Lead School Bus Driver/Trainer

Position Type:
Support Staff/Bus Driver

Date Posted:
9/26/2025

Location:
Transportation

Date Available:
10/14/2025

Closing Date:
05/27/2026
Position:

Lead School Bus Driver/Trainer
Transportation

Effective Date(s):

2025-2026 school year

Job Goal(s):

Acts as both a lead driver and trainer - driving assigned routes while providing classroom and behind-the-wheel (BTW) instruction to new and veteran bus drivers. Ensures safety, compliance, and professionalism across the district's transportation operations.

Employment
Terms:

11 month contract from August through June. Work time in July to be paid via voucher.
Non-Affiliated
Full-time; eligible for health insurance benefits.

Reports To:

Transportation Supervisor

Qualifications:

1. Valid Commercial Driver's License with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements.
2. Minimum (3) years of safe school bus driving experience as determined by the Board.
3. Successful completion of drug and alcohol testing.
4. Valid DOT physical.
5. Fingerprint clearance, required criminal history background check as conducted by the Office of Criminal History.
6. Experience in training, mentoring, or supervisory roles preferred, within educational or transportation settings.
7. Required proof of US Citizenship or legal resident alien status.

Performance Responsibilities:

• Promote and model safe driving practices, defensive driving techniques, student discipline procedures, and emergency evacuation standard.
• Excellent trainer with strong verbal and written communication skills, including classroom instruction and evaluation.
• Proficiency in record keeping, scheduling and documentation.
• Leadership, patience, and ability to work under pressure, especially managing and training staff in safety protocols, student management, and emergency situations.
• Technical aptitude, to assist with student record management and assist with data and reports.
• Conduct classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction for new hires, substitutes, and tenured drivers, including safety protocols, emergency drills, route management, and preventative maintenance.
• Facilitate refresher training and remedial instruction following incidents, to align with New Jersey school bus driver standards.
• Maintain thorough training records and documentation; ensure pre-approval from Transportation Supervisor for training hours.
• Provide specialized training for drivers managing students with special needs (wheelchair procedures, harness installations, behavior management, according to IEP guidelines).
• Service as substitute bus driver when needed.
• Review video surveillance on school buses when required by the Supervisor of Transportation.
• Review GPS reports systematically and after incidents.
• Investigates concerns with contractors in reference to driver compliance and vehicle compliance.
• Monitor CDL licensed drivers and assure that all drivers, District and Contracted, meet the District Standards in accordance to Motor Vehicle Records.
• Conducts on-site inspections of vehicles and driver credentials.
• Investigate and inspect vehicles when complaints are made.
• Obeys all traffic laws and observes mandatory school bus safety regulations.
• Observes all mandatory safety regulations for school buses and keeps all emergency exits clear from obstructions.
• Assist with emergency evacuation drills in accordance with board policy, and instructs passengers regarding safety regulations and other bus rules.
• Uphold and reinforce district transportation policies, including dress code, conduct, and student safety guidelines.
• Enforce compliance with New Jersey requirements: CDL Class B with "S" (School Bus) and "P" (Passenger) endorsements, DOT physicals, fingerprinting, criminal history checks, and controlled-substance training.
• Collaborate with the Transportation Supervisor to schedule training sessions, evaluate driver performance, and update transportation logs and reports.

Physical/Environmental Requirements:

• Bend, kneel, reach, and lift/move/carry heavy objects (up to 50 lbs) including adjusting seating configurations.
• Clean the bus interior and exterior using brooms, window cleaners, and other cleaning supplies.
• Occasionally work outdoors in extremely weather conditions including heath, snow, ice, and cold.
• Must meet visual and hearing standards, sit for extended periods, and be able to assist students or maange emergency evacuations when needed.

Salary:

Salary Range: $55,000.00 - $60,000.00

Application:

Qualified individuals interested in applying are invited to apply online via Applitrack at https://www.applitrack.com/paramus/onlineapp/default.aspx

Requirements:

1. New Jersey resident or willingness to relocate
2.Controlled substance testing and successful completion of criminal history background check are required of all applicants offered employment.

Evaluation:

Performance of this job will be evaluated annually by the Supervisor of Transportation.

Click here to view job descriptions available on the district's website.
AA/EOE