HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — Like many school systems around the country, Hillsborough County is seeing a shortage of bus drivers. 

They’re looking to hire 180 drivers. 

What You Need To Know

  • Hillsborough County School District in need of 180 bus drivers

  • The district said many bus drivers retired last year when coronavirus hit

  • Starting pay is $14.57 an hour

  • If interested, you can apply online

That was the goal at a job fair held Saturday at the transportation headquarters. 

“The biggest need is bus drivers. That’s always the number one need,” said Jim Beekman, General Manager of Hillsborough County School Transportation. 

Beekman says there’s always a need for bus drivers. But last year, many older, at-risk drivers took their retirement when COVID-19 hit. 

Others found new jobs. 

However, with schools getting ready to return to full, in-person classes next year, they need more staff. 

“We’ve seen it nationwide now. Districts across the country are struggling with employees. Drivers, attendants, custodial staff, maintenance workers, food service,” Beekman said. 

He says they were encouraged by the applicants they saw and will continue to work to fill these positions this summer. 

“It’s exciting to see people come out and get a job and want to take care of kids,” Beekman said. 

Interested applicants can apply online. Starting pay is $14.57 an hour, according to the job posting.