1

Safe Ride Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

School Bus Driver

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$21 - $27/hr

We are here to help you succeed with expert training and guidance to help you become a safe and ... Get paid for 4 hours per day at minimum. • Child Ride-Along Program: Perfect for working parents ...

We are here to help you succeed with expert training and guidance to help you become a safe and ... Get paid for 4 hours per day at minimum. · Child Ride-Along Program: Perfect for working parents ...

School Bus Driver

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$21 - $27/hr

We are here to help you succeed with expert training and guidance to help you become a safe and ... Get paid for 4 hours per day at minimum. · Child Ride-Along Program: Perfect for working parents ...

School Bus Driver

Ames, IA · On-site

$22.37 - $26/hr

We are here to help you succeed with expert training and guidance to help you become a safe and ... Get paid for 4 hours per day at minimum. • Child Ride-Along Program: Perfect for working parents ...

School Bus Driver

Ames, IA · On-site

$22.37 - $26/hr

We are here to help you succeed with expert training and guidance to help you become a safe and ... Get paid for 4 hours per day at minimum. · Child Ride-Along Program: Perfect for working parents ...

School Bus Driver

Ames, IA · On-site

$22.37 - $26/hr

We are here to help you succeed with expert training and guidance to help you become a safe and ... Get paid for 4 hours per day at minimum. · Child Ride-Along Program: Perfect for working parents ...

Safe Ride information

See Ames, IA salary details

$7

$13

$17

How much do safe ride jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for safe ride in Ames, IA is $13.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.06 and $15.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a typical shift look like for a Safe Ride driver?

A typical shift for a Safe Ride driver involves coordinating with dispatchers or ride management software to pick up and safely transport passengers, often during evenings, weekends, or special events when demand is higher. You'll regularly interact with passengers from diverse backgrounds, ensuring they reach their destinations safely and comfortably. Safe Ride drivers may also assist individuals with special needs, enforce safety protocols, and maintain vehicle cleanliness. Teamwork with other drivers and communication with support staff are important components of the role, creating a collaborative and supportive work environment. This structure makes each shift dynamic while upholding the core mission of providing safe and reliable transportation.

What is a Safe Ride job?

A Safe Ride job typically involves providing transportation services to ensure passengers get home safely, often during late-night hours or in situations where driving may be unsafe. Responsibilities may include driving a designated vehicle, assisting passengers, and ensuring a secure and comfortable ride. These jobs are often offered by universities, transportation services, or ride programs aimed at reducing impaired driving.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Safe Ride position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Safe Ride driver, you need a valid driver's license with a clean driving record, strong knowledge of road safety, and experience in customer service. Certification in defensive driving and proficiency with GPS navigation systems and ride scheduling apps are commonly required. Excellent interpersonal skills, patience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help build trust with passengers and handle unexpected situations. These skills ensure passenger safety, reliability, and a positive experience in this essential transportation service.

What are popular job titles related to Safe Ride jobs in Ames, IA? For Safe Ride jobs in Ames, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Safe Ride jobs in Ames, IA look for? The top searched job categories for Safe Ride jobs in Ames, IA are:
Infographic showing various Safe Ride job openings in Ames, IA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 30% Full Time, 63% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $27,458 per year, or $13.2 per hour.
School Bus Driver

$21 - $27/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago


First Student rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 307 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 72 rated education support services


Job description

Now Hiring Part Time School Bus Drivers for Ankeny, IA
As a Part Time School Bus Driver, you will play a vital role in your community and the lives of students. You will start students' days with morning pickup before school and transport them safely back home in the afternoon. Additional hours for field trips and special event transportation may be available.
No experience is necessary to become a school bus driver! We are here to help you succeed with expert training and guidance to help you become a safe and professional First Student school bus driver.
School Bus Driver benefits:
• Pay Details: Dependent on experience and qualifications
• Hourly Rate: $21.00 - $27.00 per hour
• Training Rate: $13.00
• Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) and Commercial Driver's License (CDL) training provided!
• Medical, Dental, Vision, & Life insurance or coverage options
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with company match.
• Part-time, flexible schedule: Split shifts (AM/PM routes), weekdays only; No nights, weekends, holidays, or summers required.
• Career Advancement Opportunities: Advance into operational, maintenance, management, and leadership roles in over 540 locations across the U.S. & Canada!
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Counseling and support services for personal and work-related issues.
• Community Impact: Be a trusted figure for students and families.
• Employee Discount Program: Discounts on various products and services.
• Guaranteed Minimum Hours: Get paid for 4 hours per day at minimum.
• Child Ride-Along Program: Perfect for working parents.
• Safety or Attendance bonuses**
• Commercial Learner's Permit Bonus***
Your day as a School Bus Driver will include:
• Safely transport students to and from school and activities.
• Supervise boarding and unloading at stops; assist students with seatbelts and mobility aids.
• Maintain order on the bus to prevent distractions.
• Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections (brakes, lights, tires, emergency exits).
• Report mechanical issues promptly and keep the bus clean and sanitary.
• Obey all traffic laws and company safety standards.
• Communicate with parents, school staff, and dispatch about student behavior or delays.
• Demonstrate leadership and customer service skills.
School Bus Driver Jobs are Perfect For:
• Retirees looking for supplemental income
• Stay-at-home parents seeking daytime work
• Veterans transitioning into civilian roles
• Anyone seeking a second career or flexible job
• People who enjoy working with children
You might be a good fit as a School Bus Driver if you:
• Are at least 21 years old
• Have a valid driver's license for at least 3 years
• Are looking for a part-time schedule and summers off
• Enjoy working with students
Note: This position is subject to DOT drug testing as a safety-sensitive employee. DOT Regulation 49 CFR Part 40 does not authorize the use of Schedule I drugs, including marijuana, for any reason.
Great School Bus Drivers often bring skills such as:
• Valid Class B License
• History driving with ride share companies or taxi services
• Previous experience as a teacher, CDL driver, social worker, classroom assistant, hospitality worker, or customer service or retail associate.
Take the wheel and drive your career forward with First Student! Make an impact in your community while enjoying flexible schedules, great pay, and unmatched support.
*Sign-on bonus conditions apply. See location for details.
**Safety and/or Attendance bonus conditions apply.
***Commercial Learner's Permit Bonus conditions apply.
First for a reason:
At First Student, we are a family of 60,000+ employees who take pride in safely transporting more than 5 million students and passengers to and from their destinations each day! Our family of brands include Transco, Total Transportation, Maggies Paratransit, and GVC II. Our employees are at the forefront of safety and innovation; they create and implement the most advanced training and technology the transportation industry has to offer.
In the state of Washington, all technician and driving positions, including but not limited to van drivers and any other position requiring employees to drive a company-owned vehicle, are considered safety-sensitive and are therefore subject to drug and alcohol testing, including cannabis.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. First is also committed to providing a drug-free workplace. First will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance, and any other fair chance law. Philadelphia's Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards Ordinance Poster is at this link or upon request https://www.phila.gov/media/20210423160847/Fair-Chance-Hiring-law-poster.pdf.

What First Student employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom