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Bus Assistant Jobs in Maine (NOW HIRING)

State of Maine

Bus Driver Trainee

Portland, ME · On-site

$19.18 - $23.53/hr

While in training, you will work 30 hours per week year-round as a Bus Assistant and Van Driver, gaining valuable hands-on experience. * Guaranteed 40-Hour Schedule After Licensing: Once you pass ...

Portland Public Schools

Bus Driver Trainee

Portland, ME · On-site

$19.18 - $23.53/hr

While in training, you will work 30 hours per week year-round as a Bus Assistant and Van Driver, gaining valuable hands-on experience. * Guaranteed 40-Hour Schedule After Licensing: Once you pass ...

Regional School Unit 57

Bus Driver

Waterboro, ME · On-site

$23.75 - $29.61/hr

Assign students to bus seats when circumstances warrant * Assist the Director of Transportation in the planning of bus stops and schedule * Refer all requests from parents concerning transportation ...

Regional School Unit 57

Bus Driver

Waterboro, ME · On-site

$23.75 - $29.61/hr

Assign students to bus seats when circumstances warrant * Assist the Director of Transportation in the planning of bus stops and schedule * Refer all requests from parents concerning transportation ...

Regional School Unit

Bus Drivers

Newport, ME · On-site

$15.50 - $21/hr

RSU 19 has Bus Driver vacancies. We are willing to assist you in obtaining a bus driving license. APPLY TO: www.rsu19.org Select More -> Employment -> Job Openings and apply for the posted position ...

RSU 6/MSAD 6 (Bonny Eagle)

Bus Drivers

Buxton, ME · On-site

Manage student behavior on the bus using positive reinforcement techniques and behavior management skills * Assist students with special needs or disabilities, including those requiring paratransit ...

First Student, Inc.

School Bus Driver

Augusta, ME · On-site

$26/hr

Supervise boarding and unloading at stops; assist students with seatbelts and mobility aids. * Maintain order on the bus to prevent distractions. * Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections (brakes ...

MSAD #6 - Bonny Eagle

Bus Drivers

Buxton, ME · On-site

Manage student behavior on the bus using positive reinforcement techniques and behavior management skills * Assist students with special needs or disabilities, including those requiring paratransit ...

First Student

School Bus Driver

Augusta, ME · On-site

$27/hr

Supervise boarding and unloading at stops; assist students with seatbelts and mobility aids. * Maintain order on the bus to prevent distractions. * Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections (brakes ...

First Student

School Bus Driver

Augusta, ME · On-site

$27/hr

Supervise boarding and unloading at stops; assist students with seatbelts and mobility aids. * Maintain order on the bus to prevent distractions. * Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections (brakes ...

Birchwoods At Canco Assisted Living

Bus Driver

Portland, ME · On-site

$17.25 - $23.50/hr

Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Assist with resident activities. * Earn up to 1% wage increase ... A current CDL may be required depending on state regulations and size of bus * Must provide an ...

Birchwoods At Canco Assisted Living

Bus Driver

Portland, ME · On-site

$17.75 - $24/hr

Come visit us and our staff will be happy to assist you! Sinceri Senior Living is proud to be an ... A current CDL may be required depending on state regulations and size of bus. * Must provide an ...

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Bus Assistant information

See Maine salary details

$8

$16

$28

How much do bus assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for bus assistant in Maine is $16.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.27 and $17.21 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a bus assistant?

Bus assistants are professionals who help ensure the safety and well-being of passengers, especially children, on school or public buses. They assist with boarding and exiting, secure passengers with seat belts if needed, and help manage behavior during the ride. Bus assistants also communicate with the driver and help students with special needs or mobility challenges, making sure everyone has a safe and comfortable journey.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a bus assistant?

To thrive as a Bus Assistant, you need a basic education, an understanding of safety protocols, and often a background check or child care training. Familiarity with two-way radios and student tracking systems is commonly required. Patience, strong communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring student safety, maintaining order, and providing a supportive environment during transit.

What are some common challenges faced by bus assistants during student transportation, and how are they typically addressed?

Bus Assistants often face challenges such as managing student behavior, ensuring the safety of all passengers during transit, and assisting students with special needs. To address these, Bus Assistants receive training in behavioral management techniques, first aid, and effective communication. They work closely with bus drivers and school staff to create a safe and positive environment, and regular meetings or debriefs may be held to discuss any recurring issues and share best practices.

What is the difference between Bus Assistant vs Bus Driver?

AspectBus AssistantBus Driver
Required CredentialsBasic training, sometimes a valid driver’s licenseCommercial driver’s license (CDL) or equivalent required
Work EnvironmentAssist passengers, ensure safety, support driverOperate the bus, navigate routes, ensure passenger safety
Employer & Industry UsageSchools, transportation companies, special needs servicesPublic transit agencies, private transportation companies
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for roles supporting bus operationsPrimary driver role with passenger assistance

The main difference between a Bus Assistant and a Bus Driver is that the Bus Assistant primarily supports passenger safety and comfort without operating the vehicle, while the Bus Driver is responsible for driving the bus and navigating routes. Both roles work closely in the transportation industry, but the Bus Driver requires a valid driver’s license and more extensive driving credentials.

What are the duties of a bus assistant?

A bus assistant supports the driver by helping passengers, ensuring safety, and managing boarding and alighting. They may also assist with fare collection, provide customer service, and ensure the bus environment remains safe and comfortable. Good communication skills and attention to safety protocols are essential for this role.

What qualifications do you need to be a bus assistant?

To become a bus assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, good communication skills, and the ability to work with the public. Some employers may require a valid driver's license or background checks, and training is often provided on the job. Customer service skills and patience are important for this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Bus jobs in Maine?

The most popular types of Bus jobs in Maine are:

What are popular job titles related to Bus Assistant jobs in Maine?

For Bus Assistant jobs in Maine, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Bus Assistant jobs in Maine look for?

The top searched job categories for Bus Assistant jobs in Maine are:

What cities in Maine are hiring for Bus Assistant jobs?

Cities in Maine with the most Bus Assistant job openings:

Bus Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Bus Assistant job openings in Maine as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,259 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Bus Assistant, Full Year (0.75 FTE) - Multiple Openings in Transportation

Portland, ME

Portland Public Schools
Elementary and Secondary Schools • 5 - 10K employees

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

193rd of 635 rated elementary and secondary schools

Good employer

Paid breaks

Respectful managers

Learn more about Portland Public Schoolsexternal

$23.53/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

TITLE: Bus Assistant, Full Year (0.75 FTE) Multiple Openings in Transportation
 

POSITION OVERVIEW: 

Under general supervision, the Bus Assistant's responsibility is to provide support within the student transportation services area with specific responsibilities for assisting special education students during transport to and from school and/or special activities; ensuring orderly entering and leaving of bus patrons; maintaining seat chart of riders; and ensuring the safety and sanitation of assigned vehicles.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Assists bus driver in handling emergency situations until the driver can take over
  • Assists special education students and other passengers in loading and unloading safely from buses during normal transport and emergency situations
  • Monitors students with special needs until released to teacher, instructional assistant, parent, etc. to ensure the safe transportation of all passengers
  • Assists bus driver with pre-trip safety inspection and cleaning the bus to ensure bus is maintained in a safe and sanitary operating condition
  • Assists with conducting monthly emergency evacuation drills to ensure the efficiency of procedures and compliance
  • Completes walk-throughs to check for students or articles left behind at the end of each trip (e.g. clothing, bags, prescriptions, etc)
  • Instructs students for the purpose of enforcing rules/regulations and maintaining student safety and well-being
  • Reports observations and/or incidents (e.g. discipline, accidents, inappropriate social behavior, etc.) to appropriate personnel for follow-up action
  • Secures students and/or their equipment (e.g. restraints, checks wheel chair tie downs, seat belts, opens ramp, etc.) to ensure their safety and well-being
  • May attend in person meetings, in-service training, workshops, etc. for the purpose of gathering information required to perform job functions
  • Performs other related duties as assigned to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

  • Ability to adhere to safety practices and administer first aid
  • Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records
  • Knowledge of operating equipment used in transporting special needs students
  • Ability to speak clearly and have excellent communication
  • Ability to work outside regular business hours
  • Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals
  • Knowledge of health standards and hazards, state regulations, and laws pertaining to the operation of school buses and child behavior

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: 

  • High School Diploma or equivalent required
  • Minimum of one year of related experience

CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • CPR/First Aid Certification
  • Maine State CHRC authorization (cost is $70 to obtain certification - more info here)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

  • Light physical effort may be required

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS:

  • Calendar: Full Year
  • Schedule: Part Time, 0.75 FTE
  • Assignment: Permanent
  • Contract: Part of BASE union (new contract will be posted here soon)
  • Wage range: 19.18$23.53 (based on years of experience)
  • Benefits: Eligible for benefits as outlined here

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Portland Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.



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