cross section of people in a professional and non-judgmental manner and is a positive role model to others.
• Makes the well being of students the fundamental value in all decision making.
• Performs all duties in a safe and prudent manner as directed.
• Participates in continuing professional growth programs.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY:

Knowledge of:

• District policies, operations and organization.
• Interpersonal skills including tact, courtesy, and diplomacy.
• Communication (telephone, email, etc.) etiquette.
• The proper use of the English language in oral and written format.
• Operation of District radio communication equipment.
• Applicable laws and regulations governing the safe operation of a school bus.
• Principles and practices of safe driving.
• Vehicle inspection procedures.
• Record-keeping techniques.

Skill and Ability to:

• Work cooperatively with others and provide a high level of customer service.
• Establish work priorities to meet schedules and timelines.
• Work in a higher pressure environment.
• Calmly and clearly communicate with staff members, community members and emergency personnel during emergent situations.
• Maintain all pertinent safety protocols during the transportation of students.
• Interpret procedures and policies for transportation in the District.
• Maintain records and prepare reports.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Requires the mobility to stand, stoop, reach and bend. Require mobility of arms to reach and dexterity of hands to grasp and manipulate small objects.
• Perform work which involves the frequent lifting, pushing and/or pulling of objects which may approximate 50 pounds and may occasionally weigh up to 100 pounds.
• May be required to work around foul odors, loud noise, moving mechanical parts, electrical current.
• Is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions.
• May be required to work evenings or weekends.

REPORTS TO: Director of Transportation

EVALUATION: Performance of this job will be evaluated annually by the Director of Transportation in accordance with the provisions of Governing Board policy for evaluation of classified personnel.

TERMS OF

EMPLOYMENT: 10 Months

SALARY: Salary for the position is set according to the Classified Salary Schedule determined by the Governing Board.

2026/2027 Classified Salary Schedule

FLSA STATUS: Non Exempt

Position Type: Substitute

Job Requirements

• High School/Trade School degree preferred.
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Christine DeCarlo Human Resources Specialist
• 902 W Main St
• Payson, Arizona 85547
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]