Job Description
Transportation & Grounds Technician
JOB TITLE: Transportation & Grounds Technician
REPORTS TO: - Transportation Supervisor
- Facilities & Maintenance Supervisor
FLSA STATUS: Nonexempt
WORK SCHEDULE: Full-time
- Year-round, full-time
- 8 hours/day, 40 hours/week (Approx. 5:45 AM - 2:15 PM)
- Morning bus route is required daily
- Groundskeeping/maintenance work for the remaining hours
- Early start is required during winter weather for snow removal
PAY SCALE: Commensurate with experience and certification.
- Grounds $18.50 (Base)
- Transportation $23.00 (Base)
JOB SUMMARY: Hamilton Community Schools is seeking a dependable, safety-focused, and hardworking individual for a full-time combined role as a Transportation & Grounds Technician. This position includes driving a regular morning bus route and completing groundskeeping and maintenance tasks for the remainder of the workday.
On snowy or icy mornings, the employee will report early to the Transportation Department for snow removal, then complete the morning route and shift into grounds/maintenance duties.
This is a year-round, 8 hours/day, 40 hours/week position that includes full district benefits (health, dental, vision, life, LTD).
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys variety in their workday, takes pride in maintaining safe, clean, and attractive school grounds, and is committed to positively impacting students each day.
QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Required - High school diploma or equivalent (GED)
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Valid driver's license
- Ability to pass alcohol/drug testing and criminal background checks
- Must obtain and maintain CDL-B with P, S, and Air Brake endorsements (paid training available)
- Must pass annual DOT/MDE physical
- Ability to read, write, and speak English to perform job duties effectively
- Ability to lift/move 50-75 lbs as needed (groundskeeping and bus safety requirements)
Preferred - Prior experience in groundskeeping, landscaping, or maintenance
- Experience working around students
- Commercial Pesticide Applicator License or willingness to obtain (district-supported)
Skills Needed - Safe operation of landscaping tools and maintenance equipment
- Ability to manage student behaviors and maintain positive relationships with students and staff
- Strong time management and communication skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Willingness to learn new skills and adapt to seasonal demands
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES: The following is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed by such a person.
Transportation - Morning Route - Safely transport students to school each morning following assigned route and schedule
- Conduct thorough pre-trip and post-trip inspections of the vehicle
- Maintain a professional, positive rapport with students, parents, and staff
- Manage student behavior appropriately and consistently
- Ensure all passengers exit the bus at route completion
- Maintain a clean, safe, and presentable vehicle
- Report mechanical or safety issues promptly
- Follow all federal, state, and district laws, policies, and procedures related to school bus driving
Groundskeeping - Maintain school grounds, including athletic facilities, lawns, sidewalks, parking lots, and landscaped areas
- Mow, trim, rake, weed, and perform seasonal grounds care
- Assist with field preparation, event cleanup, and equipment setup for athletic events
- Apply fertilizers, pesticides, and weed control as directed (with proper certification)
- Perform minor maintenance on equipment and tools
- Support snow and ice removal during winter months across district facilities
- Work positively and collaboratively with maintenance staff, coaches, and building personnel
- Follow all safety practices, including PPE and OSHA-related guidelines
During scheduled school breaks, holidays, and other times when transportation services are not in session, the Transportation & Grounds Technician will assume full groundskeeping responsibilities during this time.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
- Frequent walking, standing, bending, and lifting up to 50-75 lbs
- Ability to work in varying weather conditions
- Ability to climb bus steps and safely evacuate a vehicle in emergencies
- Operation of groundskeeping equipment, snow removal tools, and school buses
- Visual and auditory capabilities necessary for safe driving and equipment use
BENEFITS: - Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- $25,000 Life Insurance
- Long-Term Disability
- Cash-in-lieu option
WHO ARE WE? Hamilton Community Schools is a rural district in West Michigan, located south of Holland and east of Saugatuck. Our well-maintained district includes one preschool learning center (Sandyview), three elementary schools (Bentheim, Blue Star, and Hamilton Elementary), one middle school, one high school, and the Hamilton Virtual School. Despite covering a large area of 135 square miles, Hamilton retains a small-town feel.
As one of the 18 member public school districts within the Ottawa Intermediate School District (OAISD), Hamilton Community Schools employs 400 staff members and serves over 2,400 full-time students, along with 1,100 non-public students across various programs and formats. Renowned throughout the state, our district is celebrated for balancing a small-town atmosphere with educational innovation, catering to the needs of every learner. With a strong focus on K-12 academics, work-based learning, athletics, and the arts, Hamilton is a destination district.
WE are HAWKEYES! Why Hamilton?
APPLICATION PROCEDURES: All applicants should apply using the online application system, being sure to attach a cover letter and resume as well. The search committee will review applications until the position is filled.
Any questions can be sent to:
Mike Gruennert, Director of Finance & Operations at mgruenne@hamiltonschools.us
Kathy Dykema, Transportation Supervisor at kdykema@hamiltonschools.us
Jeff Frick, Facilities and Maintenance Supervisor at jfrick@hamiltonschools.us
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Hamilton Community Schools is an equal opportunity employer and will provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, sex, national origin, age, color, height, weight, marital status, familial status, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status with applicable state and federal laws.
DISTRIBUTION: Internal / External
Job Tags
Full time, Seasonal work, Day shift,