Brad Kirby, School Bus Instructor
Nancy Good, School Bus Instructor

Donna King, Administrative Assistant
Phone: 858-748-0010 ext 2047
13626 Twin Peaks Dr., Poway, CA  92064
For immediate assistance call dispatch 858-679-2535

 

Training and Employment Information

The Poway Unified School District Transportation Department conducts School Bus Driver's training sessions approximately two times each year.   Successful graduates are prepared for testing by the California Highway Patrol to qualify for their Special Certificate for School Bus Drivers. The starting salary for Substitute School Bus Drivers is $15.74 per hour. Interested applicants should submit an application with the District Personnel Commission, 15250 Avenue of Science, San Diego, CA 92128. Any questions about the hiring process can be answered by calling the Commission at (858) 521-2800 or ext 2798.

Applicants must have a clean driving and police record and must provide a copy of their DMV Form H-6, available from the Department of Motor Vehicles.  Extensive background checks are required to be hired and any criminal record or history of child or drug abuse is disqualifying for employment as a school bus driver.

All applicants will be scheduled for an informational orientation at the District Transportation Office at the corner of Twin Peaks Road and Midland Road in Poway.  Approximately one month of classroom training will be followed by three weeks of behind-the-wheel training. Classroom training will be offered as  either day or evening classes to accommodate the majority of the candidates’ availability. Behind-the-wheel training will be conducted mainly during the normal workday. Employment as a substitute school bus driver would follow certification as a school bus driver from the California Highway Patrol.

School Bus Drivers typically work an early morning shift and a mid-afternoon shift for a total workday of four to six hours.  More senior drivers are able to select longer routes and can work up to eight hours a day with the opportunity to bid on extra work doing field trips in the evenings and on weekends.  Permanent drivers qualify for medical and retirement benefits as explained on the attached employment opportunity notice. Many drivers appreciate that the school work calendar matches that of their school aged children. Others appreciate the opportunity to attend college classes mid-day and in the evenings while they work part time. Many of our drivers have been driving for us for over 20 years. If you enjoy working with children this is a great job!

The Poway Unified School District is approximately 100 square miles large and is located off the I-15 corridor.  It includes the city of Poway and the communities of Rancho Bernardo, Carmel Mountain, Sabre Springs and Los Penasquitos.  There are 32,000 students in the district and approximately 14,000 are eligible for school bus transportation.  The Transportation Department has 141 school buses and employs approximately 180 personnel.  Our maintenance program is recognized as one of the best in the state, and the quality of our driving staff is known throughout the industry.  If you are looking to join a winning team, you should give us a call.  For further information about the duties of a substitute school bus driver, please call Tim Purvis, at (858) 748-0010 ext 2043

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