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Bus Manager Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Implements intervention strategies and performs direct behavior management services for the purpose of maintaining order and discipline on the school bus. * Instructs special education students and ...

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Bus Manager information

See Madison, WI salary details

$33.8K

$107.5K

$182.4K

How much do bus manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for bus manager in Madison, WI is $107,452.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,600.00 and $133,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Bus Manager vs Bus Driver?

AspectBus ManagerBus Driver
Required CredentialsCommercial driver's license (CDL), management trainingCommercial driver's license (CDL)
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, overseeing operationsOn the road, driving buses
Employer & Industry UsagePublic transit agencies, private transportation companiesPublic transit, school districts, private charters
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Bus Manager and a Bus Driver is that the Bus Manager oversees bus operations, staff, and scheduling, often working in an office environment. In contrast, the Bus Driver is responsible for operating the bus and ensuring passenger safety on the road. Both roles require a CDL, but the Bus Manager focuses on management duties, while the Bus Driver focuses on driving and customer service.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Bus Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Bus Manager, you need strong organizational abilities, knowledge of transportation regulations, and experience in fleet management, often supported by a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with scheduling software, fleet tracking systems, and compliance documentation is typically required. Excellent leadership, customer service, and problem-solving skills set top performers apart in this role. These competencies ensure efficient operations, regulatory compliance, and a positive experience for both staff and passengers.

What are the primary challenges a Bus Manager faces in coordinating schedules and routes?

A Bus Manager often encounters challenges in creating efficient schedules and routes that accommodate both passenger needs and operational constraints. Balancing peak travel times, driver availability, vehicle maintenance, and unexpected disruptions such as traffic or weather requires strong organizational and problem-solving skills. Additionally, Bus Managers must communicate effectively with drivers, dispatchers, and sometimes the public to ensure smooth operations and quickly resolve issues as they arise.

What are Bus Managers?

Bus Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing the daily operations and logistics of bus transportation services. Their duties typically include managing schedules, coordinating staff such as drivers and attendants, ensuring safety protocols are followed, handling customer inquiries or complaints, and maintaining compliance with transportation regulations. They play a crucial role in ensuring that bus services run smoothly and efficiently. Bus Managers may work for public transit authorities, private bus companies, or educational institutions. Their work helps to provide safe and reliable transportation for passengers.
What are the most commonly searched types of Bus jobs in Madison, WI? The most popular types of Bus jobs in Madison, WI are:
What are popular job titles related to Bus Manager jobs in Madison, WI? For Bus Manager jobs in Madison, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Bus Manager jobs? Cities near Madison, WI with the most Bus Manager job openings:
School Bus Driver - Full Time

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

This position provides safe and efficient transportation of passengers and/or other authorized personnel to local or distant points in accordance with assigned routes and time schedules. Driver will either operate a school bus or other vehicle as assigned. Employees must exercise skill and judgment in a safe, reliable and courteous manner while operating a school bus or other vehicle. Work is performed under the direction of a Director of Transportation, while also taking direction from additional supervisors when assigned duties in their area. This position shall be assigned a full-time schedule based upon the assigned district's school year calendar; however, employees will be required to commit to hours during non-contract days for trips, cleaning/washing vehicles, test driving routes, observing driving staff's skills, bus deliveries, and other duties as assigned. Must work when school is not in session to maintain weekly hours between 35-40 hours. This position may also be asked to report to either company location to complete the assigned duties.

SUPERVISION

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Position Specific Duties/Expectations

During school days, provides student transportation services for AM, Midday, and PM routes.

Must be flexible in daily/weekly assignments to alter work schedule to help cover trips and fill out full time schedule expectations.

During open sign-up periods for trip sign-up during school year operations, this position will be last in line to identify preferred trips during each sign-up period.

To fulfill schedule requirements during the school year, this position shall fulfill full-time schedule in the following areas as prioritized by the supervisor; assist service department with bus cleaning/washing/fueling, dealership fleet movements between locations or body shop(s), test drive routes, assist driver safety team with driver evaluations/training, route review/testing, and assist administratively as requested.

Provide non-school year transportation duties for summer school, trips, delivery of sold units to customer locations, assist driver safety team with driver evaluations/training, route review/testing, assist administratively as requested., and additional tasks within the scope of work as assigned.

This position shall schedule time off during non-school days within reason. Standard practice would allow 5 non-consecutive days off to be taken during in-session school days to minimize impact on school year operations.

School Bus Driver Duties

Complies with local and State traffic regulations and Wisconsin Commercial Driver's License requirements.

Safely transports students and/or other authorized passengers per assigned time schedule, route, and bus assignment. Transports only authorized passengers and discharges only at authorized stops per the route plan.

Adhere to adopted routes, schedules, and operating policies and procedures.

Assist passengers in getting on and off the bus as needed. Safely operate ramp, assist in placement of wheelchairs or other similar mobility assistance devices for the disabled, and secure wheelchairs/mobility assistance devices.

Provides quality customer service and communicates safety requirements to all passengers. Makes decisions in a variety of situations regarding priorities and effectively handling emergencies.

Addresses passenger misconduct immediately to ensure the safety of all passengers while maintaining professionalism. Reports misconduct to Terminal Manager and completes misconduct report prior to completing the shift.

Reports delays, accidents, and maintenance needs. Must be flexible to deal with work schedule changes such as traffic delays, flat tire, or other unexpected events.

Regulates heating, lighting, and ventilation systems for passenger comfort.

Inspects bus and checks, gas, oil, tires and water before departure. Completes pre and post-trip inspections per CDL requirements and as instructed.

Completes required mileage/fuel report, maintenance requests and time cards in specified time frame.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

Follows Nelson's Bus Service, Inc. policies and procedures; upholds organizational values; exhibits respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; promotes a harassment-free work environment; demonstrates knowledge of EEO practices and guidelines.

Observes safety and security procedures; reports unsafe conditions to management team. Demonstrates a commitment to company safety and risk management efforts.

Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty competently. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

High School education or equivalent required. Must possess the ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide numbers for purposes of completing time cards and mileage/fuel reports.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Ability to operate office equipment (copier, fax, printers) and voice communication equipment.

Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions including Wisconsin Commercial Driver's Manual, employee handbook, short correspondence, memos, and route maps/information.

Ability to write simple correspondence such as maintenance forms and mileage/fuel reports.

Customer service skills including the ability to effectively speak to customers, other employees, the Dispatcher or the Terminal Manager.

Must show sensitivity needed to deal with complaints.

Ability to listen to and communicate with managers and co-workers as well as with all sectors of the general public.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Must be 21 years of age.

Valid Wisconsin Commercial Driver's License with Passenger and Student endorsements is required. Training provided if other requirements are met.

Must successfully pass the pre-employment Department of Transportation fitness for duty; drug, alcohol testing, physical examination and background check including review of driving record. Must have a commendable driving record.

Interactions and Communications

Responds to the requests of others for basic and general information.

Work Hours

Regular hours of work and scheduled overtime are determined and approved by management based on the operating needs of the business. As a full-time position, hours shall be maintained at or near 35-40 hours weekly. Attendance, punctuality, and consistency are requirements of the position. Employee shall ensure work responsibilities are covered when absent. Arrival at meetings and appointments on time is expected of the position. Must be flexible to deal with work schedule changes due to unexpected events.

Decision Making

This position has limited authority to make decisions that are within detailed procedures and protocols and under close supervision. These decisions directly impact performance in the specific job within the transportation division and immediate supervision is suggested for matters employee encounters without procedure/precedent for their decision-making.

Thinking and Problem Solving

In relation to established procedures, protocols and policies of the company, the complexity of this job is low and challenges are minimal.

Computer or Technology Tools & Equipment Used

Telephone Computer/Printer

Copy Machine Wash bay equipment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, talk and hear. Frequently required to reach with hands and arms and use foot to operate brake and accelerator pedals. Occasionally required to walk and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
  • The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
  • Specific vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The employee must have a minimum of 20/40 corrected or uncorrected vision in each eye, a minimum 70 degree field of vision in each eye, must be able to identify traffic signal colors, hear a forced whisper at five feet with or without a hearing aid, and pass periodic physical exams per DOT requirements.
  • The employee will be exposed to a work environment containing a moderate noise level.
  • The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical vehicles, their fumes, and airborne particles. These vehicles often have lifts and ramps which can expose the employee to additional risk.
  • Employee will be exposed to various weather conditions.