Capital Region ESD 113
Bus Driver Trainee
This position is for the 2025-2026 School Year. Position open until filled.
Sound to Harbor Early Learning is hiring preschool bus drivers to transport students to and from centers in Thurston County. No experience is necessary. Training is provided at no cost to you.
To qualify, you must be at least 21 years of age, have a valid driver's license (minimum 3 years), a safe driving record, and be able to pass pre-employment background checks, a drug test and physical. Wage will increase after receiving endorsement and transitioning into substitute or regular position.
Benefits include sick leave.
Please see the job description below for a list of Essential Functions and Job Requirements.
Early Learning Bus Driver Job Description
Purpose Statement
The job of ELP- Bus Driver is done for the purpose/s of transporting students over scheduled routes and/or to/from special excursions; ensuring vehicle operation is in a safe operating condition; and ensuring safety of students during transport, loading and unloading from buses.
This job is distinguished from similar jobs by the following characteristics: This is a union represented position (Federation of Head Start Employees) and is further distinguished from similar jobs per the essential functions and educational requirements listed below.
This job reports to ELP- Center Director II
ESSENTIAL Functions
Arranges for needed repairs and maintenance of bus for the purpose of keeping vehicle in good working order. Assesses bus 5-point harnesses for the purpose of ensuring safe operating condition. Assists students and other passengers for the purpose of providing safe loading and unloading from buses including both emergency situations (including bus evacuations) and normal transport. Complies with program safety rules for the purpose of ensuring safe transportation of passengers. Develops bus routes for the purpose of ensuring that District objectives are achieved. Informs school personnel, parents, etc. of practices and incidents (e.g. rules, regulations, laws, procedures, etc.) for the purpose of providing information for follow-up action and/or proper procedures. Maintains assigned vehicles, both interior and exterior (e.g. cleaning, checking fluid levels, restraints, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring safety, appearance, and sanitation of vehicle. Maintains files and/or records (e.g. route schedule, program records, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring an up-to-date audit trail for compliance. Operates assigned school buses for the purpose of transporting passengers over scheduled routes and to/from school, center events and/or field trips in a safe, legal and timely manner. Performs pre-trip and post-trip inspections (e.g. fluid levels, tire pressure, exterior condition, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring the safe operating condition of the vehicle and meeting state requirements. Prepares documentation (e.g. incident reports, inspections, passenger misconduct, mileage, daily logs, emergency forms, etc.) for the purpose of providing written support and/or conveying information. Reads, understands and follows all motor vehicles laws of the State of Washington, all regulations and Washington State Laws for School Bus Drivers for the purpose of adhering to applicable laws and/or regulations. Reports incidents, complaints, accidents and/or potential emergency situations for the purpose of resolving or recommending a resolution to the situation. MARGINAL Functions
Assists other personnel as may be required for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environment. Attends meetings, training's, etc. for the purpose of maintaining skills and meeting requirements of school bus driver certificate. Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit. Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
SKILLS
are required to perform single, technical tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: operating school buses; administering first aid and CPR; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.
KNOWLEDGE
is required to perform basic math; read and follow instructions; and understand complex, multi-step written and oral instructions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: bus maintenance; emergency procedures; and pertinent policies, codes, regulations and or laws.
ABILITY
is required to schedule activities and/or meetings; collate data; and consider a variety of factors when using equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others; work with data utilizing specific, defined processes; and operate equipment using a variety of processes. Ability is also required to work with others; work with specific, job-related data; and utilize a variety of job-related equipment. Independent problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data requires following prescribed guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is moderate to significant. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: proficiently operating all sizes and types of buses in the Head Start/ECEAP program; flexibility to accept scheduling changes as necessary to meet district needs; maintaining sufficient strength and agility to assist ill or physically impaired students and other passengers to enter or exit a school bus through the passenger service door; providing necessary assistance in an emergency situation and/or evacuation; communicating with a variety of groups; maintaining confidentiality; meeting deadlines and schedules; working as part of a team; and the strength and agility to conduct complete pre and post trip inspections.
Responsibility
Responsibilities include: working under direct supervision using standardized procedures; providing information and/or advising others; operating within a defined budget. Utilization of some resources from other work units may be required to perform the job's functions. There is some opportunity to significantly impact the organization's services.
Work Environment
The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 70% sitting, 15% walking, and 15% standing. The job is performed under minimal temperature variations and in a generally hazard free environment.
Experience
Job related experience is required.
Education (Minimum)
High school diploma or equivalent.
Equivalency
None specified.
Required Testing
Evidence of a current DOT medical exam Pre-employment drug screening is a condition of employment Certificates and Licenses
CPR/First Aid Certificate within 60 days of hire Current OSPI Driver Authorization Valid driver's license & insurance coverage as required by law Continuing Educ. / Training
Maintains Certificates and/or Licenses
Clearances
At least 21 years of age, according to minimum qualifications of WAC 392-144 Criminal Justice and DEL Fingerprint/Background Clearance DMV report reflecting five years driving experience with no major traffic violations in a personal vehicle MMR Clearance WA State Sexual Misconduct Disclosure Release FLSA Status
Non Exempt
Salary Grade
23
Capital Region ESD 113 is an Equal Opportunity Employer
This position is for the 2025-2026 School Year. Position open until filled.
Sound to Harbor Early Learning is hiring preschool bus drivers to transport students to and from centers in Thurston County. No experience is necessary. Training is provided at no cost to you.
To qualify, you must be at least 21 years of age, have a valid driver's license (minimum 3 years), a safe driving record, and be able to pass pre-employment background checks, a drug test and physical. Wage will increase after receiving endorsement and transitioning into substitute or regular position.
Benefits include sick leave.
Please see the job description below for a list of Essential Functions and Job Requirements.
Early Learning Bus Driver Job Description
Purpose Statement
The job of ELP- Bus Driver is done for the purpose/s of transporting students over scheduled routes and/or to/from special excursions; ensuring vehicle operation is in a safe operating condition; and ensuring safety of students during transport, loading and unloading from buses.
This job is distinguished from similar jobs by the following characteristics: This is a union represented position (Federation of Head Start Employees) and is further distinguished from similar jobs per the essential functions and educational requirements listed below.
This job reports to ELP- Center Director II
ESSENTIAL Functions
Arranges for needed repairs and maintenance of bus for the purpose of keeping vehicle in good working order. Assesses bus 5-point harnesses for the purpose of ensuring safe operating condition. Assists students and other passengers for the purpose of providing safe loading and unloading from buses including both emergency situations (including bus evacuations) and normal transport. Complies with program safety rules for the purpose of ensuring safe transportation of passengers. Develops bus routes for the purpose of ensuring that District objectives are achieved. Informs school personnel, parents, etc. of practices and incidents (e.g. rules, regulations, laws, procedures, etc.) for the purpose of providing information for follow-up action and/or proper procedures. Maintains assigned vehicles, both interior and exterior (e.g. cleaning, checking fluid levels, restraints, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring safety, appearance, and sanitation of vehicle. Maintains files and/or records (e.g. route schedule, program records, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring an up-to-date audit trail for compliance. Operates assigned school buses for the purpose of transporting passengers over scheduled routes and to/from school, center events and/or field trips in a safe, legal and timely manner. Performs pre-trip and post-trip inspections (e.g. fluid levels, tire pressure, exterior condition, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring the safe operating condition of the vehicle and meeting state requirements. Prepares documentation (e.g. incident reports, inspections, passenger misconduct, mileage, daily logs, emergency forms, etc.) for the purpose of providing written support and/or conveying information. Reads, understands and follows all motor vehicles laws of the State of Washington, all regulations and Washington State Laws for School Bus Drivers for the purpose of adhering to applicable laws and/or regulations. Reports incidents, complaints, accidents and/or potential emergency situations for the purpose of resolving or recommending a resolution to the situation. MARGINAL Functions
Assists other personnel as may be required for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environment. Attends meetings, training's, etc. for the purpose of maintaining skills and meeting requirements of school bus driver certificate. Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit. Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
SKILLS
are required to perform single, technical tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: operating school buses; administering first aid and CPR; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.
KNOWLEDGE
is required to perform basic math; read and follow instructions; and understand complex, multi-step written and oral instructions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: bus maintenance; emergency procedures; and pertinent policies, codes, regulations and or laws.
ABILITY
is required to schedule activities and/or meetings; collate data; and consider a variety of factors when using equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others; work with data utilizing specific, defined processes; and operate equipment using a variety of processes. Ability is also required to work with others; work with specific, job-related data; and utilize a variety of job-related equipment. Independent problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data requires following prescribed guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is moderate to significant. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: proficiently operating all sizes and types of buses in the Head Start/ECEAP program; flexibility to accept scheduling changes as necessary to meet district needs; maintaining sufficient strength and agility to assist ill or physically impaired students and other passengers to enter or exit a school bus through the passenger service door; providing necessary assistance in an emergency situation and/or evacuation; communicating with a variety of groups; maintaining confidentiality; meeting deadlines and schedules; working as part of a team; and the strength and agility to conduct complete pre and post trip inspections.
Responsibility
Responsibilities include: working under direct supervision using standardized procedures; providing information and/or advising others; operating within a defined budget. Utilization of some resources from other work units may be required to perform the job's functions. There is some opportunity to significantly impact the organization's services.
Work Environment
The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 70% sitting, 15% walking, and 15% standing. The job is performed under minimal temperature variations and in a generally hazard free environment.
Experience
Job related experience is required.
Education (Minimum)
High school diploma or equivalent.
Equivalency
None specified.
Required Testing
Evidence of a current DOT medical exam Pre-employment drug screening is a condition of employment Certificates and Licenses
CPR/First Aid Certificate within 60 days of hire Current OSPI Driver Authorization Valid driver's license & insurance coverage as required by law Continuing Educ. / Training
Maintains Certificates and/or Licenses
Clearances
At least 21 years of age, according to minimum qualifications of WAC 392-144 Criminal Justice and DEL Fingerprint/Background Clearance DMV report reflecting five years driving experience with no major traffic violations in a personal vehicle MMR Clearance WA State Sexual Misconduct Disclosure Release FLSA Status
Non Exempt
Salary Grade
23
Capital Region ESD 113 is an Equal Opportunity Employer