Rainier - Substitute Bus Driver (2026-2027)

Substitute Bus Drivers

This is an open posting for substitute bus drivers. Applications will be screened as necessary. If you would like your application considered, please reach out to Human Resources.

REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Two Letters of Reference

Essential Functions

• Safe Operations: Operate assigned school buses in a safe and legal manner consistent with district, state, county, and federal regulations.
• Regulatory Compliance: Read, understand, and follow all Washington State motor vehicle laws, Washington State Laws for School Bus Drivers, the OSPI School Bus Driver Handbook, and the Rainier School District Student Transportation Rules.
• Vehicle Inspections: Conduct daily pre-trip inspections in accordance with state and district regulations. Perform post-trip inspections to verify all passengers have departed, close windows, and refuel the bus.
• Safety Reporting: Immediately report any mechanical defects, maintenance needs, or safety hazards to the Transportation Supervisor.
• Student Management: Transport passengers safely to and from school or school-related activities. Maintain passenger discipline on the bus consistent with district policies and procedures.
• Documentation: Maintain and submit accurate daily bus logs, mileage forms, and other records as required.
• Professionalism: Establish and maintain effective, positive relationships with students, district staff, parents, and community members.

Qualifications & Licensing

• Age: Minimum of 21 years of age.
• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of two (2) years of successful, clean driving experience.
• Licensing: Must possess and maintain a valid Washington State Driver's License with a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) endorsement and a valid Washington State School Bus Driver's Endorsement.
• Clearance: Must pass state and federal background clearances.
• Fitness: Meet the physical and mental standards necessary to safely perform all duties described in this job description.

Key Requirements & Skills

Driving & Technical Capabilities

• Ability to safely and proficiently operate all sizes and types of school buses within the Rainier School District fleet.
• Willingness and ability to drive any assigned route/bus in all types of Pacific Northwest weather conditions.
• Maintained knowledge of proper transportation equipment operation, including special education transport equipment (lifts, tie-downs, etc.).
• Ability to read and interpret local maps and routing schedules; flexibility to accept last-minute scheduling changes.
• Ability to maintain deep concentration on safe, defensive driving under distracting circumstances.

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

• Effective verbal and written communication skills necessary for completing paperwork and interacting with staff.
• Strong student management capabilities with a positive attitude toward students, parents, and colleagues.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within a team environment.
• Strong sensitivity to and ability to work with the diverse socioeconomic, cultural, developmental, religious, and ethnic backgrounds of our student body, staff, and community.

Physical & General Expectations

• Sufficient strength and agility to assist ill or physically impaired students entering or exiting the bus via the service door, and to provide immediate, necessary physical assistance/evacuation during an emergency.
• Punctual, dependable, and willing to undergo periodic retraining to update driving skills.
• Willingness to perform standard cleaning and interior upkeep of the school bus.
• Adherence to all Rainier School Board policies and procedures.
• Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supplemental Information

• Background Check: The State of Washington requires a comprehensive State and Federal Fingerprint check prior to hire.
• Fees: The cost of the background check and fingerprinting processing is the sole responsibility of the prospective employee.
• Schedule: Employment is strictly on an as-needed, on-call basis.
• Benefits: This position is not eligible for benefits

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: Rainier School District provides equal opportunity for all applicants and staff in recruitment, hiring, retention, assignment, transfer, promotion, and training. Such equal employment opportunity shall be provided without discrimination with respect to race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, honorably discharged veteran or military status, pregnancy, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, the use of a trained guide dog or service animal, or any other basis prohibited by law. We also provide equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups.