Those looking for a job that’s flexible, has summers off, offers health benefits and a competitive wage may want to consider driving a bus for the North Allegheny School District.

Those interested can attend a transportation career open house on July 13, hosted by the NA Transportation Department, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m., at the transportation building next to North Allegheny Intermediate High School on 400 Hillvue Lane.

“The North Allegheny Transportation Department plays a crucial role in the lives of our students and community. The district is looking for individuals to join our growing team of bus drivers, mechanics, transportation staff,” said Mark Trichtinger, director of operations.

Ten bus driving positions for the 2022-2023 school year need to be filled, as well as several substitute driving positions, according to Brad Straight, NA Transportation manager.

The wages are competitive. Effective July 1, 2022, full-time route drivers start at $22.66 per hour and substitute drivers at $19.50 per hour, according to Straight.

The full-time positions include paid personal and sick days and fall under the Pennsylvania State Employee Pension Plan.

The transportation department offers a safe driving incentive. Drivers who exhibit good attendance and safe driving accrue points that can be used to buy North Allegheny-branded merchandise.

Trichtinger said North Allegheny bus drivers have a flexible schedule, comprehensive individual benefits package and health/vision and dental insurance.

The district has 80 routes to transport students to its 12 schools, with shuttle transportation between North Allegheny Senior High School and NAI during the day. The drivers also provide transportation to private and parochial schools and in support of district activities, arts, athletics, and field trips, Straight said.

What’s interesting about the staff is its diversity, Straight said. Many drivers are retired who want to keep a foot in the workforce or are not yet eligible for Medicare, he said. He said some drivers are former bank managers, civil engineers, retired city detectives, including a former homicide detective. He said the district even has a driver who worked for the CIA.

“A lot of our drivers love being around kids. It’s a really good place to work,” Straight said.

The drivers make a difference in the lives of the 8,500 students NASD serves, said Chelsie D’Amico, manager of talent acquisition and staffing at NASD.

Individuals should be 18 and older to apply.

Other requirements include a Child Abuse History Clearance, PA Criminal Record Check, FBI Fingerprint Clearance, and a Mandated Reporter of Child Abuse Training.

Successful candidates will be required to complete a pre-employment drug test, physical and TB test, D’Amico said.

The NA transportation team will help interested candidates with their employment application and assist in obtaining required clearances, she said.

An applicant does not have to be experienced in driving a school bus to apply. The transportation team will provide onsite training to allow potential new drivers the opportunity to practice driving prior to taking their commercial driver’s license exam, she said.

Substitute drivers may want to work only on an as-needed basis. Substitute drivers also can move into full-time positions when they become available, based on seniority, Straight said.

He said districts all over the state have been experiencing staffing issues, but North Allegheny has not been affected as much, due to its better pay rates and benefits. He said district equipment also is dependable to operate.

Overall, he said, the transportation department strives to keep its drivers happy.

“If you want to be a school bus driver, there’s no better place to be one,” he said.

The district’s website is www.northallegheny.org.

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)