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Professional Bus Operator Jobs in Powell, TN (NOW HIRING)

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Professional Bus Operator information

See Powell, TN salary details

$10

$18

$25

How much do professional bus operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional bus operator in Powell, TN is $18.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.06 and $20.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a professional bus operator?

Professional bus operators are trained individuals responsible for safely driving buses along designated routes to transport passengers. They ensure passenger safety, adhere to traffic laws, assist riders with boarding and fare payment, and maintain schedules. In addition to driving, they often provide customer service, answer questions about routes, and handle emergency situations if they arise. Professional bus operators may work for public transit agencies, schools, or private companies, and typically require a commercial driver's license (CDL) with passenger endorsements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a professional bus operator?

To thrive as a Professional Bus Operator, you need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL), safe driving skills, and a strong understanding of traffic laws and routes. Familiarity with vehicle inspection procedures, fare collection systems, and sometimes GPS or scheduling software is often required. Excellent customer service, patience, and strong communication skills help operators interact effectively with passengers and handle challenging situations calmly. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring passenger safety, maintaining schedules, and providing a positive experience for riders.

How does a professional bus operator typically handle challenging passenger situations during a route?

Professional Bus Operators are trained to manage a variety of passenger interactions, including handling disputes, fare issues, or disruptions, with calm professionalism. They follow specific protocols provided by their transit agency, which may include de-escalation techniques and clear communication. Operators are supported by dispatch teams and, when necessary, security personnel to ensure safety for all passengers. Building rapport and staying attentive to the needs of diverse riders are important aspects of the role, making strong interpersonal skills valuable in this position.

What is the difference between Professional Bus Operator vs School Bus Driver?

AspectProfessional Bus OperatorSchool Bus Driver
Required CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL), passenger endorsementCDL with school bus endorsement
Work EnvironmentPublic transit, charter services, private companiesSchool campuses, student transportation
Employer & IndustryTransit agencies, private transportation companiesSchool districts, educational institutions

Both roles require a CDL with passenger or school bus endorsements and involve driving passengers. However, a Professional Bus Operator typically works in public transit or private charter services, while a School Bus Driver specializes in transporting students for school districts. The key differences lie in the work environment and specific endorsements needed, but both roles focus on safe passenger transportation.

What cities near Powell, TN are hiring for Professional Bus Operator jobs?

Cities near Powell, TN with the most Professional Bus Operator job openings:

Professional Bus Operator jobs near you

Bus Driver for Roane County Schools

Roane County Schools

Kingston, TN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Bus Driver
Purpose:
  • transport students over assigned routes and field trips/excursions
  • ensure that bus is in safe operating condition
  • ensure safety of students while riding the bus and while loading/unloading the bus

Essential Duties:
  • advises students/riders of appropriate behavior based on best practices of the school bus transportation industry
  • assesses situations (incidents, complaints, emergencies) for the purpose of offering solutions
  • assists students/riders with instruction for safe loading/unloading practices during normal and emergency situations
  • attends all required meetings, inservice training for the purpose of learning best practices on the school bus industry
  • cleans assigned bus (interior/exterior) on a regular basis to ensure safety, appearance, and cleanliness
  • conducts emergency evacuations as required
  • transports students to/from school and on field trips/excursions in a safe and timely manner
  • fuels bus (fuel, oil, coolant) as needed
  • monitors student/rider behavior during transportation of said students/riders to ensure safety
  • performs pre-trip and post-trip inspections as required by law to ensure the safe operating condition of the bus
  • prepares required reports for documentation of adherence to school system guidelines (pre/post-trip forms, field trip reports, payroll/leave forms)
  • completes student conduct referrals as needed and provides such forms to the appropriate school personnel
  • performs any other duties as deemed necessary by the Supervisor of Transportation to ensure the effective functioning of the Transportation Department
  • other duties as assigned

School Bus Drivers report to the Transportation Supervisor.
Job Requirements:
  • Skills:
    • Adhere to safety practices
    • Adhere to all TN Code Annotated Laws/Regulations pertaining to school buses
    • Be able to operate a school bus safely
    • Operate a fire extinguisher if needed
    • Operate a two-way radio in a professional manner
    • Prepare and maintain records
  • Knowledge:
    • Emergency evacuation techniques
    • General knowledge of streets/road
    • Basic bus maintenance
    • Health standards and hazards
    • General knowledge of first aid
    • Safe driving practices and procedures
    • Specialized equipment in Special Education Buses
  • Ability:
    • Be attentive to details
    • Communicate with diverse groups including school age riders
    • Display tact and courtesy
    • Maintain effective working relationships with coworkers
    • Exercise judgement
    • Understand special needs of students/parents
    • Maintain confidentiality
    • Concentrate with distractions
  • Work Environment:
    • Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling
    • Some stooping, kneeling, crouching
    • Significant fine finger dexterity
    • 80% sitting, 10% walking, 10% standing
    • Some extreme temperatures (especially in warm weather)
    • Small exposure to risk of injury or illness

Experience:
  • Job related experience is preferred, but not required.
  • We will train in all areas listed above including CDL licensure.

Education:
  • High school diploma or equivalent (GED)

Requirements:
  • Pre-employment drug screen
  • Alcohol/drug clearinghouse enrollment/clearance
  • Criminal background check
  • Minimum age of 25
    • exemptions:
      • Current employee of Roane County Schools (minimum age of 23)
      • Active military (minimum age of 23)
      • Honorable discharge from military (minimum age of 23)

Certificates and Licenses:
  • Class B CDL with P & S endorsements
  • First Aid/CPR training for Special Education bus drivers.

Continuing Education/Training:
  • Annual DOT physical
  • Annual Safety Training from TN Department of Safety and Homeland Security

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