Substitute School Bus Driver

Grand Rapids, Michigan | Forest Hills Public Schools

What You’ll Do

BrightBee is partnering with Forest Hills Public Schools to hire dependable, safety-minded Substitute School Bus Drivers who are passionate about safely transporting students and supporting their school community.

As a Substitute School Bus Driver, you’re more than just a driver—you play an essential role in helping students arrive safely to school, athletic events, and extracurricular activities. Whether you’re greeting students in the morning or helping them get home safely in the afternoon, you’ll create a positive and welcoming environment while ensuring every ride is safe, reliable, and on time.

If you’re looking for meaningful work with flexibility and the opportunity to make a difference every day—we’d love to meet you.

Pay

Starting at $22.66/hour

Location

Grand Rapids, Michigan
Forest Hills Public Schools

Schedule

This is a substitute position with flexible scheduling based on transportation needs.

Assignments may include:

• Morning school routes (6-9a)
• Afternoon school routes (2-5p)
• Athletic events
• Field trips
• Extracurricular activities

Hours will vary depending on assigned routes and trips but can expect between 4-6 hours a day

What You’ll Be Doing

As a Substitute School Bus Driver, you’ll:

• Safely transport students to and from school, athletic events, and school activities.
• Complete pre-trip inspections to ensure your bus is safe and ready for service.
• Follow assigned routes, schedules, and authorized bus stops.
• Operate a variety of school buses depending on route needs.
• Follow all Michigan traffic laws and school transportation regulations.
• Assist students as they safely board and exit the bus.
• Build positive relationships with students while maintaining a safe, respectful environment.
• Monitor student behavior and maintain appropriate discipline during transportation.
• Communicate professionally with parents, school staff, dispatchers, and transportation leadership.
• Complete required route reports, inspection documentation, and accident or incident reports.
• Conduct emergency evacuation drills as required.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and mechanically sound bus.
• Report delays, accidents, injuries, or mechanical concerns promptly.
• Participate in required safety training, drug and alcohol education, and ongoing professional development.
• Perform additional duties assigned by the Transportation Department.

Basic Requirements

• Possess a valid Michigan driver's license, and a safe driving record.
• Successfully passed the State of Michigan CDL road and written tests with P and S endorsements.
• Ability to pass MDOT physical examination. 
• Ability to pass a drug test
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Good To Have:
  • Previous school bus or commercial driving experience
  • Strong communication and customer service skills
  • Dependable attendance and reliability
  • Ability to remain calm and make safe decisions in changing situations
  • Passion for working with students and supporting schools

Before You Start

To help keep students safe, you’ll need to:

• Pass a background check
• Successfully complete pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing
• Pass required physical examinations and annual certification
• Complete all required state and district transportation training
• Obtain and maintain all required driving certifications and credentials

Hiring Process

Our hiring process is simple:

1. Phone interview with BrightBee
2. Qualified candidates are shared with Forest Hills Public Schools for hiring and district onboarding
3. Complete required transportation training and licensing (if needed)
4. Start driving!

Why You’ll Love This Opportunity

• Starting pay of $22.66/hour
• Flexible substitute schedule
• District-paid CDL training available
• Make a meaningful impact in your community
• Work with a supportive transportation team
• Opportunities to support field trips, athletics, and special events
• Every day is different while helping students safely reach their destination

Good to Know

This position requires sitting for extended periods while driving, as well as standing, walking, bending, reaching, and assisting students as needed. Drivers work both indoors and outdoors in a variety of weather conditions and are directly responsible for the safety and well-being of students during transportation.

BrightBee centers child safety at the core of everything we do. Applicants must successfully complete all required background checks, transportation clearances, and district onboarding requirements before working with students.

BrightBee is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

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