Bus Driver - Hamilton, Michigan

School Bus Driver (Multiple Positions) - AM & PM Routes · JOB SUMMARY:  · Drive the Future—Join Hamilton Community Schools as a Bus Driver · Are you looking for a meaningful way to make a difference in your community each day? Hamilton Community Schools is now hiring School Bus D ...

Job description

School Bus Driver (Multiple Positions) - AM & PM Routes

JOB SUMMARY: 

Drive the Future—Join Hamilton Community Schools as a Bus Driver

Are you looking for a meaningful way to make a difference in your community each day? Hamilton Community Schools is now hiring School Bus Drivers who are committed to student safety, dependable service, and positive relationships. This vital role offers more than just driving—it's a chance to be a daily role model for students, greet them with a smile, and ensure they arrive safely, ready to learn.

As a driver, you'll enjoy a consistent schedule with both morning and afternoon routes, plus opportunities for additional trips throughout the school year. This position is perfect for retirees, community members looking to stay involved, or parents who want work that aligns with their child's school day.

No CDL? No problem
We offer paid training to help you earn your Commercial Driver's License with the required B, P, S, and Air Brakes endorsements—just in time for the 2025–2026 school year.

If you're reliable, student-focused, and ready to take the wheel in a role that matters, we encourage you to apply today

REPORTS TO: Transportation Supervisor

FLSA STATUS: Nonexempt

LOCATION:  Transportation Department

WORK SCHEDULE: Average 28 hours/week (AM and PM routes)

PAY RATE:  Starting at $23.00/ hour

HIRING BONUS:

New certified drivers will receive a $1,500 sign-on bonus. 

• The bonus is $500 after hire and a 60-day probation period.
• Then $1,000 after one year of employment. 

New drivers who must earn driver certification will receive a $750 sign-on bonus. 

• The bonus is $250 after a 60-day probationary period.
• Then $500 after one year of employment. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Must pass alcohol/ Drug testing
• Favorable results from a Driver Record check required
• Must be fingerprinted and have a Criminal Background check
• Must have a CDL-B temporary license with the following endorsements: 
  • P-Passenger Endorsement
  • S-School Bus Endorsement
  • Air Brake Test

In order to obtain this license, you must pass the written CDL test. HCS CDL trainers will prepare potential drivers for the road test. This is paid training.

• Must have DOT/Michigan Department of Education physical every year at the clinic approved by the Hamilton Community Schools Transportation Supervisor
• Must maintain a good driving record
• Must complete training for school bus drivers required by the State of Michigan and Hamilton Community Schools
• Must complete all Advanced School Bus Driving classes as required by the State of Michigan and Hamilton Community Schools

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The following are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed by such a person. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Safely transport students to and from school, activities, etc.
• Effectively and appropriately manage student behaviors
• Ability to multi-task for the services that we provide
• Maintain a cooperative attitude and build rapport with students, peers, supervisors, parents, school personnel, and the community
• Use effective and professional verbal and written communication skills
• Present self in a professional manner, including attire and being alert and attentive
• Successfully complete all initial and ongoing required trainings, meetings, classes and professional development
• Work together as a team to keep the interior and exterior of the vehicle clean, safe and presentable
• Quickly and safely evacuate the vehicle in case of an emergency
• Check the student roster to ensure proper ridership
• Maintain current knowledge of all student requirements, such as medical protocols, IEP's, etc. and respond appropriately to events by following written protocols
• While students are exiting, check the vehicle for remaining/lost students, items, etc. ENSURE ALL PASSENGERS ARE OFF THE BUS at the end of the trip.
• Properly secure students in required safety equipment and restraints (i.e. wheelchairs, harnesses, etc.)
• Safely assist non-ambulatory students into and out of the vehicle
• Accurately complete reports and paperwork in a timely manner. Including vehicle maintenance requests, student behavior referrals, timecards, directions, etc.
• Abide by federal law, state law, and district policies, procedures, and expectations
• Utilize technology when required
• Consistently perform thorough and accurate pre-trip and post-trip inspections
• Immediately report accidents
• Ensure the vehicle is properly fueled according to department policy
• Prepare vehicle for student transport, including inclement weather, harnesses, wheelchair tie downs, etc.
• Safely and appropriately operate various types of school buses and equipment, including wheelchair lifts, radios, and emergency equipment
• Report any safety or maintenance concerns to appropriate personnel in a timely manner
• Report all moving violations to the Transportation Supervisor, including any received while on or off the clock
• Clean the bus as designated by department procedures 
• Other duties as assigned

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Sitting, standing, and walking for extended periods of time
• Ascending and descending approximately 14" steps regularly
• Entering and exiting vehicles regularly
• Descend from the back door of the vehicle in emergencies onto uncertain surfaces
• Possibly repeated lifting and carrying students or object(s) weighing up to 75 pounds for 100 or more feet
• Possibly repeated pushing and pulling wheelchairs/objects(s) weighing up to 75 pounds for 100 or more feet
• Continuous use of hands, fingers, and wrists repetitively
• Using both hands and legs simultaneously
• Repeated stooping, bending, and kneeling
• Occasional pushing, pulling and maintaining balance
• Reach over head to approximately 72" height to open the wheelchair lift door and operate the lift mechanism
• Rapid mental/muscular coordination
• Verbal, auditory, and written capabilities to effectively communicate in an articulate manner
• Accurate depth perception
• Clarity of vision at varying distances to see small details
• Operate mobile motorized equipment
• Drive a vehicle to conduct work

HAZARDS:

• Possible contact with bloodborne pathogens and/or bodily fluids
• Contact with chemicals used for cleaning buses

WHO ARE WE?

Hamilton Community Schools is a rural district in West Michigan, located south of Holland and east of Saugatuck. Our well-maintained district includes one preschool learning center (Sandyview), three elementary schools (Bentheim, Blue Star, and Hamilton Elementary), one middle school, one high school, and the Hamilton Virtual School. Despite covering a large area of 135 square miles, Hamilton retains a small-town feel.

As one of the 18 member public school districts within the Ottawa Intermediate School District (OAISD), Hamilton Community Schools employs 400 staff members and serves over 2,400 full-time students, along with 1,100 non-public students across various programs and formats. Renowned throughout the state, our district is celebrated for balancing a small-town atmosphere with educational innovation, catering to the needs of every learner. With a strong focus on K-12 academics, work-based learning, athletics, and the arts, Hamilton is a destination district. WE are HAWKEYES

Why Hamilton?

APPLICATION PROCEDURES: 

• Submit an application, cover letter and resume using the online application system. 
• Deadline to apply:  The search committee will review applications until the position is filled.  
• Any questions can be sent to Kathy Dykema, Transportation Supervisor,

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 
Hamilton Community Schools is an equal opportunity employer and will provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, sex, national origin, age, color, height, weight, marital status, familial status, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status with applicable state and federal laws.

DISTRIBUTION: Internal / External