25/26 SY Applicant Pool - Bus Driver - Student Transportation

Posting Timeline

This is an applicant pool for the 2025-2026 school year. Hiring is completed prior to and at the beginning of each school year, but vacancies may occur throughout the year and are filled as needed. Applications will be reviewed as received. Portland Public Schools reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any point during the posting period.

PPS strongly encourages and recommends everyone who is able, to be vaccinated and remain current on the COVID-19 vaccine.

All PPS job offers are contingent on the satisfactory completion of a background check, including fingerprinting and criminal records.

Position Details

School Bus Drivers - “WE MOVE THE FUTURE.”

School Bus Drivers primarily serve families of students with special needs in smaller-sized bus service to & from school. As a School Bus Driver, you value student safety and provide exceptional service.

When you will work

• Monday to Friday, 30 hours a week
• (6) hour guarantee per day as a split shift of (3) hours each shift:Morning Shift: 5:45 to 9:00 am Afternoon Shift: 12:45 to 4:00 pmMust be able to work both shifts
• The regular work year is from August to June with summers off
• Option to bid on mid-day routes or summer routes for additional work hours if desired

What we offer

• As a School Bus Driver you will start as Driver Trainee and earn $16.30 an hour while studying for the Commercial Learner’s Permit, part of the Commercial Drivers License (CDL) process, and until all training is completed. You are reimbursed for DMV Permit fees, Knowledge Tests, and the Commercial License fees once training is completed. Note: only tests that are successful are compensated
• Upon completing training, you’ll earn - $29.17 per hour
• You make a minimal contribution to your insurance coverage depending on the package option you enroll in. To review the package options and monthly costs click this link:
• You have access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) which offers free counseling services financial services, will preparation kits, legal services and more
• You are paid for on the job training and receive continued career support from leaders
• You are paid on district holidays, accrue sick leave and other paid time off (PTO)

What you will do

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The School Bus Driver shall be responsible for the safe and efficient operation of a school bus on assigned daily routes, and/or extra runs. Performs related work as assigned by the Driver Supervisor. Specific duties shall include:

• Driving on a fixed route according to schedule, revising timepoints as needed
• Loading & unloading students using accepted procedures
• Maintaining a safe and respectful atmosphere on the bus, correcting behavior when necessary
• Performing & reporting daily vehicle inspections, reporting deficiencies as encountered
• Completing required forms & paperwork

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Pass a physical examination.
• Pass a criminal background check & pre-employment drug screen.
• Have a clean driving record.
• The ability to obtain a CDL license and complete the driver training required by the Oregon Department of Education, including a physical agility test.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Persons with certain disabilities may be capable of performing the essential duties of this class with or without reasonable accommodation, depending on the nature of the disability.

Work Environment: Driving a school bus on public roads and highways, frequently during times of heavy traffic, exposure to cold and hot weather conditions, regular evening, weekend, and variable hours which may also include split shifts.

Hazards: Road and highway traffic with possible emergency situations, contact with dissatisfied or angry individuals, work in a close environment with significant interaction with noisy, active and unruly children, exposure to gas, diesel and exhaust fumes.

Physical Demands: Sitting for extended periods of time. Climb and descend steps, operate two hand and two foot controls simultaneously and quickly, have a reaction time of ¾ a second or less from the throttle to the brake control, carry or drag a 125 pound person 30 feet in 30 seconds or less, depress a school bus brake pedal with the foot to a pressure of a least 90 pounds and depress a clutch pedal with the foot to a pressure of a least 40 pounds (unless operating an automatic transmission). Bending, crouching, stooping and walking to conduct safety inspection of vehicle, hearing and speaking to exchange information in person and on the telephone, seeing to read a variety of technology route maps, materials and inspecting vehicle for damage and safety deficiencies. Mental acuity to concentrate while performing driving duties and to maintain order with school bus passengers.

FTE (or hrs/week): 0.75 (30 hrs/ week)

Work Schedule/Year: 182 days per year

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit: ATU

Benefits Information