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Substitute Bus Aide Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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Substitute Bus Aide information

What is a substitute bus aide?

Substitute Bus Aides are individuals who temporarily assist on school buses when the regular bus aide is unavailable. Their primary responsibilities include helping students safely board and exit the bus, ensuring proper behavior during transit, and assisting students with special needs. They play a key role in maintaining a safe, orderly environment on the bus and support the bus driver in managing any emergencies or issues that arise. Substitute Bus Aides may work on an as-needed basis, filling in during staff absences or on particularly busy days.

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

To thrive as a Substitute Bus Aide, you need a basic understanding of student supervision, safety procedures, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with two-way radios, emergency evacuation protocols, and district-specific transportation systems is typically required. Patience, strong communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are important to ensure the safety, well-being, and orderly conduct of students during school transportation.

What are some common challenges faced by substitute bus aides, and how can they be managed?

Substitute Bus Aides often need to quickly adapt to unfamiliar routes and student groups, which can make supervision and communication challenging. They may also encounter varying student needs, including those requiring special assistance or behavioral support. To manage these challenges, it's helpful to review route information and student profiles in advance, communicate proactively with the driver and regular aides, and remain flexible and patient. Building rapport with students and maintaining clear, calm instructions can contribute to a safe and orderly bus environment.

What is the difference between Substitute Bus Aide vs Bus Aide?

AspectSubstitute Bus AideBus Aide
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some districts require CPR/First Aid certificationHigh school diploma or equivalent; CPR/First Aid often required
Work EnvironmentOn-call, as-needed basis; varies dailyRegular schedule; assigned to specific routes
Employer & IndustrySchool districts; transportation servicesSchool districts; transportation services
Job RoleAssists with student safety and behavior temporarilySupports student safety, behavior, and comfort regularly

In summary, Substitute Bus Aides work on an as-needed basis, assisting students temporarily, while Bus Aides have a regular, scheduled role supporting students' safety and comfort during daily routes.

How much do substitute bus aides make in the US?

Substitute bus aides in the US typically earn between $10 and $15 per hour, depending on the state, school district, and experience. Their pay may also vary based on whether they are part-time or full-time and if they receive benefits or additional stipends.

What qualifications do you need to be a substitute bus aide?

To be a substitute bus aide, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver's license, and a clean driving record. Some positions may require background checks, first aid certification, and the ability to work with children in a school environment.

What are popular job titles related to Substitute Bus Aide jobs in Iowa?

For Substitute Bus Aide jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Substitute Bus Aide jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Substitute Bus Aide jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Substitute Bus Aide jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Substitute Bus Aide job openings:

Substitute Bus Aide jobs near you

Substitute Bus Aide 2026-2027

Southeast Polk Community School District

Altoona, IA • On-site

$12.25 - $15.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
Substitute/Substitute Bus Aide
Date Posted:
6/2/2026
Location:
Transportation
This is a general position listing and there may or may not be a specific opening at this time.
If a position becomes available, your application materials may be reviewed by hiring managers.
Job Description
Title: Substitute Bus Aide
Qualifications:
Required:
  1. High School Diploma or GED
  2. 18 years of age or older.
  3. Practical knowledge of special equipment and appliances.
  4. Ability and willingness to accept the responsibility of the position.
  5. Effective communication skills.
  6. Ability to work with students and provide a caring and optimistic attitude.
  7. Able to take charge in emergency situations.

Reports to: Director of Transportation
Job Goal:
To assist with the supervision and safety of students while on the bus. This position requires continuous use of independent judgment. The essential functions as shown below represent only the key areas of responsibility; specific position requirements will vary depending on the needs of the transportation department.
Performance Responsibilities:
  1. Assist with the safe loading and unloading of pupils at their stop.
  2. Managing pupils' physical needs during transit.
  3. Managing pupils' behavior during transit.
  4. Assisting the driver to assure safety, welfare, and orderly conduct of passengers while on the bus.
  5. Assist in emergency situations.
  6. Provide an appropriate role model for the students.
  7. Maintain confidentiality on sensitive information.
  8. Other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands
  1. Must have physical dexterity in limbs and digits and be free of impairment of the use of a foot, leg, hand, finger, or an arm or other structural defects of limitations likely to interfere with the ability to assist with the safe order of the school bus.
  2. Must be capable of assisting in the emergency evacuation of students riding the bus by extraction through emergency windows, doors and roof exits including:
    1. Stepping down 3.5 feet from the bus floor to the ground out the rear bus emergency door.
    2. Lifting students weighing up to 50 pounds.
    3. Must be capable of dragging 125 pounds for a distance of 100 feet.
  3. Must be capable of sitting up to 1 hour per setting.
  4. Must be capable of standing up to 30 minutes at a time.
  5. Must be capable of climbing 4 bus entry steps.
  6. Must be capable of operating handicap lift equipment, emergency window, door exits and opening engine hood with pull forces up to 60 lbs.
  7. Must present appropriate appearance and personal cleanliness suited to working in close proximity to school children and teachers.
  8. Must be capable of working with co-workers with different personalities.
  9. Must be capable of working in extreme temperatures and humidity and other environmental conditions.
  10. Must be able to handle situations where contact with bodily fluids is possible. Bodily fluids may be feces, vomit, and urine, mucus from the nose or mouth.

Clothing:
  1. Street Clothes.
  2. Appropriate clothing and/or protective equipment required by the task; such as coats, hats and gloves and anti-slip footwear when walking on ice while assisting on the bus during cold winter periods.

Terms of Employment:
  1. Employment based on need.
  2. Hours and number of days assigned as need requires.

Evaluation:
Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of Southeast Polk Board Policy.
Disclaimer:
The statements of this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel in this position. These statements are not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his or her supervision.
It is the policy of the Southeast Polk Community School District not to illegally discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), genetic information (for employment), sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact, Joseph M. Horton, Associate Superintendent, Southeast Polk District Office, 407 8th St, Altoona, IA 50009, (515)-967-4294, joseph.horton@southeastpolk.org. Inquiries or grievances may also be directed to the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, Des Moines, IA, 50319-0201, (515) 281-4121; or the U.S. Department of Education, Region VII Office of Civil Rights, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1475, Chicago IL 60661.

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