The Gaming and Technology Academy of Saginaw (GATA)
500 South Hamilton Street
Saginaw, Michigan 48602
Wage: $20.00 - $30.00 per hour
Position Type: Full-Time and Part-Time Opportunities Available
Position Summary
The Gaming and Technology Academy of Saginaw (GATA) is seeking qualified Bus Drivers to join its founding team for the Fall 2026 school opening.
Under the direction of the Transportation Supervisor or Director, the Bus Driver is responsible for safely transporting students to and from school, educational programs, extracurricular activities, and special events. This position plays a critical role in ensuring student safety, maintaining vehicle readiness, and providing reliable transportation services for students and families.
Drivers may be assigned to traditional school buses, wheelchair-accessible buses, or other specialized transportation vehicles based on operational needs.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Student Transportation
- Safely operate a school bus in accordance with all federal, state, and local transportation regulations.
- Transport students to and from school, field trips, extracurricular activities, and other assigned locations.
- Adhere to established routes and schedules while maintaining a safe and efficient transportation environment.
- Oversee the safe loading and unloading of students.
- Ensure seat belts and safety restraints are properly secured when applicable.
- Release students only to authorized individuals when required.
- Maintain appropriate student behavior and discipline while transporting passengers.
- Resolve minor student issues and report serious disciplinary concerns to administration.
Vehicle Safety and Maintenance
- Conduct daily pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections.
- Monitor vehicle safety systems and identify mechanical concerns.
- Report maintenance needs, repairs, or safety issues promptly.
- Maintain bus cleanliness by sweeping interiors and cleaning windows as needed.
- Install and inspect specialized safety equipment when required.
- Ensure assigned vehicles remain in safe operating condition at all times.
Documentation and Communication
- Maintain accurate transportation records, including:
- Mileage logs
- Route documentation
- Time schedules
- Inspection reports
- Incident reports
- Notify appropriate personnel regarding route delays, emergencies, or transportation concerns.
- Operate two-way communication equipment appropriately and professionally.
- Transport medication, student belongings, school correspondence, and related materials when assigned.
Team Support
- Attend required meetings, in-service training sessions, and professional development activities.
- Maintain all required licenses, certifications, and endorsements.
- Assist with alternate routes or transportation assignments during emergencies or staffing shortages.
- Perform additional transportation-related duties as assigned.
Additional Responsibilities – Wheelchair Accessible Buses
Drivers assigned to modified or wheelchair-accessible buses may also:
- Operate wheelchair lifts and accessibility equipment safely and effectively.
- Load, unload, and secure wheelchair-bound students.
- Inspect wheelchairs for operational safety before transport.
- Ensure proper positioning and securement of wheelchairs within the vehicle.
- Assist students requiring mobility accommodations.
- Work in varying weather conditions while providing safe transportation services.
Qualifications
- Valid Michigan Commercial Driver License (CDL) with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements.
- Valid, unexpired Medical Examiner's Certificate.
- Valid, unexpired School Bus Driver Course Completion Card.
- Safe driving record.
- Ability to read maps and follow assigned transportation routes.
- Ability to maintain student safety and appropriate conduct while transporting passengers.
- Ability to work effectively with students of varying ages and abilities, including students with special needs.
- Knowledge of basic first aid procedures and emergency response practices.
- Ability to identify mechanical safety concerns and report issues appropriately.
- Strong communication and documentation skills.
- Ability to understand and follow both written and verbal instructions.
- Ability to maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, staff, and community members.
- Ability to remain calm and exercise sound judgment during emergencies.
Additional Requirements
- Successful completion of a criminal background check.
- Successful completion of pre-employment drug screening.
- Ability to pass all required random drug testing.
- Ability to meet all physical requirements necessary to safely perform assigned duties.
Benefits
Eligible full-time employees may receive:
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
About The Gaming and Technology Academy of Saginaw (GATA)
The Gaming and Technology Academy of Saginaw (GATA) is a new educational institution opening in Fall 2026 that combines academic excellence with technology, creativity, competition, and real-world learning experiences. Through innovative instructional methods, gamified learning systems, and strong student relationships, GATA seeks to prepare students for success in an evolving technological world.
GATA's educational model emphasizes student engagement, mastery learning, technology integration, and hands-on experiences that prepare students for future academic and career success. As a founding team member, Bus Drivers will play an important role in ensuring students arrive safely and are ready to engage in a positive educational experience each day.
