Bus Operator Trainee Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

School City of Hobart is seeking bus drivers. Positions are filled on an as-needed basis. The bus driver facilitates the transportation of students to and from school, as well as related activities, in a prompt and safe manner. The bus driver safely operates a school bus over designated routes and on activity trips, completes required bus inspections, supports student safety and behavior expectations, and communicates timely updates to dispatch/supervisors.

Key responsibilities include:

• Operating a school bus safely over assigned routes and activity trips, loading and unloading students at designated stops.
• Following all applicable federal/state regulations and district procedures.
• Conducting required pre-trip and post-trip inspections; reporting mechanical concerns promptly and completing required documentation.
• Maintaining a clean, orderly bus interior and refueling as needed to ensure readiness for daily service.
• Supporting student safety and behavior expectations in accordance with district policy; communicating incidents through established channels.
• Completing required child-check procedures after routes and trips to ensure no child is left on the bus.
• Participating in required training, safety drills, and ongoing professional development.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least 21 years old.
• Valid Indiana driver's license.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class B with required endorsements (Passenger, School Bus, and Air Brake), as required by the position.
• Ability to obtain and maintain the Indiana State school bus driver certification ("yellow card"), as required.
• Ability to meet applicable medical/physical qualification requirements for commercial driving, including required physical examinations and/or medical certification.
• Ability to participate in required drug and alcohol testing programs (e.g., pre-employment, random, post-accident, and reasonable suspicion), as applicable.
• Prior experience working as a bus driver, preferably in a school district or transporting children, is preferred.

Terms of employment:

School City of Hobart is a CDL training location; qualified applicants may be hired as CDL Driver Trainees while obtaining the required CDL and endorsements. Salary and benefits as defined in the School City of Hobart Transportation Department Staff Handbook.

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Pay Rates:

• Full-Time Driver: $22.50/hour
• CDL Driver Trainee: $18.00/hour

Benefits (eligible transportation employees): Basic health, dental, and vision insurance; term life insurance; section 125 cafeteria plan options; INPRS PERF retirement eligible position; sick and personal days included; 403(b) plan available; Employee Assistance Program (EAP) available.

Physical Demands:

This position requires the ability to safely operate a vehicle; enter/exit and move within the bus; perform pre-trip/post-trip inspections; assist with student loading/unloading and emergency response; and lift/carry items up to 25 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionally. Specialized routes may require operating wheelchair lift equipment and securing mobility devices and occupant restraints, as applicable.

Work Environment:

Work is performed primarily in a school bus/transportation setting with frequent exposure to varying weather conditions, road and traffic hazards, noise, fumes/diesel exhaust, and other typical vehicle-related conditions. The position requires sustained alertness and safe operation of district vehicles while interacting with students and the public, and may include working early mornings, afternoons, evenings, and occasional trips/special routes as assigned.

Application Procedure:

Please submit an online application. If you have questions about the position, contact Becky Rosenbaum, Director of Transportation, at rrosenbaum@hobart.k12.in.us or (219) 947-2413 Ext. 2.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

Employment is contingent upon meeting district pre-employment requirements. This includes expanded criminal history checks, expanded child protection index checks, and motor vehicle record reviews, as applicable. A CDL physical and drug screening are also required. Other pre-employment requirements may apply.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

The School City of Hobart is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The School City of Hobart ensures equal employment opportunities regardless of race, creed, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation or disability. The School City of Hobart has a policy of active recruitment of qualified minority teachers and non-certified employees. Any individual needing assistance in making application for any opening should contact the Department of Human Resources.