School Bus Driver

Job Summary

School Bus Driver positions supporting Tri County Area Public Schools in Howard City, MI. Earn up to $21.50 per hour. Flexible scheduling is available according to operational needs. The company provides paid training that includes preparation for obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). No prior CDL experience is required. Eligible employees may receive benefits packages and will be eligible for a 401(k) retirement plan after one year of service.

Safely and reliably transport and assist students and other school district passengers to and from school, educational or sporting events, community‑based programs and other special activities.

• Meet all general qualifications for employment.
• Meet company and state standards for driving record check.
• Meet company, state, and school district standards for criminal history check.
• Meet Federal DOT guidelines and physical examination requirements.
• Pass drug and alcohol screening as established by company.
• Successfully pass the Dean Transportation School Bus Driver Training Program, including:
  • Classroom instruction
  • Behind‑the‑wheel instruction
  • Written and driving skills test
• Meet Michigan School Bus Driver Certification Requirements, including:
  • Minimum hours of instruction
  • Satisfactorily pass knowledge examination
• Meet local, county, and state standards for driving skills test.
• Meet state requirements for appropriate commercial vehicle licensing.

• Conduct pre‑trip and post‑trip inspections of your assigned vehicle as required.
• Use established routes and designated bus stops.
• Conduct emergency evacuation drills as required.
• Instruct passenger riders regarding safety.
• Drive defensively under varying traffic conditions and inclement weather.
• Prioritize the safety of passengers at all times.
• Establish favorable working relationships with other drivers, office and maintenance personnel, bus attendants, monitors, passengers, parents, teachers, principals, and school program staff.
• Achieve self‑improvement by attending training sessions, annual in‑service and workshops conducted by Dean Transportation and/or approved agencies.

• Operate all vehicle types used by Dean Transportation.
• Identify with the geographic service area of the school district and routes you travel.
• Demonstrate knowledge of rules and regulations promulgated by local, state, and federal agencies.
• Demonstrate knowledge of state laws and local ordinances.
• Handle exuberant behavior characteristics of student passengers.
• Administer disciplinary procedures in keeping with company policies.
• Be alert and exercise good judgment concerning emergencies and day‑to‑day operations.
• Successfully conduct a bus evacuation drill as required by company management.
• Keep accurate records and reports as required, submit them in a legible condition, and turn them in at the specified time.
• Conduct yourself as a professional Dean Transportation staff member at all times.
• Operate all vehicle lifts as prescribed in company policy.
• Secure all equipment required for each passenger as prescribed in company policy.
• Lift, store, and disassemble/assemble wheelchairs of a maximum weight of 40 pounds and/or other ambulatory devices required by the passenger.

• Driving performance evaluations are performed continuously as part of company safety training.
• School bus drivers may be subjected to customized driving evaluations at any time during employment when the company has a specific concern or has received a report of improper driving.

• Opening and closing a bus hood and lifting the hood to perform pre‑trip engine requirements.
• Opening and closing bus entrance and emergency doors.
• Bending, pushing, and pulling to load and unload a wheelchair onto a lift platform, exerting a maximum of 40 pounds of push/pull pressure.
• Bending, supporting, and physically helping passengers into and out of a school bus.
• Carrying and lifting personal articles and adaptive equipment of various weights and sizes into and from the school bus.
• Bending and stretching to clean and secure equipment in the interior of the school bus.
• Bending, stretching, pulling, and dragging all persons, equipment, or other items of varying sizes and weights out of emergency exits on demand.