Area school districts seek bus drivers
Yuma Union High and Yuma Elementary District school districts are putting out a call for bus drivers for the 2018-19 school year.
Ron Schepers, director of transportation for the Yuma Union High School District, said that currently about 20 bus driving positions need to be filled.
“School bus driving is a very rewarding profession,” he wrote in an email to the Yuma Sun. “It is challenging to recruit interested candidates that meet the high standards, such as strict background checks, physical requirements, and drug testing, required to transport schoolchildren.
“Our goal is to have all of our bus driver positions filled prior to the start of school each year,” he added. “We do however recruit, hire, and train school bus drivers throughout the school year.”
In a statement provided to YUHSD, Schepers highlighted positive aspects of the job.
“You get to work a split shift, which gives flexibility to accomplish personal business during normal working hours,” Schepers said. “Full training is provided. You get to make a positive impact on students, receive health benefits and are entered into the state retirement program.”
Schepers noted that the district provides complete bus driver training to all selected, qualified applicants.
Additionally, the materials provided by YUHSD show that bus drivers receive continuous training and support throughout their tenure, and have access to numerous technological advances such as computerized diagnostics and GPS analytics to assist with efficiency.
YUHSD officials say a bus driver’s certificate and commercial driver’s license are required for the position.
The bus driving job description shows the position is done for the purpose(s) of providing support to the educational process with specific responsibilities for transporting students over scheduled routes and/or to/from special excursions, such as athletic events and activities; ensuring the vehicle is in safe operating condition; and ensuring the safety of students during transport, loading and unloading from buses.
Those who are interested in applying should visit www.applitrack.com/ yumaelementary/onlineapp/default. aspx?Category=Transportation
District 1 can be reached by calling (928) 502-4300.