School Bus Driver

First Student•Zachary, LA

17d•Onsite

About The Position

First Student is hiring part-time School Bus Drivers to serve Zachary Community Schools and other listed schools in the Zachary, Louisiana area. Drivers pick up students in the morning and transport them home in the afternoon, with possible additional hours for field trips and special events. Split AM/PM shifts are scheduled on weekdays, with no required nights, weekends, holidays, or summers. The role offers a guaranteed minimum of 2.75 hours per shift worked; drivers working both AM and PM routes for a full week earn 27.5 hours. The stated driver rate is $21.79 per hour, with behind-the-wheel training paid at $15.00 per hour. Training is provided for candidates to obtain the licenses and endorsements required for the role. A $1,000 sign-on bonus is offered to new drivers, and $2,000 to fully licensed and credentialed school bus drivers; bonus conditions apply. A separate $200 Commercial Learner’s Permit bonus is available under stated conditions, with offers ending December 31, 2026. The position is safety-sensitive and subject to DOT drug testing. Candidates must meet applicable CDL, endorsement, physical, drug and alcohol program, and background screening requirements after training. The role requires English proficiency for training, safety communications, company policies, employment documents, and other job-related communications.

Requirements

Be at least 21 years old.
Have held a valid driver’s license for at least 3 years.
Be proficient in English for training, safety communications, company policies, employment documents, and other job-related communications.
Successfully meet post-training requirements, including a Class A or Class B CDL, Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements, and Air Brake qualification with no restrictions.
Meet DOT physical requirements.
Meet Drug & Alcohol Program requirements and pass background screening.
Comply with DOT drug testing requirements for this safety-sensitive position.

Nice To Haves

A valid Class B license.
Driving history 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.
Obey 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 sign-on bonus for new drivers and $2,000 for fully licensed and credentialed school bus drivers, subject to conditions.
$21.79 hourly rate; training rate of $15.00 per hour for behind-the-wheel training.
Guaranteed minimum of 2.75 hours per shift worked.
Flexible weekday split-shift schedule, with no required nights, weekends, holidays, or summers.
Commercial Learner’s Permit and Commercial Driver’s License training provided.
$200 Commercial Learner’s Permit bonus subject to conditions.
Four paid holidays per school year: Labor Day, MLK Day, and two Mardi Gras days.
Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance or coverage options.
401(k) retirement plan.
Career advancement opportunities in operational, maintenance, management, and leadership roles.
Employee Assistance Program with counseling and support services.
Employee discount program.
Child Ride-Along Program.