Van Driver

Dattco • Middletown, CT

12d • Onsite

About The Position

DATTCO is hiring experienced Van Drivers at its Middletown, Connecticut location to transport students to and from school on assigned routes. This part-time position guarantees 20 hours per week, with additional hours potentially available by arranging shifts with a manager. The hourly rate is $19.50–$22, based on experience and licensing.

Drivers are responsible for safe vehicle operation, required inspections, following applicable traffic and student-transportation procedures, maintaining a safe and orderly environment for students, and communicating professionally with families, school staff, supervisors, and safety personnel. Drivers must complete required training and meet Connecticut DMV, school district, company, and federal physical qualification requirements. The role involves physical tasks such as lifting up to 50 pounds occasionally, repeatedly entering and exiting the vehicle, conducting inspections, and assisting passengers.

DATTCO is a third-generation, family-owned passenger transportation company serving 30 school districts in Connecticut and Rhode Island. It has 2,500 employees and transports more than 140,000 students each year. Qualified applicants are considered without regard to protected characteristics. Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities, consistent with applicable law.

Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Must have at least three consecutive years of driving experience with a valid driver's license.
• Must hold, or be able to obtain before transporting students, the V Endorsement required to operate student transportation vehicles.
• Must have an acceptable driving record and meet Connecticut DMV, school district, and DATTCO eligibility standards.
• Must successfully complete all Connecticut DMV-required training and qualification requirements for Student Transportation Vehicle operators.
• Must meet physical qualification standards under 49 CFR Part 391 and maintain any required medical certification.
• Must successfully complete pre-employment screening, including driving record review, fingerprinting, state and national criminal background checks, drug screening, and any other screenings required by Connecticut DMV, school districts, or DATTCO policy.
• Must complete and maintain all required annual, in-service, safety, and regulatory training.
• Must comply with applicable Connecticut DMV, school district, and company safety policies and procedures.
• Must be able to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Must be able to repeatedly enter and exit the vehicle and perform required vehicle inspections.
• Must be able to bend, kneel, reach, climb stairs, and use vehicle safety equipment.
• Must be able to assist passengers during boarding, exiting, and emergency evacuations.

Nice To Haves

• Experienced Van Driver; experience and licensing may affect the hourly rate.
• Previous work experience in a classroom or working with students.

Responsibilities

• Safely transport students to and from school on assigned routes.
• Perform required pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections and report safety or maintenance concerns.
• Follow traffic laws, designated routes, railroad crossing procedures, student pick-up and drop-off procedures, and school district safety requirements.
• Maintain a safe, respectful, and orderly environment for students while operating the vehicle.
• Communicate professionally with students, parents or guardians, school staff, transportation supervisors, and safety personnel.
• Complete required safety training, drills, continuing education, and compliance requirements under Connecticut DMV, school district, and DATTCO policies.
• Complete and maintain required annual, in-service, safety, and regulatory training.
• Comply with applicable Connecticut DMV, school district, and company safety policies and procedures.
• Assist passengers during boarding, exiting, and emergency evacuations.

Benefits

• Weekends off and school holiday breaks.
• Job stability and longevity.
• Bring Your Child to Work Program to help save on childcare.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Career growth opportunities, with promotion from within across DATTCO company brands.
• Paid holidays.
• Annual pay raises.
• May be eligible for unemployment insurance during summer months.
• Employee Referral Program offering $1,000 bonuses, subject to program terms and eligibility requirements.
• Training program for referred candidates who may not yet have specific requirements.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed