School Bus Driver (PT/FT Opportunities Available)

Company Description

KIPP Miami is part of the KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) national nonprofit network of college-preparatory, public charter schools educating elementary, middle and high school students. KIPP has a 25-year track record of preparing students for success in college and life. Founded in 2018, KIPP Miami operates two nonprofit charter schools in Greater Miami’s Urban Core community. Currently, KIPP Miami educates students in grades K-4 at KIPP Royalty Academy and 5-8 students at KIPP Courage Academy. To learn more, visit www.kippmiami.org or visit us on instagram  

Job Description

Here’s what you need to know:

KIPP Miami seeks dependable, safety-focused School Bus Drivers to join our transportation team. The ideal candidate will ensure the safe, efficient, and timely transportation of KIPP Miami students to and from school, field trips, and extracurricular events. This role supports the mission of providing every student with reliable, caring service that reflects KIPP Miami’s values and Heartbeat Principles.

Here's what you'll be doing:

Student Transportation & Safety

• Safely operate a school bus in accordance with all state, federal, and district regulations.
• Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections to ensure the bus is operating safely and properly maintained.
• Follow established routes and schedules while maintaining safe driving speeds and conditions.
• Ensure the safe loading, unloading, and seating of all students, including those with disabilities or mobility needs.
• Maintain discipline and ensure appropriate student conduct while on the bus, consistent with KIPP’s values of respect and safety.
• Respond calmly and effectively to emergency situations, including bus evacuations or student medical needs.

Operational Excellence 

• Maintain accurate records such as daily logs, incident reports, and inspection documentation.
• Report vehicle defects, student incidents, or schedule issues promptly to the Transportation Coordinator.
• Participate in ongoing safety meetings and training sessions.
• Maintain cleanliness and general upkeep of the bus interior and exterior.

Community and Professionalism

• Model professionalism, punctuality, and a student-centered attitude at all times.
• Communicate respectfully and effectively with students, families, and staff.
• Uphold KIPP Miami’s commitment to equity, inclusiveness, and joyful learning environments.
• Participate in professional development opportunities as assigned.

Qualifications

Here’s what we’re looking for: 

Required Education & Experience

• At least one (1) year of professional school bus or commercial driving experience (required).
• High School Diploma or GED (required).
• Valid Florida Commercial Driver License (CDL) with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements (required).
• Must meet all Florida Department of Education (FDOE) and Miami‑Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS) standards for school bus drivers, including successful completion of:
• FDOE School Bus Driver Training Program (40 hours minimum)
• Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination
• Drug and alcohol screening per Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations
• Fingerprinting and Level II background clearance
• Satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) with no major violations in the past three years.

     Preferred

• Familiarity with charter school operations or urban education environments.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish or English/Creole) strongly preferred.

Skills & Abilities

• Ability to manage student behavior calmly and positively using restorative and respectful strategies.
• Willingness to work flexible hours as needed for field trips and extracurricular activities.
• Safety‑First Mindset: You prioritize safety above all, ensuring every child’s well‑being on the road.
• Heartbeat Aligned: You live out KIPP Miami’s Heartbeat Principles by showing empathy, consistency, and reliability in all student interactions.
• Professionalism & Pride: You maintain your vehicle and appearance to the highest standards and represent KIPP Miami with excellence.
• Team Player: You collaborate with staff and families to provide dependable transportation that supports our school mission.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to maintain alertness and physical readiness to ensure the safety and supervision of students during transport. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

• Essential Physical Functions
  • Ability to sit for extended periods while operating a school bus.
  • Ability to bend, reach, twist, and turn to check mirrors, open and close doors, secure students, and maintain safety.
  • Ability to climb steps and walk the bus aisle multiple times daily.
  • Ability to assist students with mobility devices and operate lifts or securement systems.
  • Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull objects up to 50 pounds on occasion (e.g., during emergency evacuations).
• Sensory and Coordination Requirements
  • Vision and hearing must meet Florida DOT standards, including 20/40 visual acuity and adequate hearing (with or without correction).
  • Adequate hand-eye-foot coordination to safely operate bus controls.
  • Ability to communicate clearly in English with students, staff, and families.
• Environmental Conditions
  • Ability to work outdoors in variable weather conditions (heat, rain, humidity).
  • Ability to tolerate moderate to high noise levels.
  • Ability to remain alert and focused for extended periods.
• Compliance Requirements
  • Must maintain DOT medical certification and CDL endorsements.
  • Must comply with drug and alcohol testing requirements.

Additional Information

The hourly rate for this role is $18 - $24, commensurate with experience.

Our organization is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender, age, religion, national origin, citizen status, marital status, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Our organization will make a reasonable accommodation to known physical or mental limitations of a qualified applicant or employee with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of the organization. No questions on this application are asked for any unlawful purpose.

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