2026-27 School Bus Driver

Lewis Central Community School District is looking for Bus Drivers for the school year. A hiring bonus is available for qualified candidates. Fully licensed and trained school bus drivers start at $18.00 per hour with additional pay for prior bus driving/CDLexperience. Training is provided for applicants who are not yet fully licensed and trained school bus drivers. Driver trainees start at $16.50 per hour during training and receive a pay increase upon successful completion.

Please see details about the position below.

Job Title: Bus Driver

Department: Operations - Transportation

Supervisor: Transportation Director

Classification: Classified - Part-Time School-Year

FLSA Status: Hourly Non-Exempt

Last Updated: June 9 2026

Summary

Operates school buses and transportation vehicles safely and efficiently to transport students to and from school activities and events. Ensures compliance with all federal state of Iowa and district transportation regulations while maintaining a safe orderly and respectful environment for students.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Reports to work on a regular and reliable basis.
• Safely operates a school bus or other district vehicle on assigned routes and for extracurricular trips in accordance with all traffic laws State of Iowa school transportation rules and district policies.
• Conducts required pre-trip and post-trip inspections of the bus to ensure safe operating condition and reports mechanical concerns promptly.
• Maintains order and discipline among students while on the bus; on routes without a bus monitor assumes primary responsibility for student management and behavior.
• Collaborates with assigned bus monitors (when applicable) to ensure a safe orderly and respectful environment for all students.
• Communicates student behavior concerns to appropriate school staff in accordance with district procedures.
• Follows assigned routes and schedules while adjusting as necessary for weather road or operational conditions.
• Ensures student safety during loading and unloading including proper use of stop arms crossing procedures and hazard lights.
• Maintains accurate records including student counts mileage inspections and incident reports as required.
• Complies with all requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Iowa Department of Education and Iowa Department of Transportation for school bus drivers.
• Participates in required training including but not limited to driver in-service safety training and emergency procedures.
• Performs emergency evacuation drills as required by state guidelines.
• Maintains cleanliness and basic upkeep of the assigned vehicle.
• Communicates effectively with students parents school staff and transportation personnel.
• Follows the districts Drug and Alcohol Testing Program including pre-employment random post-accident and reasonable suspicion testing.
• Reports accidents incidents or unsafe conditions immediately and follows proper procedures.
• May assist with transporting students with special needs and operate specialized equipment when trained.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge skills and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Education and/or Experience

A combination of relevant education and experience may be considered.

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Must possess or obtain:
• Valid Iowa Commercial Drivers License (CDL) Class B or higher
• Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements
• Iowa School Bus Driver Authorization issued by the Iowa Department of Education
• Valid DOT Medical Examiners Certificate
• Successful completion of state-required pre-service training
• Must meet all state and federal background check requirements.

The district will provide paid training to assist in obtaining these necessary qualifications.

Full job description available by emailing

Hours/Schedule:

• The position is guaranteed 5 hours of pay per day 2.5 for each shift (a.m. & p.m.).
• This position is expected to work all days students are in session and require transportation to and from school (approximately 177 student days).
• Occasional transportation meetings trainings or requirements outside of regular hours may be necessary and will be paid unless noted otherwise.

Rate of pay:

• The hourly rate of pay starts at $18.00 for a Bus Driver whohas a valid CDL with Passenger (P) or School Bus (S) endorsements and a school bus authorization through the Department of Education (DOE).
• Additional compensation opportunities:
  • $0.10-$0.20 more per hour for prior driving experience (up to 5 years max)

• The hourly rate of pay starts at $16.50 for a Bus Driver Traineewho does not have a CDL with Passenger (P) or School Bus (S) endorsements and a school bus authorization through the Department of Education (DOE).
• Additional compensation opportunities:
  • $0.10-$0.20 more per hour for prior driving experience (up to 5 years max)

Final starting rate will be determined by the Business Office/HR after submitting your application and current qualifications.

Benefits:

• Since this is a part-time school-year position it is not eligible for health or dental benefits.
• Life insurance benefit of $20000 at no cost to you.
• Enrollment in IPERS (Iowa Public Employees Retirement System) starting on your first day:
  • District contributes 9.44% of your wages.
  • You contribute 6.29% of your wages.

Paid Leave:

• 2 paid personal dayseach school year (prorated based on start date).
• Paid sick leavebased on years of service (10 days in your first year prorated based on start date).
• This position isnot eligible for paid vacation leave.

Paid Holidays:

• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day
• New Years Day
• Memorial Day

Required Experience:

IC