2026-27 Substitute Transportation Specialist

North Thurston Public Schools • Lacey, WA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Operates school buses in all types of weather conditions transporting students and other authorized persons to and from school and on field and extra-curricular trips. The District represents a diverse community with a population of more than 50% of students with diverse backgrounds. We seek an individual who has successful experience in working with culturally diverse families and communities. The selected candidate must demonstrate a commitment to strengthening community engagement and communication with the District’s diverse populations.

Requirements

• Incumbents must have successful experience in working with culturally diverse families and communities, or have otherwise demonstrated a commitment to strengthening engagement of a diverse community and skill in communicating with a diverse population.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Minimum of five years of professional driving experience.
• Knowledge of laws, codes, rules, policies and regulations relating to pupil transportation.
• Ability to remain calm, thoughtful and deliberate in emergency situations and when dealing with student behavior issues.
• Ability to remain focused on safe school bus operation during distractions from student behavior.
• Effective oral and written communications; the ability to communicate effectively to calm students in emotional and behavior situations; and the ability to effectively communicate with parents and staff.
• Possess a safe driving record (as demonstrated in five year driving abstract), a valid Washington State Drivers License, and a Commercial Drivers License.
• Possess or be eligible to obtain in a timely manner a Washington State School Bus Driver’s Certificate and appropriate licensing endorsement.
• This position is subject to random drug testing.
• All new employees must complete a satisfactory fingerprint and sexual misconduct background check.

Nice To Haves

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• Graduation from high school or equivalent.
• Bilingual skills

Responsibilities

• Operate school buses in all types of weather conditions including but not limited to fog, rain, hail, sleet, and snow.
• Transport students and other authorized persons to and from school, on field and extra-curricular trips as authorized by school district management.
• Serve under the administrative supervision of the District administrator responsible for transportation services or designee.
• Held responsible for route performance, safe operation of school buses, compliance with traffic laws, and compliance with all local, state, and federal laws, rules and regulations governing pupil transportation and school bus operation.
• Drive a school bus or other authorized vehicle on scheduled routes and/or trips in support of district-approved activities, both in and out of school district boundaries.
• Perform pre and post trip duties as determined by management.
• Service, inspect, and clean equipment as directed by management.
• Maintain current bus route information such as maps, run directions, student data, and other special instructions.
• Legible and accurate completion of forms, records, logs, and reports as required under district and state guidelines.
• Ability to formulate and exercise successful student management procedures resulting in a safe, friendly, caring atmosphere.
• Respond immediately to student emergencies such as illness or injury.
• Perform basic first aid as may be appropriate to include CPR.
• Be familiar with the use and care of fire extinguishers, warning devices, first aid and body fluid kits, and accident report forms.
• Perform emergency evacuation and earthquake drills as directed.
• Ability to support and value the efforts of ongoing cultural community projects and events.
• Projects a positive image and models appropriate student behavior by maintaining a suitable appearance, being courteous, considerate of other motorist, and displaying professional language and personal habits.
• Assist in creating a customer service culture that assures the operational program is responsive and sensitive to the needs of students, patrons, and school staff.
• Creates a welcoming environment for students and parents and providing flexibility to respond to the needs of customers.
• Required to follow Board policies and stay abreast of updates and changes.
• Performs other duties as assigned by administrator and/or designee.

Benefits

• medical, dental, vision, long term disability and basic life insurance benefits
• Washington State Healthcare Authority under the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB)
• Washington State Department of Retirement Systems Plan
• tax deferred 403(b) and 457 Deferred Compensation Plans (DCP)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED