Bus Driver

Salary: $22.79 - $29.17 Hourly
Location : Throughout Poway Unified School District, CA
Job Type: Part Time
Job Number: 25-0134
Site/Dept: Transportation
Opening Date: 02/18/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Number of Working Months: 9.5


Description
****If you are already a licensed School Bus Driver, please apply to this recruitment.
If you are not already licensed but would like to become a School Bus Driver,
please return to the PUSD Job Opportunities page and apply to our Bus Driver Trainee recruitment.****
*This is a safety sensitive position and employees will be subject to

Department of Transportation Drug Testing Guidelines**

*This recruitment will establish an eligibility list valid for 6 months to fill current and future vacancies*
BASIC FUNCTION:
Under the direction of the Operations Supervisor, operate and maintain a school bus to transport students safely and efficiently to and from assigned locations using designated routes; assure vehicle safety by performing daily safety inspections and cleaning duties.

Examples of Duties

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

1. Drive a school bus over designated routes in accordance with specified time schedules and in accordance with regulations and laws related to pupil transportation; transport students to and from school, special events, and field trips. E
2. Pick up and discharge students at established bus stops; escort children across streets or roadways, stopping traffic as necessary; report incidents or conditions affecting the safety of students as appropriate. E
3. Maintain bus in a safe operating condition through prescribed daily vehicle inspections including cleaning windows, mirrors, and bus interior and exterior; check and maintain fuel, oil, and water levels; check brakes, brake lights, wheel chair lifts, and doors; report mechanical defects and malfunctions to appropriate personnel. E
4. Inspect wheelchairs and car/safety seats for safe transportation of students, toddlers, and infants; report unsafe conditions to appropriate personnel. E
5. Instruct students on safe riding procedures; maintain order and discipline among passengers on the bus and while waiting at bus stops in accordance with District policies. E
6. Assist students with special needs to board, ride, and exit the bus safely; assist students in wheelchairs by loading and securing chairs before departure and assuring students are safely fastened into their seats; secure adaptive and assistive devices; utilize wheelchair lifts and tie-downs; operate a hydraulic lift as assigned. E
7. Communicate with students, parents, District personnel, and various outside agencies to exchange information and resolve issues or concerns related to bus routes, schedules, student behavior, Behavior Modification Plans, and other assigned activities. E
8. Prepare student conduct, incident, and accident reports. E
9. Maintain electronic data collection, such as daily pre-trip inspection, daily mileage, student count, and school bus routing. E
10. Conduct State mandated school bus evacuations drills as required.
11. Maintain routine written or electronic records related to inspections, maintenance, and assigned activities. E
12. Operate two-way communication devices.
13. Verify student bus passes; collect single-ride bus fares as needed.
14. Administer first aid or emergency assistance as needed. E
15. Attend classes, safety meetings, and in-service trainings as assigned or as required for maintenance of certificate and license. E
16. Mentor new/other bus drivers as assigned or needed.
17. Perform a variety of clerical duties including selling bus passes, filing and other duties as directed.
18. Participate in ongoing training and staff development.
19. Perform related duties as assigned.

At the end of some of the duty statements, there is an " E" which identifies essential duties required of the classification.

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:


Graduation from high school (or equivalent) and one year of experience in the operation of a motor vehicle.


LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:


Valid California Class B or Class A commercial driver's license with passenger and air brake endorsements.
Valid California School Bus Driver Certificate.
US Department of Transportation Medical Examiner's Certificate.
Incumbents must have an acceptable driving record and must qualify for insurability by the District's insurance carrier.
Maintain current First Aid Certification (as required to maintain valid and current CA Special Driver's Certificate for School Bus).


NOTE: This classification has been identified as a safety-sensitive job class based on the guidelines of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Employees in this job class are subject to random selection for alcohol or controlled substance testing.

Supplemental Information
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:


KNOWLEDGE OF:
Proper operations of school buses.
Safe and defensive driving methods and techniques.
All applicable provisions of the California Vehicle Code, California Code of Regulations Title 5 and 13, the Passenger Transportation Safety handbook, HPH 82.7, and Education Code relating to pupil transportation.
Various mechanical characteristics of buses.
School district geographic area.
Applicable District and site policies, procedures, and objectives of assigned program and activities.
Proper operation of two-way radios.
Appropriate Health and Safety regulations, safety precautions and procedures.
Standard first aid procedures.
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
Oral and written communication skills.
Proper lifting techniques.
Basic record-keeping and report preparation techniques.
Basic computer skills.


ABILITY TO:
Drive a school bus safely and efficiently.
Learn and observe legal and defensive driving practices.
Learn and follow designated routes.
Maintain a safe discipline level among passengers.
Conduct safety inspections and perform routine preventive maintenance.
Maintain bus in clean and proper working condition.
Comprehend and follow equipment instructions for student assistive devices such as wheelchairs.
Assist in loading and unloading students with special needs.
Administer first aid.
Operate a two-way radio.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
Respond appropriately to feedback, direction, and evaluation.
Prepare and maintain routine records and reports.
Understand and follow oral and written directions.
Meet schedules and time lines.
Participate in various job related activities, professional growth training, and workshops.
Exercise sound judgment.
Learn and perform basic math.
Learn and perform record-keeping techniques.
WORKING CONDITIONS:


ENVIRONMENT:
Driving a vehicle to conduct work.
Driving in various road and weather conditions to conduct work.
School bus and outdoor environment.
Work irregular hours in the performance of job duties.


PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Bending at the waist, kneeling, stooping, twisting or crouching.
Must be able to traverse 12 ½-inch aisles on school buses.
Must be able to safely enter/exit a school bus through emergency exits.
Climbing ladders or steps.
Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a keyboard/keypad and a variety of tools and equipment.
Hearing and speaking to exchange information.
Lifting or carrying moderately heavy objects or children (50 lbs.) as assigned by the position.
Reaching overhead, above the shoulders or horizontally.
Reaching, pulling and pushing to open bus doors.
Seeing to operate a vehicle.
Sitting for extended periods of time while operating buses.


HAZARDS:
Exposure to driving a school bus during adverse weather and traffic conditions.
Exposure to bio-hazard materials.
Exposure to fumes, vapors, odors, oil/grease, and gases.
Exposure to noise.
Exposure to seasonal heat and cold or adverse weather conditions.
Exposure to vibration.
Traffic hazards.
Working around and with machinery having moving parts.


DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

Bus Driver - The Bus Driver is responsible for the safe transport of students along designated routes, ensuring proper student behavior and vehicle safety.


Behind the Wheel Instructor - The Behind the Wheel Instructor is responsible for training bus drivers in safe and defensive driving techniques and performs the duties of a Bus Driver as assigned.


Driver Instructor - The Driver Instructor is responsible to plan and carry out training activities for prospective, substitute and current Bus Drivers that adheres to State requirements.
In accordance with Personnel Commission Rules and Regulations of Classified Service # 70.200.1, new employees to Poway Unified School District will be placed at Step 1 of the official salary range designated for the position. Any variances in initial placement are addressed in, and shall be carried out in agreement with, this rule.

The Poway Unified School District (PUSD) is an equal opportunity employer/program and is committed to an active Nondiscrimination Program. PUSD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, ethnic group identification, ancestry, religion, gender, gender identification, mental or physical disability.


For more information, please contact the Title IX/Equity Compliance Officer, Associate Superintendent of Personnel Support Services, Poway Unified School District, 15250 Avenue of Science, San Diego, CA 92128-3406
Poway Unified School District offers an excellent benefits package for eligible contract employees who are contracted for 20 (twenty) or more hours per week.

Benefits include:

• Retirement - CalPERS
• Holidays - 18 paid holidays per year (based on 12-month employment contract)
• Vacation - Starting at 12 days per year for 12-month employees, increasing with length of service
• Sick Leave - 12 paid sick days per year (for 12 working months)
• Medical and Prescription Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Travel Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Wellness/Mental Health Benefit
• Flexible Benefit Plan Options

For further information regarding our benefits, please visit our website at:
01


The following supplemental questions will help us determine how well you meet the minimum employment qualification standards for this position. Qualified means that you meet the minimum qualifications found in the job description. Incomplete responses will disqualify your application or reduce the credit given for your qualifications. Respond honestly and truthfully to all questions. Over-evaluating your skill level is considered providing false and/or misleading information. Applicants found to have provided false or misleading information of their skills will be disqualified from further employment processing, or if hired, immediately terminated from employment.I acknowledge that I have read and understand the above statement. (Please initial in the space provided below.)
02


This position requires a valid unrestricted California Class B driver's license with air brake endorsement. Do you possess this license? You MUST attach a copy of this document or your application may be subject to disqualification.(If you are not already licensed but would like to become a School Bus Driver, please return to the PUSD Job Opportunities page and apply to our Bus Driver Trainee recruitment.)

• Yes
• No

03


This position requires a valid California School Bus Driver Certificate. Do you possess this?

• Yes
• No

04


I understand that this position requires documentation (i.e., Valid California Class B unrestricted commercial Drivers License with passenger and air brake endorsements & Valid California School Bus Driver Certificate) and that failure to provide this documentation by the filing deadline of the position may result in disqualification from the recruitment process. I understand that I WILL NOT move forward in this recruitment without the proper documents submitted.Documentation may be submitted to the Personnel Commission by attaching the materials to the application, via email, or in person. (Please initial in the space provided.)
05


I have applied for and successfully completed the Bus Driver Trainee program with Poway Unified School District

• Yes
• No

06


I have completed the pre-employment processing and been cleared to work as a Substitute Bus Driver for Poway Unified School District

• Yes
• No

07


Please check the box that best describes your commercial driving experience (positions requiring a commercial driver license)

• Less than 3 months experience
• 3 months - 1 year of experience
• 1-3 years of experience
• 3+ years of experience

08


Please check the box that best describes your experience working with school age kids.

• I have more than 1 year of experience working with students
• I have less than 1 year experience working with students

09


Please check the box that best describes your experience working with special needs

• I have more than 1 year of experience working with children with special needs
• I have no experience working with children with special needs

10


Please check the box that best describes your WORK experience in customer service

• I have more than 1 year of experience working in customer service position
• I have less than 1 year experience working in a customer service position

11


DESCRIBE the relevant experience pertaining to questions 7-10
12


Please check the box that best describes your education

• HS Diploma or equivalent
• Some College or AA Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Master Degree or Higher
• None of the Above

Required Question