School Bus Driver

First Student•Poughkeepsie, NY

2d•Onsite

About The Position

First Student is hiring part-time School Bus Drivers in Poughkeepsie, New York. Drivers pick up students in the morning, transport them safely to school, and take them home in the afternoon. Additional hours may be available for field trips and special events. No prior experience is necessary; training and guidance are provided, including Commercial Learner’s Permit and Commercial Driver’s License training. The role requires English proficiency for training, safety communications, company policies, employment documents, and other job-related communications. The position is subject to DOT drug testing as a safety-sensitive role. The schedule is flexible and part-time, with split morning and afternoon weekday routes. Nights, weekends, holidays, and summers are not required. Drivers are guaranteed pay for at least five hours per day. Hourly pay is $29.50–$32.50 depending on experience and qualifications; the training rate is $25.75 per hour. Sign-on bonuses are offered subject to conditions: $10,000 for fully licensed drivers with CDL Class B, Passenger, and School Bus endorsements, or $3,500 for new drivers. The bonus offer expires December 31, 2026. First Student describes itself as a family of more than 60,000 employees transporting over five million students and passengers daily. It offers opportunities to advance into operational, maintenance, management, and leadership roles across more than 540 locations in the U.S. and Canada.

Requirements

Be at least 21 years old.
Have held a valid driver’s license for at least three years.
Be proficient in English for job-related training and communications.
Comply with DOT drug testing requirements for safety-sensitive employees.
A valid Class B license is identified as a useful skill; the $10,000 sign-on bonus requires CDL Class B, Passenger, and School Bus endorsements.

Nice To Haves

Experience driving for 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 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.
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.