School Bus Driver - Direct Hire

KIPP Miami • Miami, FL

9d • Onsite

About The Position

KIPP Miami is looking for reliable and safety-minded School Bus Drivers to provide efficient, caring transportation for our students. Driving our brand-new electric school buses, you will ensure students arrive safely to and from school, field trips, and extracurricular activities, embodying KIPP Miami’s core values every mile of the way.

Requirements

• At least one (1) year of professional school bus or commercial driving experience (required).
• High School Diploma or GED (required).
• Valid Florida Commercial Driver License (CDL) with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements (required).
• Must meet all Florida Department of Education (FDOE) and Miami‑Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS) standards for school bus drivers, including successful completion of: FDOE School Bus Driver Training Program (40 hours minimum), Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination, Drug and alcohol screening per Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, Fingerprinting and Level II background clearance.
• Satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) with no major violations in the past three years.
• Ability to manage student behavior calmly and positively using restorative and respectful strategies.
• Willingness to work flexible hours as needed for field trips and extracurricular activities.
• Safety-First Mindset: You prioritize safety above all, ensuring every child’s well‑being on the road.
• Heartbeat Aligned: You live out KIPP Miami’s Heartbeat Principles by showing empathy, consistency, and reliability in all student interactions.
• Professionalism & Pride: You maintain your vehicle and appearance to the highest standards and represent KIPP Miami with excellence.
• Team Player: You collaborate with staff and families to provide dependable transportation that supports our school mission.
• Ability to sit for extended periods while operating a school bus.
• Ability to bend, reach, twist, and turn to check mirrors, open and close doors, secure students, and maintain safety.
• Ability to climb steps and walk the bus aisle multiple times daily.
• Ability to assist students with mobility devices and operate lifts or securement systems.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull objects up to 50 pounds on occasion (e.g., during emergency evacuations).
• Vision and hearing must meet Florida DOT standards, including 20/40 visual acuity and adequate hearing (with or without correction).
• Adequate hand-eye-foot coordination to safely operate bus controls.
• Ability to communicate clearly in English with students, staff, and families.
• Ability to work outdoors in variable weather conditions (heat, rain, humidity).
• Ability to tolerate moderate to high noise levels.
• Ability to remain alert and focused for extended periods.
• Must maintain DOT medical certification and CDL endorsements.
• Must comply with drug and alcohol testing requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with charter school operations or urban education environments.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish or English/Creole) strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate a school bus in accordance with all state, federal, and district regulations.
• Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections to ensure the bus is operating safely and properly maintained.
• Follow established routes and schedules while maintaining safe driving speeds and conditions.
• Ensure the safe loading, unloading, and seating of all students, including those with disabilities or mobility needs.
• Maintain discipline and ensure appropriate student conduct while on the bus, consistent with KIPP’s values of respect and safety.
• Respond calmly and effectively to emergency situations, including bus evacuations or student medical needs.
• Maintain accurate records such as daily logs, incident reports, and inspection documentation.
• Report vehicle defects, student incidents, or schedule issues promptly to the Transportation Coordinator.
• Participate in ongoing safety meetings and training sessions.
• Maintain cleanliness and general upkeep of the bus interior and exterior.
• Model professionalism, punctuality, and a student-centered attitude at all times.
• Communicate respectfully and effectively with students, families, and staff.
• Uphold KIPP Miami’s commitment to equity, inclusiveness, and joyful learning environments.
• Participate in professional development opportunities as assigned.

Benefits

• Our organization is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender, age, religion, national origin, citizen status, marital status, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Our organization will make a reasonable accommodation to known physical or mental limitations of a qualified applicant or employee with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of the organization.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED