School Bus Driver

Dattco • East Hartford, CT

16d • Onsite

About The Position

DATTCO is a third-generation, family-owned passenger transportation company serving 30 school districts in Connecticut and Rhode Island. The company employs 2,500 people and transports more than 140,000 students to and from school each year. DATTCO is hiring experienced School Bus Drivers for its East Hartford, Connecticut location. The role pays $24.25–$27 per hour and involves split shifts for morning and afternoon school bus routes. Additional hours may be available by coordinating with a manager.

Drivers transport students on assigned routes, perform vehicle inspections, follow applicable traffic and school-district safety procedures, maintain a safe and orderly environment for students, and communicate professionally with families, school staff, supervisors, and safety personnel. Drivers must complete and maintain required training, certifications, screenings, and compliance requirements.

The position requires the ability to meet specified physical demands, including lifting up to 50 pounds occasionally, repeatedly entering and exiting the vehicle, performing inspections, and assisting passengers. DATTCO provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Qualified applicants receive consideration without regard to protected characteristics.

Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Must have at least three consecutive years of driving experience with a valid driver’s license.
• Must have an acceptable driving record and meet Connecticut DMV, school district, and DATTCO eligibility standards.
• Must possess, or be able to obtain or transfer before operating with students, a valid Connecticut CDL Class B with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements.
• Out-of-state CDL holders may qualify, subject to Connecticut DMV requirements and DATTCO approval.
• Must meet DOT/FMCSA medical qualification standards, including physical qualification standards in 49 CFR Part 391, and maintain a valid DOT medical certificate as required.
• Must successfully complete required pre-employment screening, including fingerprinting, state and national criminal background checks, registry checks, driving record review, drug testing, and other screenings required by law or applicable policies.
• Must complete and maintain required Connecticut DMV school bus training, proficiency, road test, annual/in-service training, safety drills, and continuing education requirements.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to enter and exit the vehicle repeatedly and perform required vehicle inspections.
• Ability to bend, kneel, reach, climb stairs, and use vehicle safety equipment.
• Ability to assist passengers during boarding, exiting, and emergency evacuations.

Nice To Haves

• Previous work experience in a classroom or working with students.

Responsibilities

• Safely transport students to and from school on assigned routes.
• Perform required pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections and report safety or maintenance concerns.
• Follow traffic laws, designated routes, railroad crossing procedures, student pick-up and drop-off procedures, and school district safety requirements.
• Maintain a safe, respectful, and orderly environment for students while operating the bus.
• Communicate professionally with students, parents or guardians, school staff, transportation supervisors, and safety personnel.
• Complete required safety training, drills, continuing education, and compliance requirements under Connecticut DMV, FMCSA/DOT, school district, and DATTCO policies.
• Maintain required Connecticut DMV school bus training, proficiency, road test, annual or in-service training, safety drills, and continuing education requirements.
• Participate in applicable DOT/FMCSA and/or state-required random drug and alcohol testing programs.

Benefits

• Competitive hourly compensation of $24.25–$27 per hour, with transparent rates for the next three years.
• Weekends off and school holiday breaks.
• Job stability and longevity.
• Bring Your Child to Work Program to help save on childcare.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Career growth opportunities and promotion from within across DATTCO company brands.
• Paid holidays.
• Annual pay raises, with pay rates transparent for the next three years of employment; union locations excluded.
• Longevity bonuses.
• May be eligible for unemployment insurance during the summer months.
• Employee Referral Program offering $1,000 bonuses, subject to program terms and eligibility requirements.
• Training program for referred candidates who may not yet meet specific requirements.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed