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First Student Van Driver Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Van Driver 26/27 SY

Gilbert, AZ · On-site

$13 - $17.75/hr

Ensures students are transported safely and securely between residences and schools and / or ... CPR & 1st Aid Certification or ability to obtain certification. * Valid Department of Public Safety ...

Courier Van Driver

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$16.75 - $22.50/hr

M-F 7 am (1st shift) Payrate: $16.50-$17.00 * Drive to client locations, to include backing up the ... Possess a valid driver's license with a clear driving record. * Must be 18 years of age or older.

Showing results 41-60

First Student Van Driver information

See Arizona salary details

$7

$14

$19

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

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for first student van driver in Arizona is $14.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.63 and $15.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to be a First Student van driver?

To thrive as a First Student Van Driver, you need a valid driver's license, a clean driving record, and knowledge of safe driving practices, often accompanied by specialized training or certifications such as a CDL or passenger transport endorsement. Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, vehicle inspection protocols, and company safety procedures is typically required. Strong communication, patience, and reliability are crucial soft skills for building trust with students and ensuring a positive environment. These competencies are essential for safeguarding passengers, maintaining schedules, and upholding the company's safety standards.

What does a First Student van driver do?

A typical day for a First Student Van Driver involves inspecting the van for safety, planning routes, and ensuring the timely pickup and drop-off of students. Drivers regularly communicate with school staff to coordinate schedules, address student needs, and resolve any route changes. They may also interact with parents to provide updates or discuss special requirements for students. The role requires attentiveness, patience, and strong interpersonal skills to create a safe, supportive environment for all passengers.

What is a First Student van driver?

First Student Van Drivers are professional drivers employed by First Student, a leading provider of school transportation services. Their main responsibility is to safely transport students to and from school, field trips, or special events using smaller passenger vans rather than traditional school buses. They must follow all traffic laws, ensure the safety and well-being of their passengers, and maintain proper records of their routes and schedules. Van drivers may also assist students with special needs and perform regular vehicle inspections to ensure a safe ride. This role requires a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and often, background checks and specific training provided by First Student.

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

AspectFirst Student Van DriverSchool Bus Driver
Required CertificationsCommercial Driver's License (CDL) with passenger endorsementCDL with passenger and school bus endorsements
Work EnvironmentSmaller vans, often for special needs or local routesLarge school buses, transporting students over longer routes
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily private school transportation or contracted servicesPublic school districts and government-funded schools
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a First Student Van Driver and a School Bus Driver lies in the vehicle size, route type, and endorsements required. Van drivers typically operate smaller vehicles for local or specialized routes, while bus drivers handle larger buses for longer student routes. Both roles require CDL licenses with passenger endorsements, but school bus drivers often need additional endorsements specific to school transportation. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right position in student transportation services.

What are popular job titles related to First Student Van Driver jobs in Arizona? For First Student Van Driver jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching First Student Van Driver jobs in Arizona look for? The top searched job categories for First Student Van Driver jobs in Arizona are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for First Student Van Driver jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most First Student Van Driver job openings:
Infographic showing various First Student Van Driver job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,322 per year, or $14.1 per hour.

Part Time Van Driver (School Setting, Peoria)

The Austin Centers for Exceptional Students

Peoria, AZ • On-site

$12.75 - $17.50/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Job Summary

This position is responsible for transporting students over scheduled routes and/or to/from special excursions; ensuring the vehicle is in safe operating condition; and ensuring the safety of students during transport, loading, and unloading from buses/vehicles; driving non-CDL vehicles.

Responsibilities

  • Prepares documentation (e.g. daily mileage and condition reports, incident/accident reports,
  • inspections, disciplinary and positive behavior reports, mileage, etc) for the purpose of providing
  • written support and/or conveying information
  • Drives district vehicles to transport regular education and/or special education students over
  • scheduled routes and to/from school and/or field trips in a safe and timely manner
  • Assess incidents, complaints, accidents, and or potential emergency situations for the purpose of resolving or recommending a resolution to the situation
  • Develops communications skills to communicate with parents, students, teachers, administrators, other drivers, dispatchers, etc for the purpose of conveying and/or receiving information
  • Drives non-CDL vehicles to transport students to/from school in a safe and timely manner
  • Fuels assigned vehicle (eg oil, water, fuel, etc) to maintain the vehicle in a safe operating condition
  • Performs pre-trip inspections (eg fluid levels, tire pressure, lights, exterior conditions, etc) to ensure the safe operating condition of the vehicle and meeting state requirements
  • Performs first aid as necessary to meet the immediate health care needs of passengers
  • Learns the process of monitoring students and passengers during transit for the purpose of maintaining order and ensure the safety of passengers
  • Maintains assigned vehicles; both interior and exterior (e.g. performing vandalism checks, cleaning floors/windows/seats, etc) to ensure safety, appearance, and sanitation of the vehicle
  • Performs nonviolent crisis prevention intervention techniques and restraints for the purpose of de-escalating crisis situations to provide the best care, welfare, safety, and security for all
  • Other related duties as assigned to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit

Minimum Qualifications, Work Environment, and Abilities:

  • Demonstrates the ability to perform single, technical tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill-based competencies to perform the functions of the job include learning and adhering to safety practices; obtaining certification in first aid/CPR; demonstrating the ability to be licensed and operate school buses and related equipment.
  • Maintains the ability to perform the following physical demands: significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some climbing and balancing, some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling, and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 75% sitting, 20% walking, and 5% standing. The job is performed under temperature extremes and under conditions with exposure to the risk of injury and/or illness.
  • Demonstrates the ability to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percent's, and/or ratios; read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions.
  • Specific knowledge-based competencies are required to perform the functions of the job including safety practices and procedures; read maps; speak, read, understand, and write English.
  • Required to schedule activities; collate data; and use basic, job-related equipment.
  • Flexibility is required to work with others in a variety of circumstances, work with data utilizing defined but different processes, and operate equipment using defined methods.
  • Demonstrates the ability to work with a wide diversity of individuals; work with similar types of data; and utilize job-related equipment. Problem-solving to identify issues and create action plans.
  • Problem-solving with data requires following prescribed guidelines; and problem-solving with equipment is moderate to significant.
  • Specific ability-based competencies to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include being attentive to detail; exercising good judgment; working without close supervision; meeting deadlines and schedules; working with constant interruptions and speaking and reading English.

Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Paid time off
  • Paid training
  • Professional development assistance

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