Bus Driver Volunteers

Role Overview:  
CityKidz is seeking Bus Driver volunteers to join our team! Bus Drivers are the point person to navigate throughout our communities, delivering children and volunteers to and/or from our CityKidz program center for fun, magic-filled experiences, all while maintaining a comfortable and secure journey.   

As a CityKidz Bus Driver, you will be responsible for safely operating a full-sized school bus while adhering to all traffic and CityKidz requirements. Bus Drivers are well supported by a wonderful, reliable, responsible crew of 4-6 Bus Team volunteers, that will engage with the kids during the journey, assist them with their needs, and ensure a comfortable, fun, harmonious journey for all. Bus Drivers are also supported by Bus Logistics volunteers, who ensure the safe arrival, loading and unloading of children at the arrival site. This position involves transporting kids, youth and volunteers to and from their homes to the main CityKidz Building, ensuring a comfortable and secure journey.  

All buses are CityKidz buses on site that are provided to Bus Drivers for use. All we need is You! 

Key Role Highlights:   
- Be the instrumental force of love; making life changing opportunities accessible for kids! 
- Connect kids, youth, and volunteers from across the city! 
- Gain experience driving a bus in Hamilton communities  
- Build relationships with kids, youth, families, and other volunteers  

Responsibilities:  
- Safely operate a bus while adhering to all traffic rules and regulations 
- Transport CityKidz and Youth to designated locations in a timely and safe manner 
- Ensure the safety and security of passengers  
- Adhere to outlined routes and schedules 
- Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections to ensure the bus is in proper working condition 
- Report any incidents, accidents, or mechanical issues to staff 

Who this Role is For: 
- Drivers of all backgrounds, desiring to share their skills in gifting transformational experiences to kids, to cultivate endless possibilities!  
- Those who desire to support and inspire kids and youths 

Skills & Qualifications:  
- Minimum age 25+ (required) 
- Valid C or B driver’s license (required) 
- We run a driver’s abstract for you, that must reflect a clean driving record (required) 
- Experience driving in Hamilton or surrounding cities (preferred) 
- Excellent driving skills and knowledge of traffic laws  

Competencies & Attributes:  
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills 
- Ability to handle stressful situations calmly and effectively 

Training: 
- Training includes: Bus Drivers will be provided with training, including shadowing an experienced CityKidz driver and completing a test drive in a neighbourhood without any kids on the bus. 

Time Commitment:  
- Time Commitment: Minimum six (6) month commitment is required, for at least 1x a month but preferably biweekly; program sessions are seasonal; March – June and September-December on Wednesday evenings or Saturday days, and July-Aug on weekdays for Camp. Availability is not required for all programming. Availability and interest will be discussed in the onboarding process 
- Shifts: Saturday Bus Drivers: 7:30am-11:45am or 11:00am-3:15pm; Wednesday Bus Drivers: 5:30-7:00pm or 8:00-9:30pm  

Work Environment & Additional Details: 
- Environment: Bus Drivers will be provided with a route. An average route consists of 25-30 household pickups and 20-40 kids. Bus Drivers are supported by Bus Team volunteers who will manage logistics of pick ups and drop offs. Bus Team volunteers will ride on the bus with the driver, pick each child up from their home, and drop them off at the end of the program session. T the bus driver, pick each child up and drop them off at their doorstep,  and help them to safely onboard/offboard the bus. 

Additional Details: We require a photocopy of drivers license, for the purpose of driver’s abstract reporting and for adding bus drivers to our insurance. 

Next Steps / How to Apply: 
Ready to make a difference? Take the first step in applying by signing up for an info session today through: www.citykidz.ca/volunteer