Bus Driver Trainee

Bus Driver Trainee at Vista Unified School District Print Application Deadline 5/1/2026 4:00 PM Pacific Date Posted 4/20/2026 Contact Shirley Indegno Number of Openings Not Specified Salary Single Rate $22.03 Per Hour Add'l Salary Info Range 46: $22.41/hour compensated for Bus Driver Trainee Program Participants Length of Work Year Until Bus Driver Training Process is completed Employment Type Full Time Job Summary Job Summary The Vista Unified School District is interested in training employable members from our community to drive school buses. If you are interested in learning a new profession or expand on your current professional driving experiences, this is a great opportunity. We are providing a $1,500 incentive which includes $500 for sign-on, $500 for completing the class, and $500 for passing the CHP test. You must register by submitting a complete online application and attaching a resume if possible. You must attend all the classes and late arrivals will not be permitted in class. Additional fees, for state licensing, will be discussed during orientation. For questions, comments or concerns please contact: Marcos Chavira State Certified Instructor (760) 726-2170 x92804 MarcosChavira@vistausd.org Students MUST attend all classroom trainings. Late arrivals will not be permitted in class and 100% attendance is mandatory. Example of a sample schedule for classes

• Start Date 12/1/25 December 1, 2025 Unit I 6:00 am-3:00 pm December 2, 2025 Unit II 6:00 am-3:30 pm CPR/First Aid December 3, 2025 Unit III 6:00 am-12:00 pm ride along December 4, 2025 Unit IV 6:00 am-12:00 pm ride along December 5, 2025 Unit V 6:00 am-2:00 pm ride along December 8, 2025 Unit VI 6:00 am-12:00 pm December 9, 2025 Unit VII 6:00 am
• 2:00 pm December 10, 2025 Unit IX 6:00 am-3:00 pm December 11, 2025 Unit XI 6:00 am-3:00 pm December 12, 2025 Final Exam 9:30am
• 10:30 am Job Description /

Essential Elements:

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VISTA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT CLASS TITLE

BUS

DRIVER TRAINEE BASIC FUNCTION

Under the direction of the Director-Transportation, with guidance from the Operations Supervisor, or Bus Driver Trainer, operate a district vehicle over designated routes in accordance with time schedules; pick up and discharge students; provide safe and efficient transportation for District students; assist in the loading and unloading of physically and mentally handicapped students; while learning the behind the wheel component of the school bus driver curriculum.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

Drive a district vehicle over designated routes in accordance with regulations and laws related to pupil transportation in California following specified schedules. E Maintain district vehicles in a safe operating condition through prescribed daily vehicle inspections and driver maintenance including cleaning windows, mirrors and vehicle interior; check and maintain oil and water levels; check brakes, brake lights and doors; report mechanical defects and malfunctions to appropriate personnel. E Pick up and discharge students at established bus stops; escort students across streets and roadways as needed to assure student safety; report incidents which affect the safety of students. E Transport physically handicapped and mentally handicapped children to and from designated locations; assist in the loading and unloading of handicapped children as necessary. E Maintain order and discipline among students on the vehicle following District policies regarding disciplining of students and contact with school officials, parents and the public. E Fuel and clean exterior and interior of vehicles including picking up debris, sweeping floor, wiping upholstery and cleaning headlights. E Maintain records concerning vehicle maintenance, miles driven, fuel usage and number of children transported and other related records; prepare student conduct, incident and accident reports as necessary; collect passenger transportation fees and tickets. E Utilize two-way radio for vehicle to base communication. Perform first aid according to established guidelines and procedures. Conduct vehicle evacuations according to established procedures. Perform related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Safe driving practices. Provisions of the California State Motor Vehicle code and Education Code applicable to the operation of vehicles transporting students. First aid practices. Record-keeping techniques. Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.

ABILITY TO

Operate a school vehicle over designated routes in accordance with time schedules, picking up and discharging students. Maintain order and discipline among students while driving a school vehicle. Maintain assigned vehicle in a clean and safe operating condition. Recognize malfunctions in equipment and take appropriate action. Learn designated vehicle routes including stops and traffic hazards. Maintain routine records. Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others. Understand and follow oral and written directions. Meet schedules and time lines. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Read, interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Observe legal and defensive driving practices. Assist in loading and unloading of handicapped children as necessary.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination equivalent to: sufficient training and experience to demonstrate the knowledge and abilities listed above and six months driving experience.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Possession of a Class "A" or Class "B" Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a "P" passenger endorsement. California School Bus Driver Special Certificate Valid DMV Medical Certificate (DL-51).

WORKING CONDITIONS

ENVIRONMENT:

School bus environment. Driving in various road and weather conditions. Noise.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES

Lift, carry, push, and pull heavy objects. Sitting for extended periods of time when operating a transportation vehicle. Walking and stepping up/down or standing for extended periods of time. Bending at the waist. Hearing and speaking to exchange information.

HAZARDS:

Traffic hazards when stopping traffic and escorting students across streets.

Created:

March 2012 Requirements / Qualifications Requirements for the

Bus Driver Trainee Program:

You must submit and attach to your application a recent (in the past 90 days) DMV K-4 printout Proof of Registration with the FMCSA Clearinghouse

• Please look at "Links Related to this Job" section and click on FMCSA Clearinghouse for directions on how to register for an account.

All properly completed applications will be reviewed and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. The EdJoin system will time-out after a 20 minute period of perceived inactivity. Your responses to the supplemental questions are limited to 5,000 characters. A completed on-line application is required of all applicants to be considered for this opening. Once you have submitted your application, please check your email because EdJoin will send you an email verifying that your application has been submitted correctly. If you do not receive an EdJoin email, check your spam/junk mailbox. In the event that you do not receive an email, you will need to apply again. All applicants will be notified by email regarding their selection status. Please be sure to check your email as to the next step in the recruitment process since this is the only form of communication that you will receive. If you are having difficulty in completing your on-line application, please call 888-900-8945 for assistance.

SPECIAL INFORMATION

Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a drug test, TB test, fingerprinting and may include a physical exam. The physical and drug screen are paid for by the District. The fingerprint cost is $40.00 and is paid for by the candidate. DMV Printout (Recent K-4 within the past 90 days) Driver's License Copy (Driver's License Copy) Other (Proof of Registration for FMCSA Clearinghouse) Requirements / Qualifications Requirements for the

Bus Driver Trainee Program:

You must submit and attach to your application a recent (in the past 90 days) DMV K-4 printout Proof of Registration with the FMCSA Clearinghouse

• Please look at "Links Related to this Job" section and click on FMCSA Clearinghouse for directions on how to register for an account.

All properly completed applications will be reviewed and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. The EdJoin system will time-out after a 20 minute period of perceived inactivity. Your responses to the supplemental questions are limited to 5,000 characters. A completed on-line application is required of all applicants to be considered for this opening. Once you have submitted your application, please check your email because EdJoin will send you an email verifying that your application has been submitted correctly. If you do not receive an EdJoin email, check your spam/junk mailbox. In the event that you do not receive an email, you will need to apply again. All applicants will be notified by email regarding their selection status. Please be sure to check your email as to the next step in the recruitment process since this is the only form of communication that you will receive. If you are having difficulty in completing your on-line application, please call 888-900-8945 for assistance.

SPECIAL INFORMATION

Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a drug test, TB test, fingerprinting and may include a physical exam. The physical and drug screen are paid for by the District. The fingerprint cost is $40.00 and is paid for by the candidate. DMV Printout (Recent K-4 within the past 90 days) Driver's License Copy (Driver's License Copy) Other (Proof of Registration for FMCSA Clearinghouse) Comments and Other Information

VUSD OPEN

to all qualified candidates that successfully completed the Vista Unified School District School Bus Driver class. Vista Unified School District prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discriminatory harassment, intimidation, and bullying in educational programs, activities, or employment, based on actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, national origin, nationality, immigration status, ethnicity, ethnic group identification, age, religion, marital or parental status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender-identify, or gender expression, or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. VUSD requires that school personnel take immediate steps to intervene when safe to do so when he or she witnesses an act of discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying. Rachel D'Ambroso, the Assistant Superintendent of Human Relations, is designated as the Title IX Compliance Officer and is responsible for employee complaints pertaining to discrimination, intimidation, harassment, and bullying.

Phone:

(760) 726-2170, extension 92202 or hr@vistausd.org. A copy of the district's Uniform Complaint/Sexual Harassment Policies and forms can be found at: https://www.vistausd.org/pf4/cms2/view_page?d=x&group_id=1516177617023&vdid=7i24b1rgcie925 Comments and Other Information

VUSD OPEN

to all qualified candidates that successfully completed the Vista Unified School District School Bus Driver class. Vista Unified School District prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discriminatory harassment, intimidation, and bullying in educational programs, activities, or employment, based on actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, national origin, nationality, immigration status, ethnicity, ethnic group identification, age, religion, marital or parental status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender-identify, or gender expression, or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. VUSD requires that school personnel take immediate steps to intervene when safe to do so when he or she witnesses an act of discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying. Rachel D'Ambroso, the Assistant Superintendent of Human Relations, is designated as the Title IX Compliance Officer and is responsible for employee complaints pertaining to discrimination, intimidation, harassment, and bullying.

Phone:

(760) 726-2170, extension 92202 or hr@vistausd.org. A copy of the district's Uniform Complaint/Sexual Harassment Policies and forms can be found at: https://www.vistausd.org/pf4/cms2/view_page?d=x&group_id=1516177617023&vdid=7i24b1rgcie925 Links Related To This Job Salary and Benefits FMCSA Clearninghouse Registration City of Vista Salary and Benefits Application Process View Other Job Desc. / Ess. Elem. CalPERS Links Not all postings qualify for CalPERS. Informational Only. CalPERS Retirement Benefits

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