Bus drivers needed for Santa Barbara Unified School District

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Jennifer Sanders of Santa Barbara can’t wait to start her new job as a school bus driver in Santa Barbara.

"It’s gonna prove to be rewarding for me on many levels," said Sanders.

Sanders never worked in the transportation industry until now.

"I’ve never been a school bus driver in my life never driven any large vehicles," said Sanders.

After years working in retail, the Santa Barbara mom wanted to change careers.

So she put in her application with the Santa Barbara Unified School District.

The district just signed a 5-year contract with a bus company called Zum.

“Very proud to begin this partnership for the school year 2024 - 2025 … they enjoy getting behind the wheel of the school bus and it allows them to express themselves in a way that they were unable to in their previous careers," said location manager Lawrence Wishard of Zum Services.

Right now Zum is still hiring bus drivers for Santa Barbara’s fall school year.

"We’re looking to hire 46 drivers for the Santa Barbara Unified School District … of course we offer training for anyone," said Wishard.

In addition to enjoying her new career, Sanders is also looking forward to the higher wages, guaranteed hours and modern benefits.

"Our rates begin for a brand new driver around $27 per hour, so of course experienced drivers the pay will be more than that," said Wishard.

Zum offers free training for anyone interested in becoming a school bus driver.

For more information on how to because a school bus driver for the Santa Barbara Unified School District this fall, visit: https://www.ridezum.com/company/careers/careers-drivers/sbusd-driver-recruitment/.