ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ) – As the new school year nears, the bus company that serves roughly 40 Wisconsin districts is still looking for drivers.
Lamers School Bus Operations Manager Cindi Lawler says they hope to add 6-8 drivers in the Green Bay area.
She notes applicants need to pass a criminal background check and drug test, have a good driving record, and be in good physical condition.
Lawler says drivers will have to pass a knowledge test to get their training permit before taking a final exam.
“They have the test broken down into basically three areas: there’s the pre-trip inspection, then their next area is the backing course, and then the road portion of that is the student pick-ups and drops, railroad crossings, general highway driving.”
Once drivers are hired, Lawler notes how they assign the routes.
“We try to match them to the group. If the person tends to be a little bit on the quieter side, they’re probably not going to do well with a group of middle schoolers who are going to be a little more boisterous.”
She says other factors include the driver’s availability and interests, as there are also charter routes that cover field trips and athletic events.
If the half dozen or so drivers are not hired by the start of the school year, Lawler explains how the routes will be covered.
“We have all of our office staff and mechanics licensed as well, so if we don’t have a substitute driver or charter driver that can fill in on that route, then it would be office staff or mechanics that would fill in on it.”
Lawler says route drivers work an average of 15-30 hours per week.
She would not comment on the starting hourly wage, saying it varies by district.
In addition to hiring bonuses and holiday pay, Lawler also cites the perk of constant work opportunities.
“The last time I can remember having drivers lined up waiting for work to come available was like the 1980’s.”
Anyone interested in being a bus driver is urged to call Lamers’ Green Bay location at 920-496-3600 or 800-236-1240.
