School Bus Operator Training & Pool Information

Thank you for your interest in the School Bus Operator position with the District School Board of Pasco County. The following information will help you become familiar with the position and job benefits. Information regarding School Bus Assistants can be found here. Information on available positions and how to apply can be found at the bottom of this page.

Thanks again for your interest.

SCHOOL BUS OPERATOR

     
  • Assigned to a single daily route
  • Guaranteed a minimum of 6 hours daily (most routes are longer)
  • Will work a split shift (example: 6:30 am to 9:45 am and 1:30 to 4:45)
  • Contracted to work 188 days per year, not contracted to work between the end of the last school day (June) and the start of the first school day (August). The current school calendar can be found at here
  • Limited summer routes available by seniority
  • Two weeks off for Winter break and one week off for Spring break
  • Operators eligible to be on a rotation list for extra curricular activity trips
  • Operators eligible for health care and dental benefits beginning on the first day of the month after completing one continuous calendar month of employment. Additional benefit information found at Employee Benefits and Risk Management
  • Starting hourly rate $11.25 per hour

POSITION REQIREMENTS

  • Must pass Department of Motor Vehicles license check
    1. No DUI in the last seven years
    2. No more than five points in the last year or ten points within the last three years
    3. No history of chronic safety violations
  • Must be able to pass a security background check
    1. Any and all prior arrest histories must be disclosed, reviewed, and cleared by the District’s Professional Review Committee before applying.
  • Must be able to pass:
    1. The Department of Education School Bus Operator’s physical
    2. A Pre-employment drug test
    3. A Previous OTETA (drug test) background check
    4. The Department of Education School Bus Operator class administered by Pasco County Schools Transportation Department
    5. All tests required to obtain a Class B commercial driver’s license with passenger and school bus endorsements

School Bus Operator Pool Info

Pasco District Schools has established a School Bus Operator Pool from which to hire School Bus Operators. The path of qualifying for the pool is currently the only process to become a School Bus Operator for Pasco District Schools.

While it is the intention of Pasco District Schools to hire individuals who successfully complete the pool process, there is no guarantee of employment. However, successful completion will earn individuals a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).  Possession of a CDL opens a variety of possibilities in addition to employment with Pasco District Schools.

A good driving record, an obvious requirement, is not the only prerequisite for qualifying for the School Bus Operator Pool. School Bus Operators are covered under the rules of the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act (OTETA) for random drug and alcohol testing. Individuals applying for the School Bus Operator pool must pass a drug and alcohol screening prior to attending School Bus Operator class.

In addition to earning a CDL, candidates who successfully complete the School Bus Operator class will receive a stipend (currently $450) for attending class, only after employment by Pasco District Schools and successfully operating a bus for ten (10) days. Candidates who are employed by Pasco District Schools may thereby recoup some of the costs of pre-employment requirements.

Procedures for qualifying

Applicants must:

  1. Have a completed and approved application with Human Resources. Available here.
  2. Have a valid Florida Drivers License
  3. Meet requirements of Safe Driver Plan
    • Demostrates evidence of safe driving practices.
    • No more than 5pts in the last year, 10pts in the last three years, or DUI/DWI/DUBAL in the last seven years.
  4. Have a satisfactory Interview
  5. Have satisfactory Prior Employment References
  6. Have a satisfactory OTETA Background Check


Requirements for Pool

  1. Criminal Background Check (Fingerprinting – candidate pays; currently $61)
  2. Test and receive CDL Permit and endorsements with no air brake restriction (Candidate pays @$10)

Contingent Offer of Employment

  1. Passing Score on Dexterity Test (District pays)
  2. Physical Examination (District pays)
  3. Pre-Employment OTETA Screening (Drug & alcohol test – District pays)

School Bus Operator Class (13 Days)

  1. Successful completion of School Bus Operator Training Course (District pays)
  2. Successful completion of CDL and endorsement testing (Candidate pays @$70)

Admission to the Pool

  1. Successful candidates may apply for posted employment opportunities listed here.
  2. Successful candidates are placed in the School Bus Operator pool and are expected to be available to work as Sub Assistants at least once per month at a mutually convenient time and location.
  3. Individuals can remain in the pool for a period of 12 months.  Anyone wanting to continue must complete requirements.

Candidate expenses reflect cost as of 8/2010

 

The School Board of Pasco County, Florida does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national
origin, marital status, disability, or age in its programs, services, activities or in its hiring and employment practices.

District Wide Accreditation • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools • Heather Fiorentino, Superintendent
Unless otherwise noted, content copyright ©2010 Pasco County Schools. All rights reserved.