School Bus Driver

Bus Driver

Lewis Central Community School District is looking for Bus Drivers for the 2026–2027 school year. A hiring bonus is available for qualified candidates. Fully licensed and trained school bus drivers start at $18.00 per hour, with additional pay for prior bus driving/CDL experience. Training is provided for applicants who are not yet fully licensed and trained school bus drivers. Driver trainees start at $16.50 per hour during training and receive a pay increase upon successful completion.

Driver trainee applicants must have a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) before they can begin training. More information is available through the Iowa DOT here: Iowa DOT Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)

Operates school buses and transportation vehicles safely and efficiently to transport students to and from school, activities, and events. Ensures compliance with all federal, state of Iowa, and district transportation regulations while maintaining a safe, orderly, and respectful environment for students.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Reports to work on a regular and reliable basis.
• Safely operates a school bus or other district vehicle on assigned routes and for extracurricular trips in accordance with all traffic laws, State of Iowa school transportation rules, and district policies.
• Conducts required pre-trip and post-trip inspections of the bus to ensure safe operating condition and reports mechanical concerns promptly.
• Maintains order and discipline among students while on the bus; on routes without a bus monitor, assumes primary responsibility for student management and behavior.
• Collaborates with assigned bus monitors (when applicable) to ensure a safe, orderly, and respectful environment for all students.
• Communicates student behavior concerns to appropriate school staff in accordance with district procedures.
• Follows assigned routes and schedules while adjusting as necessary for weather, road, or operational conditions.
• Ensures student safety during loading and unloading, including proper use of stop arms, crossing procedures, and hazard lights.
• Maintains accurate records including student counts, mileage, inspections, and incident reports as required.
• Complies with all requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Iowa Department of Education, and Iowa Department of Transportation for school bus drivers.
• Participates in required training, including but not limited to driver in-service, safety training, and emergency procedures.
• Performs emergency evacuation drills as required by state guidelines.
• Maintains cleanliness and basic upkeep of the assigned vehicle.
• Communicates effectively with students, parents, school staff, and transportation personnel.
• Follows the district's Drug and Alcohol Testing Program, including pre-employment, random, post-accident, and reasonable suspicion testing.
• Reports accidents, incidents, or unsafe conditions immediately and follows proper procedures.
• May assist with transporting students with special needs and operate specialized equipment when trained.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Education and/or Experience

A combination of relevant education and experience may be considered.

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Must possess or obtain:
• Valid Iowa Commercial Driver's License (CDL), Class B or higher
• Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements
• Iowa School Bus Driver Authorization issued by the Iowa Department of Education
• Valid DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate
• Successful completion of state-required pre-service training
• Must meet all state and federal background check requirements.

The district will provide paid training to assist in obtaining these necessary qualifications.

Hours/Schedule:

• The position is guaranteed 5 hours of pay per day 2.5 for each shift (a.m. & p.m.).
• This position is expected to work all days students are in session and require transportation to and from school (approximately 177 student days).
• Occasional transportation meetings, trainings, or requirements outside of regular hours may be necessary and will be paid unless noted otherwise.

Rate of pay:

• The hourly rate of pay starts at $18.00 for a Bus Driver who has a valid CDL with Passenger (P) or School Bus (S) endorsements and a school bus authorization through the Department of Education (DOE).
• Additional compensation opportunities: $0.10-$0.20 more per hour for prior driving experience (up to 5 years max)
• The hourly rate of pay starts at $16.50 for a Bus Driver Trainee who does not have a CDL with Passenger (P) or School Bus (S) endorsements and a school bus authorization through the Department of Education (DOE).
• Additional compensation opportunities: $0.10-$0.20 more per hour for prior driving experience (up to 5 years max)

Final starting rate will be determined by the Business Office/HR after submitting your application and current qualifications.

Benefits:

• Since this is a part-time, school-year position, it is not eligible for health or dental benefits.
• Life insurance benefit of $20,000 at no cost to you.
• Enrollment in IPERS (Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System) starting on your first day:
  • District contributes 9.44% of your wages.
  • You contribute 6.29% of your wages.

Paid Leave:

• 2 paid personal days each school year (prorated based on start date).
• Paid sick leave based on years of service (10 days in your first year, prorated based on start date).
• This position is not eligible for paid vacation leave.

Paid Holidays:

• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day
• New Year's Day
• Memorial Day