Bus Driver

Title: School Bus Driver

Department/Location: Facilities, St. Louis

Position Type: On-call, school year

Summary

The School Bus Driver advances Principia by providing safe, reliable transportation for Principia School students participating in educational, athletic, co-curricular, and school-sponsored activities. Reporting to the Director of Facilities, this position plays an important role in supporting student experiences through safe and dependable transportation services. Success in this role requires excellent driving skills, sound judgment, flexibility, dependability, professionalism, and a commitment to student safety.

This position serves on an on-call, as-needed basis. Driving assignments are offered based on school needs, and drivers may accept or decline individual trips based on their availability. Drivers are guaranteed a minimum of three hours of pay for each accepted driving assignment.

Who We Are

At our award-winning Early Childhood through grade 12 Principia School in St. Louis, Missouri, and top-ranked Principia College in Elsah, Illinois, Principia faculty and staff make up a close-knit community of educators, coaches, and professionals taking a distinct approach to education-blending academic excellence with Christian Science-based character education. Principia's team of over 500 employees supports not only Principia School and Principia College, but also a worldwide network of alumni and friends.

At Principia School, our core value is LOVE. Love and its attributes underpin our foundational beliefs as well as our educational approach. We focus on developing the whole child-intellectually, physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually, preparing students for the next steps in life. We foster a challenging yet supportive environment where character unfolds naturally, and talent is cultivated through boundless opportunities. Character education plays an essential role in every aspect of the student experience, and classroom work is augmented by character trips, leadership development, and real-world, hands-on, project-based learning.

Principia employees are part of an engaging academic community preparing students to be tomorrow's leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. We strive to create a collaborative and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong and are valued.

Primary Responsibilities

• Safely operates school buses and other approved passenger vehicles for field trips, athletic events, academic activities, and other school-sponsored transportation needs
• Conducts pre-trip and post-trip inspections to ensure vehicles are safe, clean, and in compliance with applicable regulations
• Ensures the safety and well-being of student passengers by following established transportation procedures and responding appropriately to emergencies
• Maintains required driving records, inspection reports, mileage logs, and transportation documentation
• Communicates professionally and effectively with students, faculty, coaches, staff, and trip leaders
• Exercises sound judgment when driving in varying traffic, weather, and road conditions
• Maintains appropriate licensure, certifications, and training required to operate commercial passenger vehicles
• Reports vehicle maintenance concerns, safety issues, accidents, or incidents promptly and accurately
• Represents Principia positively through professional appearance, conduct, and service
• Supports additional transportation-related duties as assigned

Core Competencies

Principia values the unique strengths each employee brings to their role. The following competencies are especially important for success at Principia:

• Continuous Learning & Expertise: Demonstrates mastery in your area of responsibility and seeks opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Accountability & Results Orientation: Manages time and priorities effectively, meets commitments, and consistently delivers high-quality outcomes.
• Problem Solving & Judgment: Approaches challenges thoughtfully, considers multiple perspectives, and makes sound, timely decisions that support institutional goals.
• Proactivity & Ownership: Takes initiative, anticipates needs, and drives projects forward with minimal supervision while taking responsibility for outcomes.
• Excellence & Attention to Detail: Produces accurate, polished, and high-quality work; continuously looks for ways to improve systems, processes, and results.
• Service Orientation: Builds positive, supportive relationships and responds promptly and professionally to the needs of students, colleagues, and other stakeholders.
• Collaboration & Collegiality: Works cooperatively across departments and teams; values input from others and contributes to a positive, respectful environment.
• Communication: Shares information clearly and concisely; listens carefully to others and adjusts communication style for different audiences and situations.
• Inclusion & Belonging: Demonstrates respect for all people; values diverse perspectives and fosters a culture of inclusion, belonging, and mutual respect.

Minimum Qualifications

• Supportive of Principia's guiding statements as articulated here https://www.principia.edu/about/guiding-statements
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record and ability to meet Principia driving standards
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with required passenger and school bus endorsements (training provided)
• Ability to pass required background checks, physical examinations, and drug and alcohol testing requirements
• Demonstrated commitment to safety and responsible driving practices
• Ability to work a flexible, on-call schedule and accept driving assignments based on availability
• Ability to safely assist passengers entering and exiting the vehicle and perform required vehicle inspections
• Ability to remain calm and exercise sound judgment in emergencies
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

The statements above describe the general nature and level of work but are not a complete list of responsibilities and are subject to change at the discretion of Principia.

Equal Opportunity

Principia, a mission-driven institution, believes every person has the right to an equitable and respectful educational environment and workplace. Principia does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender (identity or expression), sexual orientation, family status, disability, age, or military or veteran status.

In hiring, admissions, and related decisions, Principia-as an institution with a religious mission-gives preference, where appropriate, to Christian Scientists.