Substitute Transportation Specialist

2026-27 Substitute Transportation Specialist

Employment Begins:  School Year

TRANSPORTATION SPECIALIST (BUS DRIVER)

STANDARD POSITION DESCRIPTION

Classification:
Transportation Specialist |

Location:

Service Center |

Reports to:

Transportation Director or Designee | FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt | Bargaining Unit: PSE

This is a standard position description to be used for positions with similar duties, responsibilities, classification and compensation. Employees assigned to the position may not perform all essential functions.

Operates school buses in all types of weather conditions transporting students and other authorized persons to and from school and on field and extra-curricular trips. The District serves a diverse community; candidates must have experience working with culturally diverse families and demonstrate commitment to community engagement.

Operate school buses in all weather conditions; transport students and authorized persons; serve under administrative supervision of District transportation administrator; responsible for route performance, safety, compliance with traffic and transportation laws and regulations.

• School Bus Operation
  • Drive a school bus or authorized vehicle on scheduled routes and trips.
  • Perform pre- and post-trip duties as directed.
  • Service, inspect, and clean equipment.
  • Maintain current bus route information and student data.
  • Complete forms, logs, and reports accurately.
  • Implement safe student management procedures.
  • Respond to student emergencies; provide basic first aid and CPR.
  • Use fire extinguishers, warning devices, first aid kits, and complete accident reports; perform emergency evacuation and earthquake drills.
  • Support cultural community projects.
• Professionalism and Customer Service
  • Project a positive image and model appropriate behavior.
  • Create a customer service culture; respond to student, parent, and staff needs.
  • Maintain professional language and appearance.
  • Follow Board policies and stay updated.
• Perform other duties assigned by administrator or designee.

• Experience working with culturally diverse families or demonstration of commitment to community engagement.
• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• At least 21 years of age.
• Minimum five years of professional driving experience.
• Knowledge of laws, codes, rules, policies related to pupil transportation.
• Ability to remain calm in emergencies and student behavior situations.
• Ability to focus on safe bus operation amid distractions.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Safe driving record; valid Washington State Driver’s License and Commercial Driver’s License.
• Eligibility or timely acquisition of Washington State School Bus Driver’s Certificate and endorsement.
• Position subject to random drug testing.

• High school graduation or equivalent.
• Bilingual skills.

Steering, clutching, braking require strong physical condition; prolonged sitting; exposure to high noise levels; road and traffic hazards; service work; driving in inclement weather.

Requires concentration in traffic conditions, decisiveness, and good judgment in emergencies.

Reasonable accommodations may be made for disabilities.

Frequently requires sitting, lifting, carrying, moving, hearing, speaking; may require computer work.

Must occasionally lift up to 50 pounds; lift students of greater weight in emergencies.

Vision requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment.

Employees anticipated to work 630 hours during the school year (September 1 – August 31) are eligible for medical, dental, vision, long‑term disability and basic life insurance.

Eligible employees must be a member of the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems Plan. Employees may participate in tax‑deferred 403(b) and 457 Deferred Compensation Plans.

North Thurston School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race,…