Become a Bus Driver

Online Driver & Substitute Application

NTPS is looking for substitute and regular bus drivers. Driving a school bus is a serious and rewarding profession. Apply today and begin your new adventure!

Interested?

Please complete the online application. If you have questions about applying, how to apply online, please contact the NTPS Transportation Training Team at 360-412-4536 or driveabus@ntps.org.

There are perks

• Free training for CDL Class B with Endorsements
• Being home when students are off for holidays and school vacations
• Work mornings, afternoons, or all day
• New equipment
• Wonderful team atmosphere
• Buses have automatic transmissions
• Benefits & great pay
• Up to $1350 Incentive Bonus for all who complete the training program

Current hourly rates of pay

• Van Driver: $22.49 / hour
• Driver Substitute: $26.98 / hour
• Transportation Specialist and Relief Driver (regular driver): $29.98 / hour

Hours of Work

• Drivers generally work 180 days a year, with summers off
• 11 paid holidays/non-work days
• Routes run from 5:30 am to 9:30 am and 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm on average school days, with mid-day runs available
• School days are Monday through Friday
• These are split shifts depending on school pick-up and release times
• Drivers can get additional hours with extra trips (mid-days, field trips, athletic events, and chartered services)

Requirements for drivers

• A valid Washington State driver's License, Class B, School Bus, Passenger, and Air Brake endorsement (free training provided)
• Minimum 5 years driving in any vehicle or 1 year of commercial driving experience
• Possess a safe driving record (demonstrated on 5-year driving abstracts)
• Passed a pre-employment drug test, which includes THC
• Passed a CDL physical
• Passed an FBI background check
• A high school diploma or GED is preferred
• Be at least 21 years of age
• Experience working with culturally diverse populations
• Complete a North Thurston Public Schools job application

Training Program

North Thurston Public Schools has a progressive school bus driver training program. Our instructors are certified by both the Department of Licensing and OSPI.

Applicants accepted into the program get up to 8 weeks of intensive training at no cost to the trainee. Applicants are responsible for all their DOL permits and license fees, as well as fingerprinting costs. At the conclusion of training, drivers will be ready to test for their CDL Class B, School Bus, Passenger, and Air Brake Endorsements.

NTPS covers the cost of First Aid Training, DOT Medical Exams, pre-employment drug testing, Driver's abstract, CDL training, and the CDL test fee.