2026-27 Substitute School Bus Driver

POSITION TITLE: Substitute School Bus Driver

REPORTS TO: Transportation Director and/or Assistant Transportation Director

Bus drivers are to operate all types of school buses safely under all types of weather conditions, including but not limited to: fog, rain, hail, sleet, snow, and ice. Transports students and other authorized persons on regular and special program "to and from school" routes and on field, extracurricular, and other extra activity trips as authorized by the school district officials.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position could include but not limited to the following duties:

• Install, service, or replace school bus equipment, and accessories; including but not limited to: fire extinguishers, highway warning kits, first aid and mess kits, snow chains, etc.
• Perform required operational and safety inspections of the school bus and all related equipment.
• Clean and service the school bus to include interior cleaning and exterior bus washing; installation of fuel, oil, and coolant, etc. as per district procedure
• Operate all hand and foot controls installed in a school bus as required by Washington State School Bus Specification.
• Perform basic first aid as appropriate, which may include CPR.
• Work effectively with a group of students bused together, of different grade levels, abilities, and/or program placement.
• Legible and accurate completion of forms, records, time sheets, trip tickets, route studies, behavior reports, work requisitions, accident reports, daily and monthly log reports and other clerical-type as may be required.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance and adhere to assigned work hours and schedules.
• Dress appropriately and wear proper foot protection (WAC 296-24-088) for the job.
• Accept and respond positively to direction, instruction, and requests from supervisor or designee.
• Establish and maintain effective and cooperative communication with students, parents, school staff, peers, administrators and supervisors.
• Supervise students during assigned times of responsibility and maintain control of passengers as related to safety.
• Participate regularly in all staff meetings, in-service programs, workshops and seminars. (WAC 392-144)
• Comply with all of WAC 392-145.
• Perform other duties as required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (to include but not limited to)

• Operate a school bus in accordance with laws of the State of Washington and policies promulgated by OPSI.
• Service, inspect, and clean school buses and related equipment as required by state and district policy and procedure.
• Maintain control of student passengers as related to safety.
• Report unsafe acts or conditions that require the attention of any person other than the driver.
• Complete all forms, records, and reports as required by state or local school district policy and procedure.
• Successfully complete school bus driver training programs and courses established by OSPI or the school district.
• Operate wheelchair lift and assist students loading and unloading from the school bus (only on lift bus).
• Relate effectively with parents, staff, and public in a multicultural and multiracial community.
• Perform other school bus driver-related duties as assigned by local school district policies/procedures.
• Sufficient command of English language to communicate with students, parents, district staff members, and other concerned people regarding all aspects of their job- related activities.
• Assist ill or physically impaired student to enter or exit a school bus through the passenger service door.
• Provide assistance to students in evacuating the bus in any accident or other emergency situations.
• Install tire chains and perform all pre-trip inspections required by district practice.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Bus Drivers are exposed to outside climatic conditions during winter and summer months. Workers would be exposed to some chemicals and cleaning solvents. Noise level is considered average to above average when working in areas where children are present; average or above average for power tools and other maintenance equipment. The above conditions are not to a degree or length of time to cause marked discomfort or possible bodily injury to the worker. Operate school bus under a variety of road conditions.

Requires sufficient strength and ability to assist students with physical disabilities in embarking and disembarking a bus; including moving and positions any special needs equipment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school graduate or equivalent
• Washington State driver's license; Class B, CDL with appropriate endorsements
• School bus driver authorization (per WAC 392-144)
• First aid qualified American Red Cross or equivalent CPR, if required
• Successfully meet all requirements in Chapter 392-144 (drug, disclosure, fingerprinting)
• Excellent driving record (as verified by a complete school bus driver abstract from DOL)
• Physically able to drive and perform all duties related to school bus driving.
• Bilingual skills preferred

BENEFITS: Health insurance benefits for employees working 630 hours or more per year include medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability plans through the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB).

School employees | Washington State Health Care Authority

If applicable, Retirement benefits provided through the WA State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS). State of Washington: Department of Retirement Systems

189-190 Day Employees - Paid leave benefits to include 12 days of sick leave, three personal leave days. Prorated if applicable.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT:

This Job description is intended to provide an overview of the requirements of the position. As such, it is not necessarily all-inclusive, and the job may require other essential and/or nonessential functions, tasks, duties, or responsibilities not listed herein. The District reserves the right to add, modify, or exclude any essential or nonessential requirement at any time with or without notice. Nothing in this job description, nor by the completion of any requirement of the job by the employee, is intended to create a contract of employment of any type.

Applicants of diverse backgrounds encouraged to apply.

Ellensburg School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, color, religion, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, homelessness, immigration or citizenship status, disability, neurodivergence, the use of a trained dog guide or service animal, age, and honorably discharged veteran or military status and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights Compliance and Title IX Coordinator, Rhonda Schmidt, 509-925-8011, Rhonda.Schmidt@esd401.org ; Section 504/ADA Coordinator, Lori Gylling, 509-925-8115, Lori.Gylling@esd401.org . Address for both coordinators: 1300 East Third Avenue, Ellensburg, WA 98926.