Chehalis-Bus Driver-Paid Trainee Program 2026/27

Chehalis School District•Centralia, WA

19d•Onsite

About The Position

The job of Bus Driver is to transport students over scheduled routes and/or special trips in accordance with state laws and district policy; enforcing rules, regulations, and laws to maintain safety during transport; ensuring the vehicle is in safe operating condition and ensuring safety of students during transport, loading and unloading from buses, so that students may enjoy the fullest possible advantage from the district's curriculum and extra-curricular program. This is a paid trainee program that includes 60 hours of paid training at minimum wage. The employer will pay for fees associated with obtaining a CDL, and the trainee agrees to work for the Chehalis School District for at least one year. After completion of training and obtaining a CDL, the driver will be classified as a Transportation Driver Step 1 at $25.68 per hour.

Requirements

Must be a minimum of twenty-one years of age
Possess a valid Washington State Driver's License with passenger and school bus endorsements void of any air brake restriction
Possess a valid Washington State Commercial School Bus Drivers Certificate
Must maintain a valid CPR/First Aid card
Ability to pass a physical examination, requirements of such provided by the State of Washington
Criminal Justice fingerprint clearance (cost paid by employee), and drug testing clearance
Demonstrated aptitude or competence for assigned responsibilities
Good driving records
Good moral character
Reliability, dependability, initiative and honesty
Evidence of previous successful job performance
Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the board may find appropriate and acceptable

Nice To Haves

Completion of Special Education training
DOT physical (some may be provided per the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement)
Skills in the safe operation of a school bus
Detection of malfunctioning equipment
Assisting children using patience and understanding
Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with school officials, parents, school personnel, and students
Knowledge of safe driving practices
Applicable provisions of Washington State RCW and WAC as applies to the operation of vehicles in transporting school children
First-aid practices and procedures
General knowledge of the School District including the geography of the Chehalis School District and other districts served
Ability to meet schedules and deadlines, read/interpret/apply rules, regulations, policies, rapidly learn methods and materials used in a variety of job related situations including the use of maps and following directions
Follow oral and written directions and have the ability to get along well with others
Work during schedule route times
Significant physical abilities include stooping/crouching/bending at the waist and knees, sitting for prolonged periods of time, reading/handling, talking/hearing conversations, near/far visual acuity/depth perception/accommodation/field of vision, physical dexterity, arm/leg movement, ability to lift up to 30 lbs.

Responsibilities

Drive bus on scheduled/pre-designated routes and for extra school-related activities; maintain control of passengers en-route; report unsafe passenger activities
Inspect, service and clean school bus and related equipment; make minor repairs; report mechanical or other equipment problems
Complete records and reports required by state and local school district policy and procedures
Attend required training courses
Administer first aid if/when necessary
Observe safety/traffic laws; enforce state and local district bus operation regulations
Install and remove tire chains
Perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation
Complete work at assigned workstations
Consistently deal with people in a courteous and professional manner
Obeys all traffic laws
Observes all mandatory safety regulations for school busses
Maintains discipline when students are on bus
Reports undisciplined students to the proper authority
Keeps assigned bus clean
Keeps to assigned schedule
Checks bus before each operation for mechanical defects, ensuring the vehicle is in safe operating condition
Notifies the proper authority in case of mechanical failure or lateness
Discharges students only at authorized stops
Exercises responsible leadership when on out of district school trips
Transports only authorized students
Perform other duties as assigned