Veteran bus driver Spencer Jenkins speaks with a reporter at a transportation district office about the benefits of being a bus driver.
In an effort to boost bus driver recruitment, the Board of Education approved funding on June 18 offering a $100 incentive to bus drivers who recruit new drivers to fill vacancies for the 2013-14 school year. The incentive will be available beginning July 1 to any current WCPSS bus driver who refers a job candidate who becomes a fully licensed bus driver with the school district.
WCPSS currently employs 850 drivers, but needs about 100 additional drivers to fill remaining positions on staff, said Bob Snidemiller, Senior Director of Transportation.
The department has made steady hires throughout the current school year, bringing in 120 new drivers since last fall. But with many drivers retiring or finding new jobs, there is still a shortage of drivers, Snidemiller said.
The referral incentive is being used in conjunction with advertising and other recruiting efforts to increase the number of applicants for bus driver positions. “We want to make certain that we have a pipeline of applicants,” Snidemiller said. “Just through word of mouth, we can continue to gain more candidates and applicants.”
The district is hiring both full-time and substitute bus drivers. The jobs offer training, competitive wages, flexibility in scheduling, vacation time, holiday pay, health insurance and a congenial work environment.
“We have a great working relationship with the other drivers and I love working with kids,” says Spencer Jenkins, who has been driving 20 years and has recruited new drivers. “I tell people, it’s a great opportunity, a way to get your foot in the door and you get great benefits. It can open a lot more opportunities for you in your career.” Click here for more information on the open positions. >>