Substitute Bus Driver 2026-2027

Southeast Polk Community School District; United States; On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

Southeast Polk Community School District is seeking a Substitute Bus Driver to operate school buses safely and ensure the safety of students during transport. The ideal candidate should possess experience in driving and managing passenger vehicles, as well as provide support and instruction to students about bus safety rules.

Applicants must be dependable and capable of fulfilling physical requirements, including emergency evacuation procedures, and must complete background checks and health screenings. A commitment to maintaining a positive environment for students is essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum one year experience operating a passenger bus.
• Capability to perform physical tasks for safe bus operation.
• Ability to assist in emergency evacuation situations.

Responsibilities

• Operate a school bus safely to ensure passenger safety.
• Provide support to students regarding bus safety rules.
• Conduct safe loading and unloading of students.

Skills

Ability to learn operation of various buses

Computer skills useful for maintaining routing and student database

Successful experience in a culturally diverse learning environment

American Heart or Red Cross First Aid/CPR certification

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Two-way radio

Cellular phones

High-pressure spray washer

Job description

• Position Type: Substitute / Substitute Bus Driver
• Date Posted: 6/2/2026
• Location: Transportation

This is a general position listing and there may or may not be a specific opening at this time.

If a position becomes available, your application materials may be reviewed by hiring managers.

Job Description

Job Title: Substitute Bus Driver

Job Goal: Operate a school bus safely and efficiently to ensure passenger safety. This position requires continuous independent judgment. Performance responsibilities symbolize key areas.

Performance Responsibilities

• Drive and operate a bus, van or passenger vehicle safely and in conformance with District policy, procedures, and laws.
• Memorize bus routes, streets, roads, and school locations, keeping route information current at all times.
• Drive the routes as assigned without deviation unless authorized or emergency dictates otherwise.
• Maintain good driving habits, practice defensive driving over city, county, state streets under all weather conditions, and exercise extra caution around school buildings.
• Provide support and instruction to students to understand bus safety rules.
• Conduct safe and orderly loading and unloading of students.
• Guide bus associates in performance of their assignments and duties, providing training as needed.
• Maintain discipline and control on the bus at stops, transfer stations, and while operating.
• Report inappropriate student conduct to the Transportation Director immediately after completing the route.
• Report mechanical problems to the mechanic or Transportation Director immediately.
• Report performance problems, workload, routing, pre‑trip inspection sheets, and scheduling issues to the Director of Transportation.
• Participate in all training pertaining to the job, including mandatory bus evacuation drills as assigned.
• Work with minimum supervision in accordance with policies, guidelines, and procedures.
• Ensure vehicle is clean, maintained, serviced; perform daily inspections; fuel vehicles and record usage on daily logs.
• Maintain up‑to‑date driver records such as physical, school permits, pre‑trip inspection paperwork, and other required paperwork.
• Monitor radio and cell phones and provide radio/cell phone communication.
• Remain drug, tobacco, and alcohol free at all times while working.
• Participate in all drug and alcohol testing.
• Dependability and reliability are essential.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, parents, and community.
• Exhibit a positive attitude toward students.
• Meet with special education teachers to review students' disabilities and ways to meet their needs and improve behavior on the bus.
• Attend annual Blood–borne Pathogen Training and other staff development provided by the District.

Qualifications

• Ability to learn operation of various buses and handicap equipment.
• Computer skills useful for maintaining routing and student database.
• Successful completion of physical, criminal background, child abuse registry check, and pre‑work screening at hire.
• Successful experience and competency working in a culturally diverse learning environment.
• American Heart or Red Cross First Aid/CPR certification.
• Practical knowledge of characteristics and needs of Special Education students.
• One year minimum experience operating a passenger bus.
• Must be capable of operating bus controls requiring up to 30 lbs force.
• Must be physically able to assist in emergency evacuation; lift students up to 50 pounds; drag 125 pounds for 100 feet; stand 30 minutes; walk up to 150 feet; climb 4 bus entry steps; operate handicap lift equipment and other equipment requiring up to 60 lbs; handle bodily fluids; work extreme temperatures.

Physical Demands

• Must have physical dexterity and be free of impairments that interfere with control of bus and equipment.
• Must be capable of performing tasks such as stepping down 3.5 ft, lifting 50 lbs, dragging 125 lbs over 100 ft, sitting up to 1 hour, standing up to 30 minutes, walking 150 ft, etc.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to individuals with disabilities.

Clothing

Street clothes. Appropriate clothing and protective equipment required by task such as coats, hats, gloves, and anti‑slip footwear when walking on ice.

Equipment / Tools

Vacuum cleaner, brooms, mops, rags, buckets, garbage liners, cleaning chemicals, dustpan, two‑way radio, cellular phones, high‑pressure spray washer, air compressor, fuel dispensing equipment, shovels, ice scrapers.

Terms of Employment

Employment based on need. Hours as assigned by supervisor.

Evaluation

Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of Southeast Polk Board Policy.

Disclaimer

The statements of this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel in this position. These statements are not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his or her supervision.

It is the policy of the Southeast Polk Community School District not to illegally discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), genetic information (for employment), sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact Joseph M. Horton, Associate Superintendent, Southeast Polk District Office, 407 8th St, Altoona, IA 50009, [phone], [e-mail]. Inquiries or grievances may also be directed to the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, Des Moines, IA, 50319-0201, [phone]; or the U.S. Department of Education, Region VII Office of Civil Rights, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1475, Chicago IL 60661.