Newark Academy is seeking a reliable, safety-minded Full-Time School Bus Driver to join our independent school community. In this role, you will play a vital part in our students' daily lives by ensuring their safe, efficient, and comfortable transport to and from campus, as well as field trips or athletic events. As a member of an independent school, you will interact closely with families and faculty, serving as a professional and welcoming representative of our school and its values.

This position will require a split shift schedule. The hours will run 6:15 am-9:15 am -2:30 pm - 6:30 pm with an hour of paid lunch. Hours will require flexibility for delayed openings, half-days, and other special schedules. This will be a 10 month position with eligibility for 12 months of benefits.

Reports to: Auxiliary and Transportation Coordinator

Responsibilities

• Transport students to and from school, on field trips, and to athletic events safely and punctually in all weather conditions.
• Conduct legally mandated pre-trip and post-trip vehicle safety inspections daily, filling out the required condition reports.
• Maintain a respectful, orderly atmosphere on the bus and report any disciplinary issues to the administration.
• Adhere strictly to all traffic laws, federal transit regulations, and New Jersey Department of Education safety guidelines.
• Participate in scheduled emergency bus evacuation drills and handle rare emergency situations calmly.
• Keep the vehicle clean inside, monitor fuel and fluid levels, and report mechanical defects immediately to the Auxiliary Services and Transportation Coordinator.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Possess a valid New Jersey Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class B or A with active Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements.
• Provide a clean driving record spanning the last 3 to 5 years, with no at-fault major accidents or serious moving violations.
• Pass the mandatory New Jersey Criminal History Review (fingerprinting) and background check required for school employees.
• Pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam, vision screening, and routine federal drug and alcohol screenings.
• Willingness to complete the state-mandated New Jersey Office of School Bus Safety student interaction and safety training updates twice per year.
• A patient demeanor, excellent communication skills, and an explicit comfort level interacting with children, parents, and educators.

Physical Demands

• Sitting for extended periods while operating the vehicle.
• Assisting students with boarding, exiting, or securing belongings if necessary.
• Stepping up and down bus stairs regularly and occasionally lifting objects up to 25 lbs.

Pay for this position would be between $25.00-$30.00 an hourly. The pay rate would be dependent on numerous factors.

Benefits:

Including, but not limited to: Paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, retirement, medical, dental, and vision insurance, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance as well as a variety of other benefits.