Substitute Bus Driver

Substitute Bus Driver

Employer: Downey Unified School District

Salary: $29.30 Hourly

Location: Downey, CA

Job Type: Substitute Only

Job Number: 000125 - 2026

Selection Procedures

Applications are being accepted for substitute positions only. Job posting will close without warning when a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. Substitute positions are part-time, work on an on-call, as-needed basis. Only online applications will be accepted.

Equal opportunity, Title IX, affirmative action employer.

The Downey Unified School District does not engage in any employment practice that discriminates against an employee or applicant for employment on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability (mental or physical), sex, gender (including pregnancy and childbirth), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, genetic information (including family and medical history), marital status, political affiliation, military and veteran status, or retaliation; or on any other basis as protected by state, federal or local law, ordinance or regulation, in its educational program(s) or employment. No person shall be denied employment solely because of any impairment which is unrelated to the ability to engage in activities involved in the position(s) or program for which application has been made. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process, Downey Unified School District will provide you with one upon notice.

Basic function: Under the direction of the Transportation Services Supervisor, operate a school bus or van to transport students safely and efficiently to an assigned location using a designated route.

Function & Duties

Drive a school bus or van along a designated route, picking up and discharging students in accordance with time schedules. Maintain order and discipline among passengers on the bus and while waiting at bus stops in accordance with District policies related to disciplining students. Conduct daily safety inspection of bus or van, inspecting the interior, exterior and engine of the vehicle. Maintain bus or van in a clean and safe operating condition; wash, sweep and clean and wax vehicles; refuel, service and prepare vehicle for operation. Assist handicapped students to board or leave bus or van safely; assist students in wheelchairs by pushing chairs onto ramp, operating lift and securing wheelchairs inside van; determine appropriate action in potential or real medical emergency situations according to established guidelines. Instruct children in various aspects of passenger and pedestrian safety. Prepare and maintain records and reports related to vehicle operation and condition. Observe legal and defensive driving practices; assure compliance with applicable traffic and student transportation laws, codes and regulations. Attend safety meetings and driver's skills improvement sessions as required. Must demonstrate attendance sufficient to complete the duties of the position as required. Administer first aid to passengers as needed. Assist in training new drivers according to established guidelines as directed. Transport students, faculty and parents on field trips or to athletic events, meeting scheduled departure and arrival times as assigned. Assist in transportation office with various clerical duties and in other areas of Transportation Services as assigned. Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of: Safe and defensive driving practices. Proper operation of automatic transmission school vans and buses of various sizes. Applicable traffic and student transportation laws, codes and regulations. First Aid procedures. Basic math skills. Basic record keeping techniques. Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy. Ability to: Drive automatic transmission school vans and buses of various sizes safely and efficiently. Maintain safe discipline level among passengers. Learn and apply District policies and procedures related to student discipline. Observe legal and defensive driving practices. Learn and follow designated routes and time schedules. Read and interpret maps. Maintain bus or van in clean and proper working condition. Conduct safety inspections and perform routine preventive maintenance. Administer first aid to ill or injured children. Maintain routine records. Add and subtract quickly and accurately. Understand and follow oral and written directions. Communicate effectively with others. Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others. Demonstrate mental acuity sufficient to perform the essential functions of the position. Demonstrate empathy, friendliness, patience and responsibility. Work within strict time lines and stressful situations. Be motivated to excel, be participative and energetic.

Education and Experience, Licenses and Other Requirements

Any combination equivalent to: sufficient training and experience to demonstrate the knowledge and abilities listed above. Licenses and other requirements: Valid Commercial Class A or Commercial Class B California driver's license; California School Bus Driver Certificate with a minimum of Type 1 bus with automatic transmission with air brake endorsement; Medical Examination Report approved by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration; valid California Department of Education's Training Certificate, Form T-01, and valid First Aid Certificate issued by an authorized agency. All required certificates and license must be kept current. Must be, and remain, insurable under the District's vehicle driver's insurance policy at the standard rate. Environment: School bus environment; subject to driving from site-to-site; subject to working broken shifts and special assignments; some routes may require physical assistance to the handicapped. Physical abilities: Sitting for extended periods of time; bending at the waist; moderate lifting of 15-44 pounds; pushing or pulling children in wheelchairs; and hearing and speaking to exchange information. Hazards: Exposure to driving a school bus during adverse weather and traffic conditions, fumes, communicable disease and abusive or uncooperative individuals.

Benefits

Part-time employees earn up to:

• 1 paid vacation day per 1 full month of employment
• 1 paid sick leave day per 1 full month of employment with unlimited accumulation
• and paid holidays

The District offers two excellent medical plans, Blue Shield and Kaiser Permanente; two dental plans, Delta Dental and MetLife SafeGuard; and vision care through Vision Service Plan (VSP). All plans are available to the employee and their dependents. This coverage is available to employees working a minimum of 20 hours per week. Click Here to Learn More.

Retirement benefits include membership in CalPERS (California Public Employee's Retirement System) and Social Security (OASDI). This is a joint contribution plan. To qualify for CalPERS an employee must work a minimum of 20 hours per week or already be a member, if not the employee is eligible for an alternative retirement plan.

Additionally, the District encourages employees to pursue professional growth, and provides financial incentive for classified employees completing professional growth programs. Additional benefits available to employees to which the District does not contribute include life insurance, a Section 125 Flexible Benefit Plan, an income protection plan, and a credit union.

Substitute employees are not eligible for vacation or holiday pay but are eligible to earn sick leave at the rate of one hour per 30 hours worked, not to exceed 48 hours. Further, substitute employees are not automatically eligible for CalPERS or District health benefits.