School Bus Driver – Dryden

Drive the Future — Join Our Team as a School Bus Driver

Are you passionate about making a positive impact on young lives? Do you believe every child deserves a safe and reliable journey to education? If so, we invite you to become a valued member of our school transportation team as a School Bus Driver. This role is more than just driving — it’s about service, safety, and community.

About Us

Iron Range Bus Lines has been family owned and operated in Northwestern Ontario for over 80 years. Today, Iron Range serves six school boards with more than 200 school buses, transporting more than 10,000 students a day. We employ 265 staff members including administration, drivers, mechanics and shop staff, in four locations across Northwestern Ontario. Living in and working to support the local communities is a very important aspect of our business. We service the Northwest with safe, reliable, modern buses and are very proud of our safety record.

There is a sense of community between the bus drivers, the children, and their parents. Bus drivers can even be looked upon as role models, as well as friends.

Our commitment to our employees and our exceptional service to our customers have enabled Iron Range to continually expand, providing the safest and most dependable transportation for students, tourists, business convention attendees, and local residents.

Iron Range Bus Lines has always enforced safety, without a doubt – no questions asked!

Position Overview

As a School Bus Driver, you will be responsible for the safe and timely transport of students between home and school. You will serve as a trusted presence in students’ daily routines, helping build positive relationships with families and staff. Drivers help set the tone for each student’s school day, making courtesy, punctuality, and attentiveness essential qualities.

Regular daily routes, as well as occasional positions are available based on your availability.

Key Responsibilities

• Safely operate a school bus according to established routes and schedules
• Adhere to all traffic laws, safety regulations, and school board/consortium policies
• Conduct daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections of your vehicle to ensure proper maintenance and safety
• Assist students as they board and exit the bus, offering courtesy and support to those with special needs
• Maintain order and discipline on the bus, enforcing school conduct policies and fostering a respectful environment
• Communicate effectively with students, parents, and school personnel regarding schedules, safety, and any concerns
• Respond to emergencies or incidents calmly and professionally, following established protocols
• Keep accurate records, including attendance logs and incident reports
• Participate in ongoing safety training and professional development opportunities
• Report any safety hazards, malfunctions, or concerns

Qualifications & Requirements

• Eligible to obtain an Ontario B Class drivers license (valid Ontario G class drivers license or equivalent issued in another province or territory in Canada, at least 21 years of age, a good driving record, meet MTO medical and vision standards, successful completion of a criminal background check)
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong sense of responsibility and punctuality
• Flexibility to work early mornings and afternoons, with possible mid-day activity or field trip assignments

Preferred Attributes

• Previous experience working with children, especially in a school or childcare setting
• Experience driving large vehicles, such as buses or trucks
• Basic mechanical aptitude for troubleshooting minor vehicle issues
• Commitment to safety and a genuine care for the well-being of students

Hours of Work and Pay

Starting pay for new drivers is $27/hour with a minimum of 4 hours paid per day regardless of the actual route length. Additional time is paid for longer routes.

Hours of work are typically 1-2 hours in the morning and 1-2 hours in the afternoon daily, at the start and end of the school day (approximately 7-9am and 3-5pm).

Mid-day charter work may be available for individuals seeking additional hours.

Drivers may also be eligible to receive the Ontario School Bus Driver Recruitment & Retention Bonus of up to $2,000 per school year, based on attendance requirements.

Application and Training Process

Ready to take the wheel? Here’s how to apply for the School Bus Driver position:

• Contact us, provide a resume if possible
• Participate in a scheduled interview with our location supervisor
• If selected, attend orientation and complete all required training prior to your start date
• Successful applicants with a G class license will undertake 40 hours paid training provided by Iron Range Bus Lines in your community, including written and road tests administered by Iron Range Bus Lines (drivers who already have a B class license will be eligible for a signing bonus of $1,500.

Inclusivity and Equal Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and experiences. Our core values emphasize respect, understanding, and the celebration of differences, both on the bus and within our staff.