1

Bus Assistant Jobs in Independence, OR (NOW HIRING)

Transportation Assistant

Albany, OR · On-site

$41K - $52K/yr

Drives van(s), mini-bus or Call-A-Ride car(s) or van(s). Obeys all applicable traffic laws and ... May assist in planning transportation programs, scheduling riders, and developing itineraries, and ...

On-Call Transportation Assistant

Albany, OR · On-site

$19.95 - $25.39/hr

Drives van(s), mini-bus or Call-A-Ride car(s) or van(s). Obeys all applicable traffic laws and ... May assist in planning transportation programs, scheduling riders, and developing itineraries, and ...

Showing results 41-60

Bus Assistant information

See Independence, OR salary details

$8

$16

$28

How much do bus assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for bus assistant in Independence, OR 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 cities near Independence, OR are hiring for Bus Assistant jobs?

Cities near Independence, OR with the most Bus Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Bus Assistant job openings in Independence, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 59% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 7% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,263 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Preschool Instructional Assistant

Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action

Salem, OR

Part-time

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

We are seeking a Part-time Instructional Assistant to join our Head Start program!

This is a Part-time position up to 19 hours weekly, but not guaranteed.

Working at MWVCAA means becoming part of a mission-driven community dedicated to equity, dignity, and opportunity for all. We offer competitive pay, a rich company culture that values diversity, and an array of benefits - but we consider the best benefit here to be the reward of helping those in our community live better lives. Come find meaningful work and bring your skills as an Instructional Assistant. Your main responsibilities will be to support classrooms where there are children who need additional support and attention due to behavioral, health, or disability related challenges. You will also collaborate with the teaching team to support children by utilizing the protocols created in response to their behavioral, health or disability needs, supporting the child throughout the day by fostering inclusion in all activities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

  • Instructional Assistant 1: High School diploma or GED.
  • Instructional Assistant 2: CDA or 1 Year Early childhood Certificate.
  • Minimum of one year of experience working with young children.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

  • Driver qualifications are required for this position. Valid driver license, insured vehicle available for use on the job, and a satisfactory drive record for the previous three years are required.
  • Successful registration with the Central Background Registry of the Child Care Division.
  • CPR/First Aid Certification or the ability to obtain within 60 days of hire.
  • Candidate must pass pre-employment physical examination, renewable every two years.
  • Candidate must pass pre-employment and random drug screenings.

***PLEASE CLICK TO SUBMIT RESUME FOR CONSIDERATION***

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

  • Possess knowledge of child development.
  • Understand inclusion practices in an early childhood education environment.
  • Ability to assess challenging situations in order to provide support during unexpected situations.
  • Possess knowledge of de-escalation strategies to use during high needs situations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required.

  • Responds to school requests for focused support in high need situations.
  • Provides individual support to assigned children that are reflective of the childs goals and needs based on supervisor direction and written plans.
  • Provides support to assigned child/children, throughout the day, including indoor/outdoor activities, group time, free choice time, meals, bathroom routines, and bus transitions, as needed. Support can be delivered one-on-one, or small groups.
  • Monitors childrens interactions to prevent or promptly address any concerns that may arise, including behavioral incidents.
  • Participates in home visits, conferences, or other conversations with parents to articulate childrens challenges, progress, and to seek parent input, as needed.
  • Works collaboratively with family and team to create a skill building plan and discuss individual supports that can provided.
  • Document frequency of behaviors to provide supporting data.

Teamwork, Collaboration, and Documentation

  • Maintains on-going documentation of communications with parents in ChildPlus.
  • Documents the assigned childs progress each day and providing examples.
  • Shares observations and insight with teaching team.
  • Complies with MWVCAA safety and personnel policies, including punctuality and attendance.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.
  • Regularly lift and/or move 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
  • Ability to move about the workspace.
  • Ability to reach and/or extend to access materials or equipment.
  • Occasional driving in all weather conditions to sites in Polk and Marion counties.
  • Ability to quickly evacuate children from the classroom in an emergency.
  • Ability to calmly manage frequent demands for time and attention.

***PLEASE CLICK TO SUBMIT RESUME FOR CONSIDERATION***

WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • Mostly indoor classroom and bus riding environment.
  • Frequent outdoor supervision of children and monitoring pick up/drop off.
  • Occasional exposure to cleaning chemicals, creative substances such as paints.
  • Occasional exposure to body fluids/biohazards (such as saliva, vomit and urine).

MWVCAA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, veterans, and people with disabilities or any other protected category. We welcome all people to join us in achieving our Mission. If you require any assistance in the application process, or reasonable accommodations to perform the essential duties of the position, please notify a member of our team at (503) 585-6232.


recblid by40oxfdehkfqow6xkwwhx69u6pjuw