Substitute - Bus Driver

Substitute Bus Driver

Pay for this position: 2025-26 Substitute Bus Driver Rate: $26.50/hour

This position's responsibilities are to drive students to and from school and special events safely, maintain orderly student behavior and to fuel, oil, wash and sweep the bus. Within the role of a Substitute Bus Driver, you have the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of children, while being part of a wonderful, supportive team. Bethel School District provides in-house CDL training (valued over $3,000). Substitutes typically work Monday - Friday; sometimes up to 40 hours per week. We look forward to receiving your online application! Pre-employment physical and drug testing required.

Essential Functions

• Drives a school bus to transport students safely to and from school for their education; transports students safely to and from field trips and other special events.
• Performs pre-trip and post-trip safety inspections of assigned bus; checks oil, water and fuel and other fluid levels; checks lights, buzzers, tires, belts, brakes, and other safety equipment; takes corrective action as appropriate to ensure safe bus operation; reports needs for bus maintenance or repair as necessary.
• Supervises and corrects student behavior in and around school bus for student safety; models safe and appropriate behavior; maintains student discipline on the bus; instructs students in safe and responsible behavior on the bus.
• Maintains effective communication with students, parents, school staff and administrators, dispatchers, mechanics, other drivers and the public for safety and community relations. Promotes a positive environment for student learning.
• Observes and obeys state, local and school district laws and regulations, rules, policies and procedures related to safe driving and safe pupil transportation; conducts bus fire drills and emergency evacuation drills for student safety.
• Issues discipline slips as required by district policy. Advises students with bus discipline problems; meets with principal or parent if warranted.
• Provides first aid to injured or ill students as necessary.
• Assists students with a variety of concerns and problems, such as changes in destination, locating siblings and other transportation related matters; checks notes and written permission or secures verbal permission from parent for non-routine student transportation.
• Maintains and updates route maps. Protects vehicle from damage and vandalism as possible. Utilizes two-way radio to communicate with dispatcher.

Other Functions

• Maintains log of bus activity, passenger count, mileage, fuel and other data as required.
• Performs routine bus maintenance activities such as adding fuel, oil, and fluids, and sweeping and washing the bus. May clean bus of spilled bodily fluids following approved procedures.
• May orient substitute drivers to assigned routes and schedules.
• May serve on various district committees and/or departmental work teams. Models appropriate and cooperative behavior, including protecting confidential information, consistent with district ethical guidelines.
• Performs related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position.
• As needs arise, responds to the special needs of students relating to behavior, medical concerns, and other emergent needs.

Reporting Relationships

Reports to the Director of Transportation or designee.

Mental Demands

Requires substantial concentration in various traffic and road conditions to remain alert and responsive despite distractions from students; requires decisiveness and good judgment in emergencies; may occasionally deal with distraught or difficult individuals.

Physical Demands

Steering, clutching and braking a school bus requires strong physical condition; requires prolonged sitting; exposed to high noise levels from engines and students; exposed to road and traffic hazards; required to service buses and to drive in inclement weather. Passage of a pre-employment physical/testing is required of this position (the district assumes the cost.)

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience Education, training, skills, and experience necessary to carry out the assignment. Allowable Substitutions Not applicable. Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Ability to read and follow road signs and directions. Ability to communicate effectively with students, parents, staff and the public. Ability to steer, shift, and brake a school bus for prolonged driving runs. Knowledge of laws and rules of the road. Ability to learn district routes, directions and schedules. Ability to model appropriate and safe behavior for students. Ability to instruct students in safe and responsible behavior. Ability to monitor and correct student behavior. Ability to perform minor bus maintenance and service. Ability to operate two-way radio and other safety equipment. Ability to maintain accurate records and logs. Ability to learn and perform defensive driving techniques. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, school staff, transportation staff, and the public. Licenses/Special Requirements Requires fingerprinting and background check to determine that there have been no convictions involving physical molestation, abuse, injury or neglect of a minor. Must complete training in and adhere to district infection control plan. Valid Washington state Class B commercial driver's license with passenger and air brake endorsement. Mandatory drug testing is required. Ability to pass school driver training course. Valid first aid and CPR certification. Must meet state mandated requirements for physical strength, ability, hearing capability and visual acuity.

Wages and Benefits

Click here to access details on the following: Salaries/Wages Insurance Retirement Plans Paid Time Off or Vacation Paid Holidays Other Compensation

Non-Discrimination Policy

Bethel School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, color, religion, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, homelessness, immigration or citizenship status, disability, neurodivergence, the use of a trained dog guide or service animal, age, and honorably discharged veteran or military status and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.