School Bus Driver

School Bus Driver

KIPP Miami is part of the KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) national nonprofit network of college-preparatory, public charter schools educating elementary, middle and high school students. KIPP has a 25-year track record of preparing students for success in college and life. Founded in 2018, KIPP Miami operates two nonprofit charter schools in Greater Miami's Urban Core community. Currently, KIPP Miami educates students in grades K-4 at KIPP Royalty Academy and 5-8 students at KIPP Courage Academy.

KIPP Miami is looking for reliable and safety-minded School Bus Drivers to provide efficient, caring transportation for our students. Driving our brand-new electric school buses, you will ensure students arrive safely to and from school, field trips, and extracurricular activities, embodying KIPP Miami's core values every mile of the way.

This part-time position is based at our North Miami Campus (3000 NW 110th St). The anticipated split-shift schedule is:

• Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri: 6:30 AM 8:00 AM & 3:00 PM 4:30 PM
• Wednesdays: 6:30 AM 8:00 AM & 12:45 PM 2:30 PM
• Plus opportunities for additional field trip and extracurricular routes.
• We may consider candidates who can work just morning or just afternoon routes. Please indicate this when applying.

Here's what you'll be doing:

• Student Transportation & Safety:
• Safely operate a school bus in accordance with all state, federal, and district regulations.
• Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections to ensure the bus is operating safely and properly maintained.
• Follow established routes and schedules while maintaining safe driving speeds and conditions.
• Ensure the safe loading, unloading, and seating of all students, including those with disabilities or mobility needs.
• Maintain discipline and ensure appropriate student conduct while on the bus, consistent with KIPP's values of respect and safety.
• Respond calmly and effectively to emergency situations, including bus evacuations or student medical needs.
• Operational Excellence:
• Maintain accurate records such as daily logs, incident reports, and inspection documentation.
• Report vehicle defects, student incidents, or schedule issues promptly to the Transportation Coordinator.
• Participate in ongoing safety meetings and training sessions.
• Maintain cleanliness and general upkeep of the bus interior and exterior.
• Community and Professionalism:
• Model professionalism, punctuality, and a student-centered attitude at all times.
• Communicate respectfully and effectively with students, families, and staff.
• Uphold KIPP Miami's commitment to equity, inclusiveness, and joyful learning environments.
• Participate in professional development opportunities as assigned.

Here's what we're looking for:

• Required Education & Experience:
• At least one (1) year of professional school bus or commercial driving experience (required).
• High School Diploma or GED (required).
• Valid Florida Commercial Driver License (CDL) with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements (required).
• Must meet all Florida Department of Education (FDOE) and Miami?Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS) standards for school bus drivers, including successful completion of:
• FDOE School Bus Driver Training Program (40 hours minimum)
• Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination
• Drug and alcohol screening per Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations
• Fingerprinting and Level II background clearance
• Satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) with no major violations in the past three years.
• Preferred:
• Familiarity with charter school operations or urban education environments.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish or English/Creole) strongly preferred.
• Skills & Abilities:
• Ability to manage student behavior calmly and positively using restorative and respectful strategies.
• Willingness to work flexible hours as needed for field trips and extracurricular activities.
• Safety?First Mindset: You prioritize safety above all, ensuring every child's well?being on the road.
• Heartbeat Aligned: You live out KIPP Miami's Heartbeat Principles by showing empathy, consistency, and reliability in all student interactions.
• Professionalism & Pride: You maintain your vehicle and appearance to the highest standards and represent KIPP Miami with excellence.
• Team Player: You collaborate with staff and families to provide dependable transportation that supports our school mission.

The hourly rate for this role is $18 - $24, commensurate with experience.

Our organization is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender, age, religion, national origin, citizen status, marital status, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Our organization will make a reasonable accommodation to known physical or mental limitations of a qualified applicant or employee with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of the organization. No questions on this application are asked for any unlawful purpose.