Our students are going places – help get them there!

Now Hiring Bus Drivers

 

School bus drivers have one of the most important jobs in any school district. They are entrusted with the important task of taking the community’s most precious cargo to and from school every day. They are the first employee face that students see in the morning and the last they see in the evening. It is a respectable role, and it comes with more than respectable benefits.

 

Steven Zepeda, a former Uber and Lyft driver, saw an ad on TV about applying to be a NISD bus driver, and decided it would be a great fit for him. He started in August 2021.

“I wanted to come in, get my commercial driver’s license (CDL), stay about a year, and then move on,” he said. “But after being here for a few months, it has been a great experience and I am now thinking of a long-term career here and eventually hope to move up into a management role.” 

“It’s a very rewarding job,” Zepeda said. “Safety always comes first and it is very rewarding when you pull to the students’ stop, and watch them head home safe and sound. You know you’ve done your job.”

Reyes Alvarado, who retired from the military in 2005, says it is a great job to have because of the flexibility, the first-rate training, and the continued support.

Alvarado said that the staggered work schedule is great as it gives drivers a break in the middle of the day to take time for themselves. “It has become routine for me to have breakfast with my wife after I finish my morning runs and that has been really nice,” he said.

Alvarado enjoys the number of days off, and getting to go on some of the field trips, “I’ve gotten to see museums, the zoo, and football games – it’s great.”

 


How do you become a bus driver?

To be considered a full-time bus driver, employees work 32 hours. There are many opportunities, such as field trips and athletic events, where additional hours are available. Part-time bus drivers work a maximum of 19 hours per week.

 

Minimum Qualifications:

(for full-time or part-time positions)

  • High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) preferred
  • Minimum of one-year experience driving a commercial or large vehicle (desired)
  • Valid CDL Class B with “P” and “S” Passenger endorsement or training will be provided
  • No record of DWI or convictions for the past 10 years and acceptable driving record
  • Must be 21 years of age
  • Ability to pass physical exam, and drug and alcohol tests
  • Ability to pass a criminal background and fingerprint check
  • Strong customer service and interpersonal skills
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills
  • Effective behavior management skills with students of all ages

 

What do we offer for full-time positions?

  • Competitive hourly rate of pay
  • Medical, dental, vision insurance and retirement benefits
  • Ten paid holidays
  • Paid CDL training classes
  • Extensive training programs and mentoring
  • Uniforms
  • Multiple locations within Northside ISD
  • Full time guaranteed 32 hours per work (the most guaranteed hours in the area)

 

Come join our team

“We are looking for future bus drivers who want to join our Transportation Department family,” says Transportation Director Tesi Soliz. “We drive 35,000 students daily – safely to and from their homes. We hope to find caring and quality drivers who want to help us get them there.”

To start the journey of becoming a NISD bus driver, click here.