Trip Driver

Overview

Safely transport students and authorized persons on extracurricular, special, or extra activity trips on evenings and weekends. Trips are assigned from a rotation list based on driver availability.

• Operate assigned school buses in accordance with Washington laws and district policies during evenings and weekends.
• Report unsafe acts or conditions.
• Complete the required school bus driver training programs.
• Operate buses in all weather conditions.
• Oversee loading and unloading of students and ensure safety precautions.
• Conduct safety and operational inspections of the vehicle at least twice daily.
• Maintain the bus in a clean and safe operating condition.
• Follow procedures for students with special health conditions.
• Load, unload, and secure students in wheelchairs and verify wheelchair safety.
• Operate GPS and two‑way radio for communication with the Transportation Dispatching Unit.
• Maintain discipline and order on buses per district policies.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with parents and the public.
• Maintain required records such as daily reports, mileage, routing, and maintenance.
• Attend professional development to maintain licensing and skills.
• Maintain current DOT physical, First Aid/CPR certification.
• Perform additional school bus and miscellaneous duties as directed.

• Minimum age of 21 and at least five years of experience driving a passenger car.
• Valid Washington State Driver’s Permit and Class B CDL with passenger and school bus endorsements.
• Current, valid medical examiner’s certificate.
• Current First Aid/CPR certification.

• Background check by Washington State Patrol and FBI with no disqualifying conditions.
• Completion of a school bus driver training program overseen by an authorized instructor.
• Meet continuing requirements for holding a school bus driver authorization, including review of a five‑year driver abstract.
• Availability for evening or weekend trips.
• Strong interpersonal skills and professional conduct.
• Ability to remain calm and respond to problematic situations.
• Accurate record keeping and data entry in automated systems.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Adapt quickly to new circumstances.

Substitute/non‑contract drivers are paid $22.66 to $23.85 per hour. Base rate is $22.66, 95% of bus driver Step 1; no minimum annual hours. After two years of 90 days per school year, hourly rate increases to 97% of Step 1; after three years, it increases to 100% of Step 1. Substitutes accrue one hour of sick leave for every 40 hours worked. After 630 hours, benefits become available.

Benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance and Long‑Term Disability via the School Employee Benefits Board.

Mead School District #354 is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against otherwise qualified applicants 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, use of a trained dog guide or service animal, age, and honorably discharged veteran or military status. The District provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.

Inquiries regarding compliance procedures may be directed to the District’s Title IX/Civil Rights Officer, Section 504 Coordinator, or Affirmative Action Officer.