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First Student Jobs in Ottawa, IL (NOW HIRING)

XPO Logistics

Truck Driver Student

La Salle, IL

$24.37 - $29.93/hr

Attain a CDL-A permit by the first day of class and the following endorsements within 90 days of ... Class B CDL About the Truck Driver Student Job Pay, benefits and more: * Home daily * Expected pay ...

XPO Logistics

Truck Driver Student

La Salle, IL · On-site

$24.37 - $29.93/hr

Attain a CDL-A permit by the first day of class and the following endorsements within 90 days of ... Class B CDL About the Truck Driver Student Job Pay, benefits and more: * Home daily * Expected pay ...

XPO

Truck Driver Student

La Salle, IL

$24.37 - $29.93/hr

Attain a CDL-A permit by the first day of class and the following endorsements within 90 days of ... Class B CDL About the Truck Driver Student Job Pay, benefits and more: * Home daily * Expected pay ...

Grundy/Kendall HR Consortium

1st Grade Teacher

Morris, IL · On-site

$51K/yr

Yorkville Community School District 115 Yorkville CUSD 115 has an opening for a 1.0 FTE 1st Grade ... To facilitate student success and growth by implementing district-approved curriculum, addressing ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsFirst Student JobsFirst Student Jobs in Ottawa, IL

First Student information

See Ottawa, IL salary details

$7

$16

$24

How much do first student jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for first student in Ottawa, IL is $16.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.52 and $18.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a First Student driver?

A First Student driver is a professional school bus driver employed by First Student, a leading provider of student transportation services in North America. These drivers are responsible for safely transporting students to and from school and related activities, following all safety regulations and schedules. They also conduct pre-trip inspections, maintain order on the bus, and ensure the well-being of their passengers. First Student drivers receive specialized training in safety, defensive driving, and child management to ensure a secure environment for all riders.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a school bus driver at First Student?

To thrive as a School Bus Driver at First Student, you need a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) with passenger and school bus endorsements, a clean driving record, and a commitment to safety. Familiarity with vehicle inspection protocols, route navigation systems, and state transportation regulations is typically required. Patience, strong communication skills, and reliability are essential soft skills for building rapport with students and managing challenging situations on the road. These competencies help ensure student safety, timely transportation, and a positive experience for both passengers and school communities.

What are common challenges faced by school bus drivers at First Student, and how can they be addressed?

School bus drivers at First Student often encounter challenges such as managing student behavior, adapting to changing weather conditions, and maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols. To address these, drivers receive comprehensive training on student management and safety, and have access to support from dispatch and management teams. Building strong communication with school staff and parents can also help resolve issues quickly, creating a safer and more positive experience for everyone involved.

What is the difference between First Student vs Bus Driver?

AspectFirst StudentBus Driver
Required CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL), student transportation trainingCDL, passenger endorsement, background check
Work EnvironmentSchool buses, daytime hours, student interactionsSchool buses, routes vary, safety-focused
Employer & Industry UsageSchool transportation companies, school districtsSchool districts, private transportation services
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

First Student is a leading provider of student transportation services, employing bus drivers to operate school buses. A Bus Driver is a role within this industry, requiring similar credentials and working in comparable environments. The main difference is that First Student refers to the company or employer, while Bus Driver describes the specific job position. Both roles focus on safe student transportation within the education sector.

What job categories do people searching First Student jobs in Ottawa, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for First Student jobs in Ottawa, IL are:

What cities near Ottawa, IL are hiring for First Student jobs?

Cities near Ottawa, IL with the most First Student job openings:

First Student jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Student job openings in Ottawa, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,072 per year, or $16.4 per hour.

Truck Driver Student

XPO Logistics

La Salle, IL

$24.37 - $29.93/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

XPO rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 223 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

216th of 365 rated logistics

Job description

What you'll need to succeed as a Truck Driver Student at XPO

Minimum qualifications:

  • Be at least 21 years of age
  • 1 year of related experience
  • Hold a valid state-issued driver's license for a minimum of 12 months
  • Attain a CDL-A permit by the first day of class and the following endorsements within 90 days of employment: double/triple trailers, tanker and HAZMAT
  • Initiate the TSA fingerprint-based background check by completing the fingerprinting process no later than the second week of class
  • Safe driving record and history
  • Pass a DOT drug test and have no prior positive tests or refusals in the last 3 years
  • Pass a company-paid DOT physical and pre-hire test (physical essential functions) and perform essential functions with or without accommodation
  • Available to work a variety of shifts including days, evenings, nights and weekends

Preferred qualifications:

  • Forklift experience
  • Class B CDL

 

About the Truck Driver Student Job

Pay, benefits and more:

  • Home daily
  • Expected pay range: $24.37 to $29.93 per hour. Actual compensation may vary due to factors such as experience and skill set. 
  • Full health insurance on day one
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Earn up to 13 days PTO over your first year
  • 9 paid company holidays
  • 401(k) option with company match
  • Education assistance
  • This is a Motor Carrier Act Exempt position

What you'll do on a typical day:

  • Attend training sessions to obtain a CDL-A
  • Gain on-the-job experience as an LTL Driver
  • Under supervision, perform vehicle inspections required under section 396.13 of the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Regulations (FMCSR)
  • Maintain records by FMCSR, DOT and company policies
  • Load and unload freight using a forklift as needed (touch freight)
  • Verify and complete required documentation and reports
  • Adhere to company safety policies.
  • Maintain contact with service center personnel in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment

Truck Driver Students are required to:

  • Lift freight and other objects of various shapes, sizes and weights of 50 lbs. frequently and occasionally more than 75 lbs.
  • Safely operate heavy equipment; move and position a converter dolly with an average weight/pull force of approximately 128 lbs.
  • Walk and stand for extended periods on various surfaces that may be uneven or slippery; work in adverse weather conditions; climb in and out of a tractor cab and trailer, and sit for extended periods in a truck tractor and/or forklift
  • Reach (including above your head), bend, climb, push, pull, twist, squat and kneel
  • Operate a tractor-trailer combination (under supervision) for up to 11 consecutive hours, in all types of weather, while safely transporting hazardous/non-hazardous materials

Pursuant to U.S. Department of Labor requirements, the worker must be able to read and speak the English language sufficiently to converse with the general public, understand highway traffic signs and signals in English, respond to official inquiries, and make entries on reports and record.

About XPO

XPO is a top ten global provider of transportation services, with a highly integrated network of people, technology and physical assets. At XPO, we look for employees who like a challenge and can communicate effectively in all situations. We want to leverage your skills and years of experience to drive positive results while ensuring a bright future for yourself and XPO. If you're looking for a growth opportunity, join us at XPO. 

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, disability, veteran or other protected status.

All applicants who receive a conditional offer of employment may be required to take and pass a pre-employment drug test. 

The above statements are not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties and skills for this job classification. 

Review XPO's candidate privacy statement here.

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About XPO

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Founded in Greenwich, Connecticut, XPO Logistics, Inc., operating under the brand name XPO, is a one of the leading companies in the transportation and logistics sector. Operating its services in 30 countries, the company employs the use of ground-breaking technology in providing a broad suite of logistics services including supply chain management, freight brokerage, last mile logistics, and intermodal and drayage transportation. XPO's impressive history dates back to 2011 and within its relatively short existence, it has made a series of acquisitions to consolidate its top-notch range of services. Their mission is to provide outstanding results to customers by envisioning and implementing significant advancements in freight transportation and logistics.

Industry

Import-export

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Greenwich, CT, US

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