BUS DRIVER

Bus Driver

Reports To: Director of Transportation Bargaining Unit: SEIU Department: Transportation Salary Schedule: Substitute Schedule B Employment Type: Substitute Salary Range: $32.89-$37.02 FLSA Status: Hourly Hours per Day: VARIES Days per Year: VARIES

Belonging is a core value in the South Kitsap School District. We are passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students and staff. We actively seek to understand the complex and rich identities of self and others and lean into and engage in courageous conversations. We know the educational environment is enhanced when diverse groups of people with unique ideas come together to learn and grow.

South Kitsap Employees Will:

• Maintain and enhance a sense of belonging and success for traditionally marginalized populations.
• Cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, families, staff and community members.
• Demonstrate understanding of our unique cultures and celebrate differences.
• Embrace and actively promote an inclusive and equitable learning environment.

Comments: All training conducted during 2026-2027 will be paid at the 2026/2027 school year rate of $29.60.

Job Summary:

South Kitsap School District provides paid training for eligible bus driver candidates hired first as Substitute Bus Driver trainees. Substitute Bus Driver trainees are hired as temporary employees while completing an in-house 4-to-6-week training (training minimum of 30-40 hours) to obtain a CDL Class B, passenger endorsement, airbrakes, and school bus endorsement (valued over $4,000). Upon completion of training, the trainee may be offered an ongoing position as a regular or substitute bus driver. South Kitsap School District hires its continuing bus driver positions from its substitute bus driver pool.

Within the role of a Substitute Bus Driver, you will have the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of children while being part of a wonderful, supportive team. The substitute bus driver will fill in for absent employees as needed. The duties will be to safely transport students to and from school and school-sponsored activities. Most work hours are approximately 5:45am 9:30am and 1:30pm-5:00pm. The hours vary greatly according to the assignment.

Drivers may be asked to drive at any time of the day. Must be cognizant of and obey all state RCW's and WAC's as they apply to school bus driving. Must follow assigned route schedules, keep route up to date with dispatcher's help and maintain student discipline procedures and training. Substitutes assist in maintain equipment by keeping bus interior clean and reporting vehicle service in accordance with established procedure; be willing to be called upon to serve in the event of a disaster and perform other duties as may be assigned; drive a variety of school buses and drive regardless of the weather.

The work requires exposure to traffic and some bending, stooping, lifting and stretching. The employee remains seated while driving and work requires visual acuity and concentration to ensure the safe operation of school buses. Substitute Bus Drivers may be provided an opportunity to move into permanent position as they become available. We look forward to receiving your online application!

• Drives a school bus; picks up and drops off students along an assigned route at designated stops. Follows time schedule. Maintains listings of students on route; ensures that students exit bus at proper stop.
• Observes traffic and remains alert to potential dangers; monitors road conditions to ensure that bus can be operated safely. Obeys traffic laws; provides input to supervisor concerning potential hazards along route.
• Establishes rapport with student passengers. Monitors student behavior and enforces safety rules; disciplines students as necessary. Reports recurring or major discipline problems to school principal for action. Communicates with parents concerning discipline problems as necessary.
• Conducts daily pre- and post-trip vehicle inspections; checks tire inflation and condition; checks fuel, oil and fluid levels; ensures proper operation of lights and horn. Secures bus at end of run.
• Picks up litter in bus and cleans windows; periodically washes bus. Operates school bus equipment and accessories, such as fire extinguishers, highway warning kits, tire chains, and sanders. Maintains first aid kit; performs basic first aid as appropriate.
• Communicates with supervisor concerning mechanical malfunctions, potential vehicle safety hazards, schedules, etc. Provides input for improvements in service. Keeps supervisor informed of unusual situations or problems.
• Transports students to district-approved extracurricular activities, field trips, and other activity trips as assigned; enforces discipline rules; accounts for students and ensures that time schedules are met.
• Maintains records; completes forms and prepares reports as required by state or school district policies.
• Successfully completes state or school district bus driver training programs and courses and maintains appropriate certification(s) and licenses.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

• Requires visual concentration and dexterity. Required to sit for prolonged periods, meet deadlines, and work outdoors in inclement weather. Required to deal with angry or distraught students; experiences interruptions to concentration. Exposed to potential hazards associated with driving a vehicle. Requires constant safety awareness. Typically works a split shift.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school graduation or equivalent and two years of driving experience.

Other Requirements:

• Completed online application

Allowable Substitution:

• None

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of basic vehicle maintenance;
• Ability to troubleshoot vehicle operation problems.
• Knowledge of traffic laws.
• Skill in defensive driving; ability to take evasive action to avoid collisions as necessary.
• Effective oral communication skills.
• Ability to make quick and effective decisions.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to maintain concurrent awareness of passenger activity and changing traffic situations.
• Ability to establish a positive rapport with students.
• Ability to discipline students and enforce safety rules.
• Ability to maintain a strict time schedule.
• Sufficient strength and agility to assist ill or physically impaired students in boarding or exiting bus and to assist students in evacuating a bus involved in an accident.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and students.

Licenses/Special Requirements:

• Have School Bus Driver Authorization on file with OSPI. Must complete steps to renew authorization as required.
• Have a valid Washington State driver's license with a Class A or B Commercial Drivers' License (CDL) with a passenger endorsement. (all training provided for CDL)
• Have an excellent driving record.
• When employed, or as soon after hire as possible, must complete a safety awareness training program.
• Hearing capability to detect and distinguish traffic sounds from a distance that will allow adequate time for defensive or evasive action.
• Vision, depth perception, and eye coordination at district-required levels.
• Will be required to obtain training in CPR and maintain First Aid certification consistent with state requirements.

Clearances:

• Washington State Patrol and FBI Fingerprint Background Clearance.

Health Benefits Information:

Most positions within the South Kitsap School District are governed by collective bargaining agreements that specify the benefits related to employment with the district, including insurance provisions, vacations, holidays, and other related benefits.

For more information about benefits, please visit SEBB and SEBB Enrollment Guide or contact our Payroll and Benefits Department at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io.

Application Procedure: Complete the online application at and apply to the position(s) to which you are qualified within your online application.

Submitting and completing your online application and applying to open positions ensures immediate availability of your data to our hiring administrators.

Principals and hiring administrators consider only those applicants with complete and current applications.

Positions close at 4:00 p.m. on the final day of posting. Your online application and required District Testing (if applicable-see job posting when applying) must be submitted by the closing date for an applicant to be considered for a position.

If you need assistance with this process, please contact Human Resources at (360) 874