What are the responsibilities and job description for the Substitute Bus Driver position at San Juan Island School District?
Position Summary
The Substitute Bus Driver operates district school buses safely and efficiently to transport students to and from school, field trips, and district-approved activities. This on-call role fills in for absences or coverage needs and requires strict adherence to safety standards, student management expectations, and transportation regulations. Training available.
What Does a Substitute Do?
Classified Substitutes provide critical backup to school district services when regular staff are unable to work due to illness or other personal situations.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Safely operate a school bus under varying weather and road conditions.
- Transport students and authorized personnel over regular routes and to extracurricular, field trip, or special-activity destinations.
- Maintain appropriate student behavior and ensure a safe, respectful bus environment.
- Assist students in safe loading and unloading procedures, including those needing specialized equipment (as applicable).
- Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections as required by state and district policies.
- Maintain cleanliness of the bus interior and report mechanical or safety concerns promptly.
- Complete all required documentation, including route records, inspection logs, and incident reports.
- Represent the district courteously and professionally while interacting with students, staff, parents, and the public.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Education & Experience
- High school diploma or GED
- Minimum of 5 years driving experience preferred
Licensing & Certifications
- Valid Washington State Driver License.
- Ability to obtain/maintain Class B CDL - training will be provided by the district
- Must meet all OSPI school bus driver authorization requirements, including background check, WSP/FBI fingerprinting, and pre-employment drug/alcohol testing. Must pay non-refundable fingerprinting fees: OSPI $50.00 plus San Juan County Sheriff's Office fee $15.00.
- Complete mandatory online professional development courses via SafeSchools within 30 days of hire, and annually.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Knowledge of safe driving practices and applicable traffic laws.
- Ability to manage student behavior and maintain order
- Ability to exercise good judgment, remain calm under pressure, and adapt to changing conditions.
- Strong communication skills for interacting with students, parents, and district personnel.
- Ability to work independently without direct supervision