About this role
School Bus Driver - AM & PM Routes JOB SUMMARY: Hamilton Community Schools invites dedicated individuals that want to have a positive impact on students to apply for the School Bus Driver positions that are now available. These positions will include both morning and afternoon routes as well as the possibility for occasional additional trips. A school bus driver plays a crucial role in getting our kids safely to where they need to be while being a supportive role model along the way. This is also a great position for someone to stay active in the community or for parents who want to be on their children's school schedule. Don't have your CDL? We will train you! Paid training is available to obtain the necessary CDL license with B, P, S, and Air Brakes endorsements for the start of the 2026-2027 school year. REPORTS TO: Transportation Supervisor FLSA STATUS: Nonexempt LOCATION: Transportation Department WORK SCHEDULE: Average 28 hours/week (AM and PM routes) PAY RATE: Starting at $23.46/ hour HIRING BONUS: New certified drivers will receive a $1,500 sign-on bonus.
• The bonus is $500 after hire and a 60-day probation period.
• Then $1,000 after one year of employment.
New drivers that must earn driver certification will receive a $750 sign-on bonus.
• The bonus is $250 after a 60-day probationary period.
• Then $500 after one year of employment.
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 the 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 over head to approximately 72” height to open wheelchair lift door and operate 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! Why Hamilton? APPLICATION PROCEDURES: Submit an application using the online application system. Deadline to apply: The search committee will review applications until the position is filled. Any questions can be sent to Kathy Dykema, Transportation Supervisor [email protected] (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