Filling 250 Bus Driver Positions Poses a Challenge for Hillsborough Schools

Hillsborough County Public Schools is conducting immediate interviews in an effort to swiftly fill numerous bus driver positions.

In Tampa, Florida, Hillsborough County Public Schools is facing challenges in recruiting bus drivers, describing the situation as a “critical shortage.” The district is actively seeking to hire hundreds of individuals in the Bay Area over the next couple of months. According to Laura Hill from transportation services at HCPS, this shortage is not unique to Hillsborough County but reflects a national issue. As of Wednesday, the district aims to fill a minimum of 250 bus driver positions.

10 Tampa Bay inquired about the challenges in hiring for these positions, and Hill identified a dual challenge. The county’s rapid growth is one aspect, while Hillsborough County Public Schools also maintains a selective hiring process.

“We want qualified people in front of our kids,” Hill said. “[For] our kids, the first thing they see in the morning is our bus drivers. The last person our kids see when they leave their day is our school bus drivers. Our folks make a big impact on the lives of children, so we are pretty picky [about] who we put behind the wheel to take care of our kids.”

Several qualifications include:

1. Minimum age requirement of 21.
2. Accumulate five years of driving experience.
3. Maintain a clean criminal and driving record.
4. Possess a CDL license to start driving, with the opportunity to obtain it for free during training.
5. Be open to undergoing drug and alcohol screenings.

In efforts to attract more applicants, HCPS has increased the starting wages to $18.65 per hour. Hill emphasizes that apart from competitive pay, the job offers additional benefits and a flexible schedule as enticing perks.

On Wednesday, Hillsborough County Public Schools is hosting one of several job fairs, offering the chance for on-the-spot interviews.

Here are the upcoming hiring events and venues:

1. Wednesday, January 24, from 5-7 p.m. at HCPS Instructional Support Center, 2920 N. 40th Street, Tampa, FL 33605.
2. Saturday, February 3, from 8 a.m. – noon at HCPS Transportation Office, 9455 Harney Rd., Thonotosassa, FL 33592.
3. Thursday, February 8, from 4-7 p.m. at Sumner High School, 10650 County Rd 672, Riverview, FL 33579.

For additional job fairs, check the schedule at hillsboroughschools.org/drive.

If unable to attend, visit hcpsjobs.com or call 813.982.5521.