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Head Bus Driver Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

AL · On-site

$15.35/hr

A Head Start agency must ensure that prospective candidates for a Bus Driver position meet the federal requirements for qualifications in addition to state requirements according to 45 CFR 1310.16.

AL · On-site

$15.35/hr

A Head Start agency must ensure that prospective candidates for a Bus Driver position meet the federal requirements for qualifications in addition to state requirements according to 45 CFR 1310.16.

Bus Driver

Steele, AL · On-site

$14.75 - $20/hr

We are seeking responsible Bus Drivers to join our team in Steele, AL . Minimum Qualifications: * High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (GED) * Valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) ...

$25/hr

Director, Head Start Program Job Summary: This position is responsible for overseeing the physical ... Administrative & Management o Supervise bus drivers, custodians, and maintenance staff, providing ...

Head Bus Driver information

See Alabama salary details

$7

$17

$25

How much do head bus driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for head bus driver in Alabama is $17.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.81 and $20.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Head Bus Driver vs Bus Driver?

AspectHead Bus DriverBus Driver
CertificationsCommercial Driver's License (CDL), possibly additional certifications for passenger safetyCDL required, standard for operating buses
Work EnvironmentSupervisory role overseeing bus operations, safety, and staffDriving buses, transporting passengers
Employer & IndustryTransportation companies, school districts, transit agenciesPublic transit, private transportation, schools

The Head Bus Driver typically holds a CDL and additional certifications, overseeing bus operations and staff, while a Bus Driver primarily focuses on driving and passenger safety. The Head Bus Driver has supervisory responsibilities, whereas the Bus Driver concentrates on transportation services.

What are some common challenges faced by a head bus driver, and how can they be managed effectively?

As a Head Bus Driver, you may encounter challenges such as coordinating schedules among multiple drivers, handling unexpected route changes or delays, and addressing passenger concerns. Effective communication, strong organizational skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial for managing these situations. Building good relationships with your team and maintaining open lines of communication with dispatch and management will help ensure that daily operations run smoothly and any issues are quickly resolved.

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

To thrive as a Head Bus Driver, you need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL), extensive driving experience, and thorough knowledge of transportation regulations and safety procedures. Familiarity with route planning software, vehicle maintenance systems, and incident reporting tools is typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help in managing other drivers, coordinating schedules, and addressing passenger concerns. These competencies ensure safe, efficient operations and foster a positive team environment essential for public transportation services.

What disqualifies you from being a head bus driver?

Disqualifications for a head bus driver typically include a poor driving record, such as multiple traffic violations or accidents, a criminal background check revealing relevant offenses, and failure to meet licensing requirements like possessing a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) with passenger endorsements. Additionally, health issues that impair driving ability or a lack of experience in bus operation can disqualify candidates.

What is a head bus driver?

Head Bus Drivers are experienced professionals who oversee the operation of bus drivers within a transportation department or company. They are responsible for scheduling, training, and supervising other bus drivers, ensuring that safety protocols are followed and that routes run smoothly. In addition to driving buses themselves, Head Bus Drivers often handle administrative duties, resolve issues that arise on the road, and serve as a liaison between drivers and management. This role requires strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
What are the most commonly searched types of Bus Driver jobs in Alabama? The most popular types of Bus Driver jobs in Alabama are:
Infographic showing various Head Bus Driver job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,341 per year, or $18 per hour.

Bus Driver / Maintenance

Lyons HR, LLC

AL • On-site

$15.35/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Title: Bus Driver / Maintenance
Reports To: Operations Director
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Mission Statement: The mission of the Black Belt Community Foundation is to forge a collective stream of giving from the community and other sources so we, the people of the Black Belt, can enhance our continuing efforts to lift ourselves by taking what we have to make what we need.
Job Summary: The Bus Driver is responsible for safely operating the bus or alternative vehicle to transport children to and from their homes and the Head Start centers. In this capacity, the Bus Driver is often the first and the last person that both a parent and a child see each program day. A Head Start agency must ensure that prospective candidates for a Bus Driver position meet the federal requirements for qualifications in addition to state requirements according to 45 CFR 1310.16.
Secondary duties: Perform routine maintenance work as requested.
Responsibilities:
● The bus driver responsibilities chiefly fall within the following core functions, although s/he may
● perform other tasks as needed:
● Bus Driver is responsible for safely operating the bus or alternative vehicle to transport children to and from their homes and the Head Start centers.
● Bus Drivers must maintain accurate records regarding their vehicle and children who are being transported. The record-keeping includes:
○ Accident reports
○ Pre- and post-trip inspections for the operation of the vehicle
○ Regular ongoing maintenance records
○ Contact information for release of a child to a parent or guardian
○ Establish written fixed bus routes and if necessary, alternate routes
●Bus Drivers may escort children to their classroom and convey any messages from parents to the teacher, as well as any incidents on the bus.
● Bus Drivers need to collaborate with the Bus Monitor to teach children safe riding practices and safety procedures on and off the bus.
● Bus Drivers need to maintain a safe and clean environment inside and outside the bus through regular cleanings.  
● Bus Drivers need to maintain their assigned vehicle and ensure that appropriate safety inspections have been completed for its operation as required by federal, state, Tribal, or local authorities.
● Bus Drivers need to attend regular training for reporting child abuse and neglect and topics related to caring for disabled children.
● Each Bus Driver must have an annual evaluation that includes an on-board observation of their performance while driving a bus route.
● Bus Drivers need to serve as a role model for children riding the bus and in contacts with parents or guardians. Requirements:
● Possess a valid CDL - commercial driver’s license
● Prior EXPERIENCE with safely transporting children.
● Prior experience with children ages 0-5 years.
● Able to lift a child weighing 40 pounds, 20 times a day if needed.
● Pass physical examination and all Head Start/licensing required background checks. Maintain current Physical/TB screen requirements including but not limited to:
○ possess a clean driving record
○ passes a criminal background check
○ passes a screening for alcohol and drugs
○ passes a physical examination and is able to lift 50 pounds
○ passes a tuberculosis (TB) test
○ has good hearing and at least 20/40 vision with or without glasses
○ Bus Drivers are REQUIRED to be of legal age
○ hold a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with an "S" endorsement in those states conferring such licenses.
Ideal qualifications
● Basic computer literacy in email usage, word processing and internet navigation.
● Bus Drivers should have KNOWLEDGE about federal, state, local, or Tribal transportation requirements.
● Further, they should know the geographic locale and, whenever possible, the language spoken by the families served.
● Bus Drivers should have SKILLS AND ABILITIES to problem solve and provide leadership whenever an emergency situation occurs.
● Bus Drivers who are hired must receive a combination of classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel instruction PRIOR to transporting any children. This training involves the following:
○ operating the vehicle in a safe and efficient manner;
○ safely running a fixed route;
○ administering basic first aid in case of an injury;
○ handling emergency situations, including vehicle evacuation procedures;
○ operating special equipment such as a wheelchair lift; assistance devices or special occupant restraints;
○ conducting routine maintenance and safety checks of the vehicle;
○ orientation on the goals and philosophy of Head Start and how they are implemented by the program.
BBCF CORE VALUES
The Bus Driver has a deep track record demonstrating the following:
● Integrity - Demonstrate consistency between what we say and what we do. Demonstrate consistency in how we behave across contexts and people. Reliable. Honest. Keep commitments and when that is not possible, be direct in communicating what is/is not possible.
● Transparency - Be clear and explicit in sharing what can and cannot be shared about projects, processes, goals, results and lessons learned. Provide visibility to as much information as is possible with consistency across groups so that there are not ”favored” groups or individuals with access to information that others do not have with no business case to support “favored” access.
● Joy and love of community and the work - Find and celebrate successes and learnings – small and large; our own successes and learnings and those of our teammates and community. Proactively name and notice – and invite others to share in – the delights in our day-to-day work.
Innovative/creative/generative - Surface – through our own work and in collaboration with others – novel ideas, solutions or strategies that challenge established thinking so that we are able to provide positive impact in our community. Identify and implement new approaches and ideas in service of community. Share what we learn.
We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and healthy workplace.

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About Lyons HR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Human resources consulting services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Florence, AL, US

Year founded

1995