Bus Driver

School Bus Driver - AM & PM Routes
Join Our Team as a School Bus Driver at Hamilton Community Schools!
Hamilton Community Schools is looking for dedicated and community-minded individuals to join our team as School Bus Drivers. If you want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students, this role is perfect for you. As a School Bus Driver, you will play a vital role in ensuring our students get to and from school safely, all while serving as a positive role model and supportive figure in their daily lives.
Why Hamilton Community Schools?

• Community Impact : This position is ideal for those who want to stay active in the community or align their work schedule with their children's school hours.
• Work-Life Balance : Enjoy mornings and afternoons with opportunities for additional trips and flexibility in your schedule.
• Supportive Environment : We offer paid training to help you obtain your Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with all necessary endorsements, so no previous experience is required!

Perks and Benefits :

• Competitive Pay : Earn while you learn! Our paid training program will get you fully certified.
• Sign-On Bonus :
  • New drivers who are already certified receive a $1,500 sign-on bonus ($500 after a 60-day probation period and an additional $1,000 after one year of employment).
  • New drivers needing certification receive a $750 sign-on bonus ($250 after a 60-day probation period and an additional $500 after one year of employment).
• Meaningful Work : Be part of a team that ensures our students arrive at school safely and ready to learn every day.

Requirements :

• A passion for working with children and a commitment to safety.
• Ability to obtain a CDL with B, P, S, and Air Brakes endorsements (training provided).

Start your journey with Hamilton Community Schools today and be a key player in shaping our students' futures while enjoying a fulfilling and flexible career! Apply now to join our team and make a difference every day.
REPORTS TO: Transportation Supervisor
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
LOCATION: Transportation Department
WORK SCHEDULE: Average 28 hours/week (AM and PM routes)
PAY RATE: Starting at $20.30/ hour
QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Must pass alcohol/ Drug testing
• Favorable results from a Driver Record check required
• Must be fingerprinted and have a Criminal Background check
• Must have a CDL-B temporary license with the following endorsements:
  • P-Passenger Endorsement
  • S-School Bus Endorsement
  • Air Brake Test

In order to obtain this license, you must pass the written CDL test. HCS CDL trainers will prepare potential drivers for the road test. This is paid training.

• Must have DOT/Michigan Department of Education physical every year at the clinic approved by the Hamilton Community Schools Transportation Supervisor
• Must maintain a good driving record
• Must complete training for school bus drivers required by the State of Michigan and Hamilton Community Schools
• Must complete all Advanced School Bus Driving classes as required by the State of Michigan and Hamilton Community Schools

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The following are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed by such a person. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Safely transport students to and from school, activities, etc.
• Effectively and appropriately manage student behaviors
• Ability to multi-task for the services that we provide
• Maintain a cooperative attitude and build rapport with students, peers, supervisors, parents, school personnel, and the community
• Use effective and professional verbal and written communication skills
• Present self in a professional manner including attire and being alert and attentive
• Successfully complete all initial and ongoing required trainings, meetings, classes and professional development
• Work together as a team to keep interior and exterior of vehicle clean, safe and presentable
• Quickly and safely evacuate vehicle in case of an emergency
• Check student roster to ensure proper ridership
• Maintain current knowledge of all student requirements, such as medical protocols, IEP's, etc. and respond appropriately to events by following written protocols
• While students are exiting, check vehicle for remaining/lost students, items, etc. ENSURE ALL PASSENGERS ARE OFF THE BUS at the end of the trip.
• Properly secure students in required safety equipment and restraints (i.e. wheelchairs, harnesses, etc.)
• Safely assist non-ambulatory students into and out of the vehicle
• Accurately complete reports and paperwork in a timely manner. Including, vehicle maintenance requests, student behavior referrals, timecards, directions, etc.
• Abide by federal law, state law, and district policies, procedures, and expectations
• Utilize technology when required
• Consistently perform thorough and accurate pre-trip and post trip inspections
• Immediately report accidents
• Ensure vehicle is properly fueled according to department policy
• Prepare vehicle for student transport including inclement weather, harnesses, wheelchair tie-downs, etc.
• Safely and appropriately operate various types of school buses and equipment, including wheelchair lifts, radios, and emergency equipment
• Report any safety or maintenance concerns to appropriate personnel in a timely manner
• Report all moving violations to Transportation Supervisor, including any received while on or off the clock
• Clean bus as designated by department procedures
• Other duties as assigned

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Sitting, standing, and walking for extended periods of time
• Ascending and descending approximately 14" steps regularly
• Entering and exiting vehicles regularly
• Descend from back door of vehicle in emergencies onto uncertain surfaces
• Possibly repeated lifting and carrying students or object(s) weighing up to 75 pounds for 100 or more feet
• Possibly repeated pushing and pulling wheelchairs/objects(s) weighing up to 75 pounds for 100 or more feet
• Continuous use of hands, fingers, and wrists repetitively
• Using both hands and legs simultaneously
• Repeated stooping, bending, and kneeling
• Occasional pushing, pulling and maintaining balance
• Reach overhead to approximately 72" height to open the wheelchair lift door and operate the lift mechanism
• Rapid mental/muscular coordination
• Verbal, auditory, and written capabilities to effectively communicate in an articulate manner
• Accurate depth perception
• Clarity of vision at varying distances to see small details
• Operate mobile motorized equipment
• Drive a vehicle to conduct work

HAZARDS:

• Possible contact with blood-borne pathogens and/or bodily fluids
• Contact with chemicals used for cleaning buses

WHO ARE WE?
Hamilton Community Schools is a rural district in West Michigan, located south of Holland and east of Saugatuck. Our well-maintained district includes one preschool learning center (Sandyview), three elementary schools (Bentheim, Blue Star, and Hamilton Elementary), one middle school, one high school, and the Hamilton Virtual School. Despite covering a large area of 135 square miles, Hamilton retains a small-town feel.
As one of the 18 member public school districts within the Ottawa Intermediate School District (OAISD), Hamilton Community Schools employs 400 staff members and serves over 2,400 full-time students, along with 1,100 non-public students across various programs and formats. Renowned throughout the state, our district is celebrated for balancing a small-town atmosphere with educational innovation, catering to the needs of every learner. With a strong focus on K-12 academics, work-based learning, athletics, and the arts, Hamilton is a destination district. WE are HAWKEYES!
APPLICATION PROCEDURES:
Submit an application, cover letter and resume using the online application system.
Any questions can be sent to Kathy Dykema, Transportation Supervisor (269) 751-5191
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Hamilton Community Schools is an equal opportunity employer and will provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, sex, national origin, age, color, height, weight, marital status, familial status, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status with applicable state and federal laws.
DISTRIBUTION: Internal / External