1

First Student Bus Driver Jobs in Madera, CA (NOW HIRING)

Substitute Bus Driver

El Nido, CA ยท On-site

$17.50 - $23.75/hr

... of student and family-first values. Grounded in an asset-based approach, we are seeking team ... Possession of a valid Class B California driver's license and school bus driver certificate.

Substitute Bus Driver

El Nido, CA ยท On-site

$22.07 - $29.29/hr

... of student and family-first values. Grounded in an asset-based approach, we are seeking team ... Possession of a valid Class B California driver's license and school bus driver certificate.

Shuttle Bus Driver

Fresno, CA ยท On-site

$20/hr

We are currently looking for a CDL with passenger endorsement shuttle bus drivers to transport our college students from the student complex to California State university in Fresno, CA. We are ...

Bus Driver Extra Help Part-Time

Clovis, CA ยท On-site

$17 - $23/hr

Possession of a current standard First Aid Certificate within thirty (30) days of hire ... Clovis Transit Division new driver training program. QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: * Be ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

First Student Bus Driver information

See Madera, CA salary details

$9

$21

$31

How much do first student bus driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for first student bus driver in Madera, CA is $21.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.21 and $24.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a First Student bus driver?

To thrive as a First Student Bus Driver, you need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) with passenger and school bus endorsements, a clean driving record, and basic vehicle safety knowledge. Familiarity with vehicle inspection protocols, route navigation systems, and compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations is essential. Strong communication, patience, and situational awareness are standout soft skills for managing student behavior and ensuring safety. These skills and qualifications are crucial to provide reliable, safe transportation for students and to uphold company and legal standards.

Do First Student bus drivers get paid for the entire day?

First Student bus drivers are typically paid for the hours they work, which usually include their scheduled routes and any required training or prep time. They are generally not paid for the entire day if they are not actively working, but pay policies can vary by location and employment agreement. Overtime and additional hours may also be compensated according to company policies and labor laws.

What is the difference between First Student Bus Driver vs School Bus Driver?

AspectFirst Student Bus DriverSchool Bus Driver
CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL) with passenger and school bus endorsementsCDL with passenger and school bus endorsements
Work EnvironmentSchool campuses, bus depots, routes with studentsSchool routes, student pick-up/drop-off points
Employer & IndustryFirst Student, school transportation servicesSchool districts, private transportation companies

Both First Student Bus Drivers and School Bus Drivers require a CDL with passenger endorsements and operate in similar environments. The main difference lies in branding and employer, with First Student being a large transportation provider, while School Bus Drivers may work directly for school districts or other companies. Both roles focus on student safety and reliable transportation services.

What is a First Student bus driver?

First Student Bus Drivers are professional drivers employed by First Student, a leading provider of school transportation services in North America. Their main responsibility is to safely transport students to and from school, field trips, and other school-related activities. They are trained to follow strict safety protocols, manage student behavior on the bus, and perform routine vehicle inspections. First Student Bus Drivers also maintain communication with school officials and parents to ensure the well-being of students during transit.

What are some common challenges First Student bus drivers face during their daily routes, and how are they supported?

First Student Bus Drivers often encounter challenges such as managing student behavior, adapting to varying traffic conditions, and adhering to strict schedules. They receive comprehensive training in student management and defensive driving, and have access to ongoing support from dispatchers and supervisors. The company fosters a team environment, where drivers regularly communicate with each other and staff to share tips and resolve issues. This support system helps drivers maintain safety and efficiency on their routes.

What disqualifies you from being a First Student Bus Driver?

First Student Bus Driver applicants are typically disqualified if they have a valid driver's license with a clean driving record, no serious criminal convictions, or a history of drug or alcohol violations. Additionally, candidates must pass background checks, a drug screening, and a physical exam, and must be able to meet the physical demands of the job, including good vision and hearing. Failure to meet these requirements can disqualify a candidate from becoming a bus driver.
What are popular job titles related to First Student Bus Driver jobs in Madera, CA? For First Student Bus Driver jobs in Madera, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching First Student Bus Driver jobs in Madera, CA look for? The top searched job categories for First Student Bus Driver jobs in Madera, CA are:
What cities near Madera, CA are hiring for First Student Bus Driver jobs? Cities near Madera, CA with the most First Student Bus Driver job openings:
Infographic showing various First Student Bus Driver job openings in Madera, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,844 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

Substitute-Bus Driver

Dos Palos Oro Loma Jt. Unified

Dos Palos, CA โ€ข On-site

$17.25 - $23.50/hr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

BUS DRIVER
GENERAL SUMMARY
Under the direction of the Transportation Supervisor and/or Director of Maintenance Operations and Transportation operates a school bus on designated routes to transport students/passengers to and from school sites and on occasional study trips or athletic events. Driver is responsible for ensuring the safety of all passengers while operating the assigned bus and for ensuring that the assigned bus is in a safe operating condition at all times. The driver is responsible for seeing that the bus is maintained in a clean and orderly condition and performs other duties directly related to this job description.
The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Drives a school bus safely on predetermined routes in accordance with time schedules transporting students to and from schools and on occasional educational or otherwise authorized trips.
Conducts established safety and operational inspection of assigned bus daily.
Maintains order and proper discipline of students/passengers; resolves disputes; documents and reports severe disciplinary cases.
Reports any needed mechanical repairs to assigned bus; cleans interior of bus and washes windshield and other windows; follows established safety procedures.
Operates a two-way radio to maintain communication to and from Dispatcher's office.
Maintains a variety of records and reports, including but not limited to mileage, routing, maintenance, time schedules and time cards.
Notifies Dispatcher's office of delays or changes that occur in scheduled route.
May assist with other routes when breakdown or other unusual circumstances occur.
Administers First Aid in emergencies.
May drive a District passenger vehicle occasionally to transport students.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
Ability to see and read, with or without vision aids; ability to hear and understand speech at normal levels; ability to communicate so others will clearly understand normal conversation.
Ability to convey detailed spoken instructions accurately, loudly or quickly.
Knowledge of safe driving practices.
Knowledge of provisions of the California Vehicle Code, Administrative Code, and Education Code applicable to the operation of the vehicles in transporting students. CHP 82.7 - Standard Practices.
Skill in reading and interpreting road and street maps.
Ability to establish and maintain proper conduct and safety of passengers on a school bus.
Ability to be comfortable with students of multiple ethnicity's, cultural values, behavioral and physical handicaps.
Ability to understand and follow both oral and written instructions.
Ability to read and write English at a level sufficient to successfully perform required duties.
Skill in operating a two-way radio, knowledge of radio codes and proper usage.
Ability to exercise good judgment and extreme caution while operating a school bus and to remain calm in emergency situations.
Ability to meet the physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively perform required duties.
Note: in addition to the above, drivers assigned to the handicapped bus require the following: physical stamina and stature to load, unload and secure wheelchair students.
Ability to:
Lift/carry 60 pounds occasionally (less than 33% of the time or 1-100 times per day);
Lift/carry 30 pounds frequently (34-66% of the time or 100-500 times per day);
Lift/carry 10 pounds constantly (67-100% of the time or over 500 times per day);
Push a maximum force of 29 pounds on objects;
Pull a maximum force of 150 pounds on objects.
Willingness to endure exposure to inclement weather.
Skill to operate electrical hydraulic lifts on handicapped busses.
Knowledge of proper safety requirements of individual wheelchairs.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Must have the physical skills/abilities/faculties to allow the full operation of any type and size of school bus that may be operated for the transportation of pupils on scheduled or unscheduled routes and study trips.
Light to moderate physical effort for extended periods of time; frequent sitting or standing.
Moderate to high stress level.
Primarily school bus/vehicle, transportation office environment.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Work environment indoors and outdoors.
Temperature - usually normal climate, occasional adverse weather and conditions.
Chemical exposure - occasional: gasoline, oil, solvents, etc.
CONTACTS
Daily contact with students, parents, transportation department and District staff.
Occasional contact with community members and outside agency personnel.
OCCUPATIONAL CERTIFICATES/LICENSES
A valid Class "A" or Class "B" license with a "P" endorsement, California driver's license. A California special driver's certificate. Valid medical certificate.
First Aid and CPR certification. CPR certification is recommended, but not required.
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Education equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.
Dexterity and physical condition to maintain a rigorous work schedule and meet standards of physical and mental health. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
Note: Minimum qualifications may be waived on a case-by-case basis by the Superintendent or designee in his/her sole and absolute discretion.
Board Approved: July 22, 2003
Revised: June 15, 2006
Requirements / Qualifications

  • Certification
  • CPR/First Aid Certification
  • DMV Printout
  • Driver's License Copy
  • Letter of Introduction
  • Letter(s) of Recommendation (Three recent letters; within the last two years)
  • Proof of HS Graduation
  • Resume
  • TB Screening Result

Comments and Other Information
Successful candidates must pass pre-employment physical
Fingerprint clearance upon hire with DPOLUSD
Dos Palos Oro Loma Joint Unified School District prohibits discrimination, harassment, intimidation and bullying in educational programs, activities, or employment on the basis of actual or perceived ancestry, age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, citizenship or immigration status, race or ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy actual or potential parental, family, or marital status, military status or association with a person or a group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. Dos Palos Oro Loma Joint Unified School District requires that school personnel take immediate steps to intervene when safe to do so when he or she witnesses an act of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying.
Questions or complaints of alleged discrimination, harassment, intimidation and bullying, equity or Title IX equity and compliance concerns should be directed to:
David Childers
(209) 392-0200
2041 Almond Street
Dos Palos, CA 93620
dchilders@dpol.net
If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process, Dos Palos-Oro Loma JUSD will provide you with one upon notice.