School Bus Driver

Here's what you need to know

KIPP

Miami is looking for reliable and safety-minded School Bus Drivers to provide efficient, caring transportation for our students. Driving our brand-new electric school buses, you will ensure students arrive safely to and from school, field trips, and extracurricular activities, embodying KIPP Miami's core values every mile of the way.

Schedule & Location: This part-time position is based at our North Miami Campus (3000 NW 110th St). The anticipated split-shift schedule is:

• Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri: 6:30 AM - 8:00 AM & 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
• Wednesdays: 6:30 AM - 8:00 AM & 12:45 PM - 2:30 PM
• Plus opportunities for additional field trip and extracurricular routes.
• We may consider candidates who can work just morning or just afternoon routes. Please indicate this when applying.

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.

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

• 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.

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