Madison City Schools has an immediate need for bus drivers. This photograph shows a meeting at the transportation center at 217 Westchester Road. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Madison City Schools has an immediate need for bus drivers.

Transportation specialist Bobby Jackson said he needs to hire bus drivers now and also for the fall semester. “We will train anyone that is interested,” Jackson said.

The starting pay for a substitute bus driver is $50 per day. A full-time driver is responsible for routes in the morning between 6:15 and 8 a.m. and in the afternoon from 2:15 to 4 p.m. Starting out, a full-time driver earns $13,000 per year plus benefits.

“We need subs now, and they would work about every day,” Jackson said. “In the fall, we will need full-time drivers because of the growth here in Madison, and some drivers are considering retirement.”

Jackson said the bus driver position “is a great job for retired people who are needing to supplement their income. It truly has a great benefits package,” he said.

A person can start working as a substitute as soon as he or she gets a bus driving certificate. “Full-time jobs are applied for online. The interview process goes from there,” he said.

An applicant must be in good health; if an emergency arises, the driver must be able to evacuate the bus. A background check is required.

Drivers leave their personal vehicles at the district’s transportation center at 217 Westchester Road in Madison and take/return buses for routes from the center.

All buses have automatic transmissions.

“We go through a rigorous training so that they are prepared. If the individual has had experience with a large truck or heavy equipment, the training may be shorter,” Jackson said. Handling behavior problems is covered in training.

Applications are available at the transportation center, 217 Westchester Road. For full-time jobs, individuals must complete the online forms on Madison City Schools’ website (madisoncity.k12.al.us). In the left column, click “Employment.”

For more information, call 256-774-4613.