Substitute Bus Driver (As Needed)

Rippling, Inc.; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

New Branches Charter Academy is seeking a dedicated school bus driver to transport students safely to and from school sites, field trips, and home destinations. The role emphasizes punctuality, safety, and professional conduct while maintaining orderly student behavior.

Responsibilities include supervising loading/unloading, documenting incidents, coordinating with staff on routes, and supporting transportation policies. Candidates must meet DOT/MDE requirements and hold a valid license.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Meet all requirements established by the Department of Transportation and Michigan Department of Education.
• Valid driver\'s license with necessary endorsements.

Responsibilities

• Safely operates a school bus, adhering to schedules and transporting students to/from destinations.
• Supervises loading/unloading and ensures safety belt use and proper release.
• Maintains order and documents incidents; conducts basic accident investigations as needed.
• Performs routine bus maintenance tasks and reports issues promptly.
• Collaborates with parents, supervisors, and staff to optimize student drop-off/pickup and adjust routes as needed.
• Follows routing/scheduling, reviews bus stop locations for safety.
• Monitors students with health requirements during rides.
• Maintains records of mileage, routing, maintenance, and schedules.
• Represents the school professionally and participates in meetings/training as directed.
• Supports transportation policies and procedures and assists others during breakdowns.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Experience with students

Punctuality

Self-control

Safe driving

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

DOT and MDE requirements

Job description

At New Branches Charter Academy (NBCA), our mission is to provide a positive academic and social learning environment for all students. NCBA is a destination school, located on a 12 acre campus that is known for providing environmentally focused learning experiences and self-sustaining practices through dedication to academic excellence. NBCA knows that teachers are the heart of the school and are surrounded by a support system that is committed to the success of every child.

Qualities of a Successful Candidate:

• A comfortability in an outdoor setting and a knack for creativity and innovation, incorporating hands‑on activities, experiential learning, and interactive teaching methods to make environmental/outdoor learning engaging and impactful.
• An unwavering belief that all children regardless of their background can learn and exceed at high levels.
• A strong desire to achieve outstanding results in the pursuit of excellence for students.
• Strong interpersonal skills, fostering positive relationships with children, parents and other staff members. They should be able to work collaboratively, promoting a harmonious learning environment.

About the role

To ensure the safe and timely transportation of students to and from various destinations, adhering to established routes and schedules. They are dedicated to maintaining a secure and orderly environment within the bus, supervising student behavior, and upholding safety protocols. By promoting a positive and respectful atmosphere among students and collaborating with school staff, they contribute to the smooth functioning of the school transportation system while prioritizing student well‑being.

What you'll do

ESSENTIAL PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Safely operates a school bus as a driver, adhering to designated time schedules for transporting students to and from various destinations, including home, school sites, and field trips as required.
• Supervises the loading and unloading of students, ensuring compliance with safety belt usage and releasing students to authorized individuals.
• Upholds order and discipline among passengers, effectively handling disputes and documenting serious disciplinary incidents.
• Conducts thorough accident investigations as needed.
• Ensures the bus's safe and clean operation, promptly reporting mechanical issues, performing routine maintenance tasks like installing safety belts, cleaning the interior, and maintaining fuel and oil levels.
• Collaborates with parents, supervisors, and staff to establish efficient student drop‑off and pickup schedules, while also adjusting routes when necessary.
• Follows and adheres to the routing and scheduling of buses, reviewing bus stop locations to ensure safety and effectiveness.
• Monitors students with specific health requirements, following prescribed procedures to ensure their well‑being during bus rides.
• Responds promptly to inquiries and concerns and maintains open communication with supervisors regarding potential issues.
• Maintains comprehensive records, including mileage, routing, maintenance, and schedules.
• Represents the school in a professional and positive manner, attending meetings, programs, and trainings as directed.
• Supports the development of transportation policies and procedures, exemplifying high standards and fostering professional growth.
• Provides assistance to other routes during breakdowns or unique situations as assigned.
• Offers input on student discipline matters to the Transportation Coordinator or school leader and performs additional duties as required by the school leader.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Meet all requirements established by the Department of Transportation and Michigan Department of Education.
• Valid driver's license with necessary endorsements.

Desired Qualifications:

• Exemplary work habits verified by reference check.
• Exemplary driving record.
• Solid record of punctuality verified by reference check.
• Experience in a school setting with school‑age children.
• Experience working with students from all backgrounds.
• Reputation for self‑control and sound interpersonal skills.

About Choice Schools Associates

New Branches Charter Academy is part of the Choice Schools Community. As a comprehensive education service provider, Choice Schools offers a student‑centered approach to tailored school operations support. Much like a superintendent's office, Choice Schools provides invaluable assistance in various crucial areas, including instruction, professional development, curriculum, human resources, finance, compliance, communications, and enrollment. By being a part of the Choice Schools Environmental Model, New Branches is a vibrant community of learning, comprised of multiple other outstanding environmental schools within the state. The Environmental Model will provide you with the support and collaboration of a large district while serving at a tight‑knit community school in your area.