Van Driver (School Year, Full Time)

Portland Public Schools Co; United States; On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Guaranteed Hours During The SchoolYear

Summers Off

Predictable Schedules

Overtime eligible

Union Representation

Meaningful Community Work

Job summary

Portland Public Schools is seeking a Van Driver for the school year. The role guarantees 40 hours per week with summers off and is benefits-eligible, permanent, and full-time. You will transport students on designated routes, perform vehicle inspections, and ensure safety by enforcing conduct rules.

The position offers predictable schedules, overtime opportunities on athletic trips, and union representation. Must meet USDOT/physical and licensing requirements and pass background checks.

Qualifications

• Must hold Maine non-commercial driver's license.
• 21+ years old and license held for 3+ years.
• Prior school van driving preferred.
• Must pass USDOT physical and criminal background check.

Responsibilities

• Drives established route and/or takes on trips, picking up and discharging students while following laws and safe driving practices.
• Enforces the Student Bus Conduct Code.
• Performs pre-trip and post-trip inspections daily and reports defects.
• Monitors vehicle operation and reports abnormal conditions.
• Keeps rider count within 11 passengers and notes ridership trends.
• Delivers mail and packages for school staff as required.
• Suggests route changes to save time or cost and inform of safety concerns.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills

USDOT physical

Traffic safety rules

Student management

Route navigation

Driving record clean

References available

Background check

Education

Maine non-commercial driver's license

Job description

TITLE: Van Driver (School Year, Full Time)

The Van Driver is responsible for the proper pick‑up, transportation, and discharge of students along appropriate routes and on sanctioned athletic, field, or other special trips. This is a permanent, full‑time, benefits‑eligible position guaranteeing 40 hours per week during the school year, with summers off. Operating a school van (transporting a maximum of 11 passengers), the driver at all times obeys all applicable federal, state, and local traffic laws and Portland Public Schools policies and procedures, including enforcing the Student Bus Conduct Code. The Van Driver inspects, performs minor maintenance, and cleans their assigned vehicle daily. They follow assigned routes and advise the Transportation Director of any route changes that could result in time and/or cost savings, as well as those that may cause issues with lateness or safety.

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS & PERKS:

Guaranteed Hours During The School Year: Say goodbye to inconsistent hours! Enjoy 40 guaranteed hours per week during the school year in a permanent, benefits-eligible role.

Summers Off: Enjoy your summers! Relax and recharge during the summer months when school is out.

Predictable, Consistent Schedules: Enjoy regular daily routes and schedules, bringing stability to your routine.

Extra Earning Potential: Position is overtime eligible, allowing you to boost your earnings by taking on athletic trips and field trip opportunities.

Union Representation: Benefit from a structured, represented pay plan and strong workplace advocacy.

Meaningful Community Work: Serve as a vital extension of the classroom, creating a safe, welcoming, and positive environment for Portland's students every day.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Drives an established route and/or performs individualized trips as assigned, picking up and discharging students while following all applicable laws and good vehicle operating practices.
• Enforces the Student Bus Conduct Code.
• Performs pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections daily and reports all mechanical defects immediately.
• Monitors the mechanical operations of the school vehicle (gauges, observations, etc.) and reports any abnormal operating circumstances.
• Keeps a count of student riders to ensure that the school vehicle is not overloaded (maximum of 11 passengers) and reports trends in ridership as they develop.
• Delivers mail and packages as required for school department staff.
• Advises the Transportation Director of any route changes that could result in time and/or cost savings, as well as those that may cause issues with lateness or safety.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to medically qualify through pre-employment and annual USDOT physical examinations.
• Knowledge of traffic and highway safety rules, applicable federal, state, and local traffic laws, and departmental regulations.
• Ability to interact positively with and maintain discipline over student passengers to ensure a safe driving environment.
• Ability to follow established routes, read maps, and adapt to schedule changes.
• Must furnish a driving record of the previous three (3) calendar years free of the following:
• No convictions for a felony
• No convictions for operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• No more than two moving violations in the past twenty-four (24) months
• Ability to pass a supervised road test.
• Ability to provide two (2) personal references.

CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Holds valid Maine non-commercial driver's license.
• At least twenty-one (21) years of age, and has held a license for a minimum of three (3) years.
• Prior experience as a school van driver preferred.
• Must pass a USDOT physical examination and criminal background check.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Exerting up to 30 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS:

• Calendar: School Year
• Schedule: Full Time (1.0 FTE)
• Assignment: Permanent
• Shift: 1st Shift
• Contract: Part of BASE union (see 2026-2029CBA here )
• Wage range: $20.61-$26.13, based on experience
• Benefits: Eligible for benefits as outlined here

Portland Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.

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