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Bus Operations Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Bus Driver

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$23/hr

Bus Driver Department: Corporate Work Study Program Classification: Hourly Reports to ... Operations Manager Schedule: 10 month/Part-Time A cornerstone of Cristo Rey Jesuit High School is ...

School Bus Driver

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$42K/yr

The Bus Driver will also ensure their vehicles are in good shape and receive proper maintenance for safe operation. Responsibilities * Pick up students at stops along established routes and drop them ...

School Bus Driver

Momence, IL ยท On-site

$20 - $21/hr

Safe operation of transportation vehicle. * Read and understand street signs, route sheets and maps ... Responsible for student management * Ability to learn & follow a route sheet/electronic routing ...

Safe operation of transportation vehicle. * Read and understand street signs, route sheets and maps ... Responsible for student management * Ability to learn & follow a route sheet/electronic routing ...

Showing results 21-40

Bus Operations Manager information

See Illinois salary details

$30K

$61.5K

$114.8K

How much do bus operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for bus operations manager in Illinois is $61,491.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,700.00 and $75,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a bus operations manager do?

A Bus Operations Manager oversees the daily activities of a bus transportation system, ensuring efficient and safe operation of buses and personnel. Their responsibilities include managing schedules, supervising staff, addressing passenger concerns, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. They also coordinate with maintenance teams to keep the fleet in good condition and monitor performance metrics to optimize routes and services.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a bus operations manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Bus Operations Manager, you need strong knowledge of transportation logistics, fleet management, and regulatory compliance, often supported by a degree in business, logistics, or a related field. Familiarity with scheduling software, GPS tracking systems, and safety management tools is typically required. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication are standout soft skills for managing staff and resolving operational issues. These abilities are crucial for ensuring efficient service delivery, regulatory adherence, and high team performance in daily transit operations.

What are some common challenges faced by bus operations managers, and how can they be addressed?

Bus Operations Managers often navigate challenges such as balancing route efficiency with passenger demand, managing driver schedules, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Effective communication and proactive planning are crucial to minimize service disruptions and maintain smooth operations. Leveraging technology for real-time tracking and fostering strong relationships with drivers and maintenance staff can also help address issues promptly and improve overall service quality.

What is the difference between Bus Operations Manager vs Bus Supervisor?

AspectBus Operations ManagerBus Supervisor
CredentialsRelevant certifications, management experienceDriver certifications, safety training
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple routes, staff managementSupervises drivers, on-site operations
Employer & Industry UsagePublic transit agencies, private transport companiesTransit agencies, school districts
Search & Comparison IntentManagement roles, operational oversightSupervisory roles, daily operations

The main difference between a Bus Operations Manager and a Bus Supervisor lies in their scope of responsibilities. The Bus Operations Manager oversees multiple routes and manages staff at a higher level, focusing on strategic planning and overall operations. In contrast, the Bus Supervisor directly supervises drivers and handles daily on-the-ground issues. Both roles are essential in transit organizations, but they differ in seniority, scope, and focus areas.

What job categories do people searching Bus Operations Manager jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Bus Operations Manager jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Bus Operations Manager jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Bus Operations Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Bus Operations Manager job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,491 per year, or $29.6 per hour.

Substitute School Bus Driver

Woodland School District 50

Gurnee, IL โ€ข On-site

$15.50 - $21.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Position Type:
Transportation
Date Posted:
5/20/2025
Location:
Transportation Department
Date Available:
Flexible
Closing Date:
Open
Position Title: Substitute School Bus Driver
Applicants are instructed to address in their application/resume their experiences directly related to each section noted in the posting. Only completed/submitted online applications with supporting documents will be screened.
Date Posted: August 20, 2025
Location: Transportation Department
Date Available: Flexible / Upon Hire
Description: A School Bus Driver provides safe and efficient transportation so that students may enjoy the fullest possible advantage from the district's curriculum and extracurricular activities.
QUALIFICATIONS:
1. License:
A. Required - Valid Drivers License and must be willing to be trained by the District to receive your CDL license and Illinois School Bus Permit
B. Preferred - Valid Drivers License with CDL endorsement and Illinois School Bus Permit
2. Education:
A. Required - High School Diploma or Equivalent
3. Experience:
A. Preferred - Prior school bus driver experience a plus. Spanish Speaking a plus.
ESSENTIAL PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Observe all mandatory Federal, State and local safety laws/regulations for school buses
2. Perform all required pre-trip and post-trip inspections and complete all applicable form(s)
3. Maintain a seating chart for each route
4. Follow directions as written
5. Contact parents when required by route selection
6. Obey all traffic laws
7. Perform basic first aid and CPR as appropriate and maintains awareness of individual medical alerts as they pertain to the students on their bus
8. Maintain student discipline at all times and report all behavior problems
9. Work effectively with students of different grade levels, abilities or program placement
10. Transport only authorized students
11. Discharge students only at authorized stops
12. Report all accidents and complete all required reports
13 Exercise responsible leadership when on in-district or out-of-district charters
14. Be punctual. Maintain assigned schedule of routes
15. Successfully complete school bus driver training programs and courses established by the state or school district
16. Comply with all procedures and policies established by the Board of Education and the Woodland School District Department of Transportation
17. Attend all required meetings as directed
18. Accurately and legibly complete all forms, records, reports and documentation/data-logging activities as required by state regulations and/or district policy
19. Clean and service the school bus to include interior cleaning, exterior bus washing, installation of fuel, verification of oil and other fluids as directed
20. Report, in writing, all mechanical failures or problems the same day as observed
21. Follow the procedures established for loading and unloading of students at all schools
22. Demonstrate competence in Federal, Illinois and Lake County school bus laws and training for student/staff safety
23. Arive and perform all duties essential to school bus operation
24 Relate effectively with parents, staff and public within a diverse community
25. Performs such other tasks and assumes such other responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Transportation or designee
DISTRICT CORE COMPETENCIES:
  1. Support the establishment of mutual respect and equal human dignity across the entire school community.
  2. Welcomes inclusion, equity and diversity.
  3. Have an unwavering commitment to the success of all students.
  4. Understanding that your identity may be different than students, parents, and staff, you are willing to put those differences aside for the success of all students.
  5. Regardless of the identities of students, staff, or parents, works collaboratively to build a successful relationship with them.
  6. Willingly anticipate, identify and adopt change.
  7. Engage in all job-related interactions and activities, with contacts from within and outside the District, in a courteous and professional manner.
  8. Communicate with styles that are approachable and respectful.
  9. Participate in professional development and training to become more effective and efficient.
  10. Take initiative to manage multiple tasks.
  11. Effectively organize work to be as productive as possible.

Technical: Must have the ability to pass state or federal medical examination, drug/alcohol screen, and criminal background check; minimum three year excellent driving record with no suspensions or DUI convictions; proven ability to drive and perform all duties essential to safe school bus operation.
Interpersonal: Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with students, staff, parents, businesses and community. Strong organization, communication and interpersonal skills. Rapid problem-solving skills to effectively handle crisis communications. Empathetic, humanistic and open-minded. Strong sense of teamwork. Must be able to work harmoniously with the community, students, parents, staff, and administration, etc. Must be able to communicate effectively with students, parents and staff and all stakeholders within a divers community regarding all spects of school bus driver activities. Must exhibit sound judgment in dealing with people. Must have strong organizational skills. Must be a proven team player with good work ethics.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Manual Dexterity: Work requires definite skilled and accurate physical operations requiring some closely coordinated performance.
Physical Effort: Work requires handling average weight materials or equipment, but not for sustained periods. Travel to schools and seminars as needed.
Working Conditions: Some exposure to definitely disagreeable elements.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Varied per collective bargaining agreement
SALARY RANGE: $25.50 per hour
HOW TO APPLY: Internal applicants should apply online at www.dist50.net and attach a resume to the online application. External applicants should apply online and attach three letters of recommendations and resume to the online application www.dist50.net. All applicants must be willing to interview in person and demonstrate skills through a situational analysis. Applicants will be contacted within three weeks if invited for an interview. Minority candidates are encouraged to apply.
Further information regarding this position may be obtained by contacting:
CONTACT PERSON:
Dawna Choe
Director of Transportation
dchoe@dist50.net
(847) 856-3644
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open
Woodland School District 50 is an Equal Opportunity Employer with established policies prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, ancestry, marital status, arrest record, military status, order of protection status, unfavorable military discharge, citizenship status provided the individual is authorized to work in the United States, use of lawful products while not at work, being a victim of domestic or sexual violence, genetic information, physical or mental handicap or disability, if otherwise able to perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, or other legally protected categories. The Associate Superintendent of Educational Services (847-596-5631) addresses questions regarding student discrimination and serves as the Districts Title IX Coordinator, and the Executive Director of Human Resources (847-596-5640) answers questions concerning employment discrimination.
EP1-FY25-2665