Flexible, Purposeful Part-Time Work for North Shore & Merrimack Valley Retirees

If you want steady, community-facing work without giving up your mornings on the porch or afternoons with the grandkids, school transportation is a natural fit. Runs happen before the first bell and after the last, with long mid-day breaks—and many employers welcome newcomers with structured training. First Student, Inc.

Where the Jobs Tend to Be

From the North Shore (Beverly, Salem, Danvers, Peabody, Lynn, Marblehead, Gloucester, Newburyport) to the Merrimack Valley (Haverhill, Lawrence, Methuen, Andover/North Andover, Dracut, Tewksbury, Lowell, Chelmsford), districts regularly partner with transportation providers who hire year-round and especially before the school year. Providers serving Eastern MA advertise roles for these areas on their career pages. North Reading Transportation

Who’s Hiring (examples—check current openings)

• NRT Bus (Beacon Mobility): Home-to-school routes throughout Eastern MA; postings often include North Shore and Merrimack Valley towns. Look for “School Bus Driver” and “7D Van Driver” roles. North Reading Transportation+1gobeacon.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com

• Salter Transportation (Newbury base): Longtime North Shore operator posting driver, monitor, and charter roles. Salter Transportation, Inc.Indeed

• First Student: Statewide school-bus openings with paid CDL training; retirees are encouraged to apply. First Student, Inc.First Student

• Trombly (Dracut/Lowell area): Regional school transportation company with bus and 7D opportunities. MapQuest

Tip: Roles and pay vary by location and contract. Always check each company’s careers page for current openings in your town.

Two Paths to Driving in Massachusetts

Yellow school bus (full-size):

• CDL with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements, School Bus Driver Certificate, medical exam, and background checks; pre-service training hours are required. Mass.gov+1

Small vehicles (cars/vans, “7D”):

• 7D School Pupil Transport driver’s certificate (no CDL) with eligibility, medical, background, and knowledge exam requirements; brief employer pre-service is included. This is a popular option for retirees who prefer a smaller vehicle. Mass.gov+2Mass.gov+2

What a Retiree-Friendly Day Looks Like

• Early start, friendly faces: Pre-trip inspection and AM run; most finish by late morning.

• Mid-day freedom: Appointments, hobbies, volunteering—or pick up optional mid-day shuttles/charters when available.

• Afternoon wrap-up: PM dismissal run, quick post-trip, and you’re done—typically with evenings, weekends, and school holidays free.

How to Get Hired (Regional Game Plan)

1. List nearby operators: Check NRT Bus, Salter, First Student, and any district postings for your town. North Reading TransportationSalter Transportation, Inc.First Student, Inc.

2. Apply for the fit you want: Full-size bus (CDL P/S + certificate) or 7D van (certificate only). Many employers provide/coordinate training. First Student, Inc.

3. Complete requirements: Medical exam, background checks, and the state training/testing steps for your license/certificate. Mass.gov+1

4. Shadow & start: Ride-alongs help you learn the route and student routines before taking the wheel solo.

FAQs for Retirees

I’ve never driven a bus—am I eligible?
Yes. Employers expect newcomers and offer structured training to build confidence before road tests and routes. First Student, Inc.

Can I drive only mornings?
Often, yes—ask about AM-only or substitute roles when you apply; availability varies by location and seniority. North Reading Transportation

Are there smaller vehicles?
Yes—many providers run car/van routes under the 7D certificate (a common retiree choice). Mass.gov