Part-Time School Bus Driver

First Student•Benton Harbor, MI

12d•$25 - $28•Onsite

About The Position

First Student is hiring part-time School Bus Drivers to serve Benton Harbor Area Schools in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Drivers pick students up in the morning and transport them home in the afternoon. Additional hours may be available for field trips and special events. The role offers split AM/PM weekday shifts, with no nights, weekends, holidays, or summers required. A minimum of four paid hours per day is guaranteed. No prior experience or CDL is required to apply. First Student provides training and guidance to help qualified candidates earn the required licenses and endorsements. After training, candidates must meet requirements that include a Class A or Class B CDL, Passenger and School Bus endorsements, an unrestricted air-brake qualification, DOT physical requirements, drug and alcohol program requirements, and background screening. English proficiency is required for training, safety communications, company policies, employment documents, and other work-related communications. The position is safety-sensitive and subject to DOT drug testing. The advertised hourly rate is $25.00–$27.85 depending on experience and qualifications; the training rate is $14.50. A $1,000 new-driver sign-on bonus is advertised, subject to conditions. Commercial Learner’s Permit bonuses are also advertised, subject to conditions: $750 for obtaining the permit within 7 days or $250 within 14 days. The sign-on offer is effective until 10/31/2026, and the CLP bonus offer is effective until 01/01/2026.

Requirements

Be at least 21 years old.
Have held a valid driver’s license for at least 3 years.
Be proficient in English for required training, safety communications, company policies, employment documents, and other job-related communications.
After training, meet the requirements for a Class A or Class B CDL, Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements, and an Air Brake Qualification with no restrictions.
Meet DOT physical requirements.
Meet drug and alcohol program requirements, including DOT drug testing requirements.
Pass background screening.

Nice To Haves

Valid Class B license.
Driving experience with rideshare companies or taxi services.
Previous experience as a teacher, CDL driver, social worker, classroom assistant, hospitality worker, or customer service or retail associate.
Enjoy working with students.

Responsibilities

Safely transport students to and from school and activities.
Supervise students boarding and unloading at stops and assist with seatbelts and mobility aids.
Maintain order on the bus to prevent distractions.
Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections of brakes, lights, tires, and emergency exits.
Promptly report mechanical issues and keep the bus clean and sanitary.
Follow traffic laws and company safety standards.
Communicate with parents, school staff, and dispatch about student behavior or delays.
Demonstrate leadership and customer service skills.

Benefits

$1,000 new-driver sign-on bonus, subject to conditions.
Hourly pay of $25.00 to $27.85, depending on experience and qualifications; training rate of $14.50.
Commercial Learner’s Permit and Commercial Driver’s License training provided.
Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance or coverage options.
401(k) retirement plan with company match.
Part-time flexible schedule with split AM/PM weekday routes; no nights, weekends, holidays, or summers required.
Career advancement opportunities in operational, maintenance, management, and leadership roles.
Employee Assistance Program with counseling and support services.
Employee discounts on various products and services.
Guaranteed minimum pay for four hours per day.
Child Ride-Along Program.
Safety or attendance bonuses.
Commercial Learner’s Permit bonus, subject to conditions: $750 if obtained within 7 days or $250 if obtained within 14 days.
Early wage access, loyalty rewards, recognition programs, growth opportunities, and appreciation events.