School Bus Driver

First Student•Zachary, LA

18d

About The Position

First Student is hiring part-time School Bus Drivers to serve Zachary Community Schools and other listed school communities in the Zachary, Louisiana area. Drivers pick students up in the morning and transport them home in the afternoon, with possible additional hours for field trips and special events. The role offers split AM/PM shifts on weekdays, a flexible part-time schedule, and summers off. No prior experience or CDL is required to apply; training and guidance are provided to help qualified candidates obtain the required licenses and endorsements. Drivers must safely transport students, support safe boarding and unloading, maintain order and cleanliness on the bus, inspect the vehicle, report mechanical issues, follow traffic laws and company safety standards, and communicate with parents, school staff, and dispatch. Candidates must meet licensing, medical, drug and alcohol program, and background-screening requirements after training. The role requires English proficiency and is subject to DOT drug testing as a safety-sensitive position.

Requirements

Be at least 21 years old.
Have held a valid driver's license for at least 3 years.
Demonstrate English proficiency for 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 Air Brake qualification with no restrictions.
Meet DOT physical requirements, drug and alcohol program requirements, and background-screening requirements.
Comply with DOT drug-testing requirements for this safety-sensitive role.

Nice To Haves

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, customer service associate, or retail associate.
Enjoy working with students.

Responsibilities

Safely transport students to and from school and activities.
Supervise boarding and unloading at stops and assist students 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.
Report mechanical issues promptly 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

Hourly pay of $21.79; training pay of $15.00 per hour, including behind-the-wheel training.
Guaranteed minimum of 2.75 hours per shift worked; 27.5 hours for working both AM and PM shifts for a full week.
A $1,000 sign-on bonus for new drivers and $2,000 for fully licensed and credentialed school bus drivers, subject to conditions.
A $200 Commercial Learner’s Permit bonus if the CLP is presented within 14 days of completing the Virtual CLP class, subject to conditions.
Commercial Learner’s Permit and Commercial Driver’s License training provided.
Four paid holidays per school year: Labor Day, MLK Day, and two days for Mardi Gras.
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.