Security Staff / School Bus Driver

Job Title: Campus Security Staff and School Bus Driver

Portledge School seeks a dependable, safety-minded professional to serve in a dual capacity as a member of the campus Security Staff and as a School Bus Driver.

Working alongside the school's contracted security team, this position focuses on the day-to-day supervision and monitoring of students throughout campus — ensuring students are where they are supposed to be, remain on campus during the school day, and stay out of restricted or unsupervised areas. This individual also provides safe and reliable transportation for students on field trips, athletic events and the like. The ideal candidate is observant, approachable, and firm but fair, with a genuine ability to build positive relationships with students from pre-nursery through Grade 12 while holding them accountable to school expectations.

Campus Supervision

• Conduct regular walkthroughs of all campus buildings, hallways, stairwells, restrooms, common areas, and grounds throughout the school day to monitor student presence, behavior, and movement.
• Ensure students are not in prohibited, restricted, or unsupervised areas of campus, and redirect students to their scheduled locations as needed.
• Supervise student arrival, dismissal, transitions between classes, lunch periods, recess, free periods, and study halls, in coordination with faculty and administration.
• Develop positive, professional rapport with students of all ages; serve as a consistent, visible, and trusted adult presence on campus.
• Redirect minor behavioral issues calmly and respectfully, and refer disciplinary matters to deans, division heads, or administrators per school protocol — this role observes, redirects, and reports rather than disciplines.
• Coordinate and communicate with the school's contracted security team regarding access control, visitors, incidents, and emergencies; serve as an additional set of eyes and ears supporting their work.
• Monitor for and report safety hazards, propped or unsecured doors, unauthorized visitors, or unusual activity to the contracted security team and administration.
• Document daily rounds and any notable incidents, concerns, or patterns in brief written reports or logs.
• Assist with the execution of safety drills (fire, lockdown, shelter-in-place, evacuation), including helping account for students and clearing assigned areas.
• Provide student supervision support at school events, including athletic contests, performances, and evening or weekend functions as scheduled.
• Be familiar with the school's emergency response plan and assigned role within it.

Student Transportation

• Safely operate a school bus or school vehicle to transport students on assigned routes, field trips, athletic events, and other school-sponsored activities.
• Conduct required pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections; report mechanical issues or defects promptly and maintain inspection records.
• Maintain order and student safety on the bus; enforce transportation rules in a firm, fair, and age-appropriate manner.
• Ensure compliance with all New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Department of Transportation, and Article 19-A requirements applicable to school bus drivers.
• Maintain accurate trip logs, mileage records, and student ridership records as required.
• Keep assigned vehicles clean and fueled; assist with routine vehicle care.
• Assist students with boarding and exiting safely, including younger children, and conduct post-trip child checks per state requirements.

Other Duties

• Support snow/ice response, deliveries, and other campus operations needs as assigned.
• Attend required trainings, safety meetings, and professional development.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor or Head of School.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Valid New York State Commercial Driver's License (CDL), Class B (or Class A/C as applicable) with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements, in good standing required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain certification under Article 19-A of the NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law, including required physical examinations, written/road tests, and drug and alcohol testing program participation required
• Valid New York State Security Guard Registration (or ability to obtain prior to start), including completion of the 8-Hour Pre-Assignment Training Course and 16-Hour On-the-Job Training Course, with annual in-service training thereafter required
• Clean driving record (a current DMV abstract will be required).
• Successful completion of fingerprint-supported criminal history background check and all school-required clearances, including those required for employees of NYS nonpublic schools required
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in security, law enforcement, military service, school transportation, or a related field required
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and appropriately with children and adolescents (ages 3–18)
• Current CPR/First Aid/AED certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Strong observation, judgment, de-escalation, and written/verbal communication skills
• Ability to remain calm and act decisively in emergencies.
• Proficiency with security technology, including camera systems, access control, and two-way radios.
• Availability for occasional early mornings, evenings, and weekend events.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in a school setting (independent school experience a plus).
• Experience with emergency management or completion of relevant training (e.g., FEMA/ICS courses, active threat response training).
• Familiarity with NYS school safety requirements applicable to nonpublic schools.
• Ability to walk, stand, and patrol for extended periods, both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Ability to climb stairs, bend, stoop, kneel, and lift up to 50 pounds.