Van Driver (School Year, Full Time)

Job Description

TITLE: Van Driver (School Year, Full Time)

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Van Driver is responsible for the proper pick-up, transportation, and discharge of students along appropriate routes and on sanctioned athletic, field, or other special trips. This is a permanent, full-time, benefits-eligible position guaranteeing 40 hours per week during the school year, with summers off. Operating a school van (transporting a maximum of 11 passengers), the driver at all times obeys all applicable federal, state, and local traffic laws and Portland Public Schools policies and procedures, including enforcing the Student Bus Conduct Code. The Van Driver inspects, performs minor maintenance, and cleans their assigned vehicle daily. They follow assigned routes and advise the Transportation Director of any route changes that could result in time and/or cost savings, as well as those that may cause issues with lateness or safety.

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS & PERKS:

• Guaranteed Hours During The School Year: Say goodbye to inconsistent hours! Enjoy 40 guaranteed hours per week during the school year in a permanent, benefits-eligible role.
• Summers Off: Enjoy your summers! Relax and recharge during the summer months when school is out.
• Predictable, Consistent Schedules: Enjoy regular daily routes and schedules, bringing stability to your routine.
• Extra Earning Potential: Position is overtime eligible, allowing you to boost your earnings by taking on athletic trips and field trip opportunities.
• Union Representation: Benefit from a structured, represented pay plan and strong workplace advocacy.
• Meaningful Community Work: Serve as a vital extension of the classroom, creating a safe, welcoming, and positive environment for Portland's students every day.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Drives an established route and/or performs individualized trips as assigned, picking up and discharging students while following all applicable laws and good vehicle operating practices.
• Enforces the Student Bus Conduct Code.
• Performs pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections daily and reports all mechanical defects immediately.
• Monitors the mechanical operations of the school vehicle (gauges, observations, etc.) and reports any abnormal operating circumstances.
• Keeps a count of student riders to ensure that the school vehicle is not overloaded (maximum of 11 passengers) and reports trends in ridership as they develop.
• Washes van and fuels van daily.
• Delivers mail and packages as required for school department staff.
• Advises the Transportation Director of any route changes that could result in time and/or cost savings, as well as those that may cause issues with lateness or safety.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to medically qualify through pre-employment and annual USDOT physical examinations.
• Knowledge of traffic and highway safety rules, applicable federal, state, and local traffic laws, and departmental regulations.
• Ability to interact positively with and maintain discipline over student passengers to ensure a safe driving environment.
• Ability to follow established routes, read maps, and adapt to schedule changes.
• Must furnish a driving record of the previous three (3) calendar years free of the following:
  
  • No convictions for a felony
  • No convictions for operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • No more than two moving violations in the past twenty-four (24) months
• Ability to pass a supervised road test.
• Ability to provide two (2) personal references.

CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Holds valid Maine non-commercial driver's license.
• At least twenty-one (21) years of age, and has held a license for a minimum of three (3) years.
• Prior experience as a school van driver preferred.
• Must pass a USDOT physical examination and criminal background check.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Exerting up to 30 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS:

• Calendar: School Year
• Schedule: Full Time (1.0 FTE)
• Assignment: Permanent
• Shift: 1st Shift
• Contract: Part of BASE union (see 2026-2029 CBA here)
• Wage range: $20.61-$26.13, based on experience
• Benefits: Eligible for benefits as outlined here

--

Portland Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.

Welcome to ATX Learning

Maine's largest school system has 10 elementary schools, three middle schools, and four high schools serving nearly 7,000 students in kindergarten through grade 12, as well as about 4,700 adult learners.

The district takes full advantage of its location in a vibrant city with a thriving arts life. Schools draw on the resources offered by museums, theaters, local businesses and the city's colleges and universities.

Portland has a highly trained teaching staff. Many teachers hold advanced degrees. All of the district's teachers continue their education by pursuing professional development activities on a regular basis.

The district provides technology to support instruction, including laptops for each student in grades seven through 12 and wireless access at all schools.

Volunteers, parent-teacher organizations and businesses donate generously of their time and money to the district - an estimated 100,000 hours per year.

Graduates of the Portland Public Schools attend the country's top colleges and universities. See www.portlandschools.org for colleges attended by recent graduates.

The Portland Public Schools gives parents an array of program choices. The district as one of the first in the country to offer project-based Expeditionary Learning from kindergarten through 12th grade.

High school students have access to one of the broadest selections of Advanced Placement courses in Maine. Qualified high school students may take up to two college courses with tuition paid by the state. A regional arts and technology high school provides hands-on courses in growth fields such as health care, robotics and "green" construction.

More than 60 languages are spoken by students attending the Portland Public Schools. Multilingual students represent about a quarter of the district's enrollment. The district's diversity prepares all students for their roles as world citizens.

Portland residents can pursue lifelong learning and professional success through the academic, jobs skills and enrichment courses offered by Portland Adult Education.

Most of Portland's middle and high school students participate actively in co-curricular activities such as athletics, drama, music and service clubs. Portland students regularly excel in academic and athletic competitions at the regional, state and even national level.

See a list of recent honors, awards and recognition for the Portland Public Schools at: www.portlandschools.org. Join Portland ME Public Schools on Facebook. A focus on service learning-connecting the schools to the wider community-results in students undertaking many projects that benefit greater Portland.