Sue Barbour is looking for a few – actually 15 – people that like kids, have a driver’s license, and would want to make some money working part time.

It might also help if the candidates know Warwick, although that’s not a prerequisite to being a school bus driver for First Student.

Barbour, location manager for the company that operates from the Airport Business Center on Strawberryfield Road, said Tuesday the company has ample drivers to start the school year Aug. 31 but is anxious to fill out the ranks with another 10 to 15 to cover 98 routes between Warwick, out-of-district special needs buses, and contracted routes with parents for students attending Rocky Hill and St. Mary’s Academy Bay View.

As a result of school consolidation, Barbour said, First Student has added seven morning and six afternoon routes. In total, the school department has contracted for 54 regular education and 32 special education routes.

Filling another 15 driver positions shouldn’t be a problem based on the raves of three drivers who were either bidding on routes or training Tuesday afternoon.

The bidding on routes for drivers and aides, based on seniority, started in the morning and carried through the day. Robert LaBossiere, who has been driving for three years and will be covering Route 49 that includes Warwick Neck, St. Rose and St. Peter Schools, ranked “liking kids” as the top qualification for a school bus driver. Close behind were patience, being alert and being consistently conscientious of safety.

“I love my kids,” LaBossiere said.

“Kids can be troublesome, but if you give them respect they’ll give you respect all the time.”

“The kids in Warwick are well behaved…for the most part,” he said.

Drivers can expect a 20-hour week and a starting pay of $14. By the third year they make $19.97, said Barbour. She said there is no age limitation on drivers, pointing out their oldest driver just turned 80 while their youngest are in their 20s. In addition to having a license, candidates must have been driving at least three years. If selected, First Student trains their drivers so they can obtain a Class B license. Naturally, the training includes the maneuvering of a school bus.

In addition to school routes, drivers take students on field trips and sporting events. With sports being added to middle schools, new venues are being added to the schedule.

Brenda Shaw of Cranston is among the first-time drivers this year. She was found behind the wheel of the smaller special needs buses Tuesday.

“The training is wonderful,” she said, “they’re very good at what they’re doing.”

She said the job was a perfect fit for her.

“It’s quite the mother’s hours,” said the mother of three, the youngest of whom is four. Shaw worked previously at the Trudeau Memorial Center, which she feels qualifies her to work with special needs students.

“Safety of the kids is the most important thing. Parents look up to you to make sure their kids are safe,” she said.

Drivers of special needs buses receive additional training in the use of Epipens, first aid and CPR, Barbour said.

Michelle Pelland likewise said the job is ideal for a mother with young children.

“I love it,” she said. “I love the kids.”

But Pelland wasn’t entirely happy with the way the bidding worked out. She had her eye on a couple of routes, but by the time she got to choose they had already been picked. She’ll be returning to a route that covers Cedar Hill and Scott Schools.

Scott School off Centerville Road is a nemesis for her, as the steady stream of morning and afternoon traffic offers few breaks to turn left onto Centerville.

That situation is familiar to First Student. The company has requested to have a traffic signal or at least a blinker installed at the school entrance without success.

But there was a positive for Shaw.

“The kids are going to know me. You show the kids a smile every day,” she said.

Those seeking to apply for a driver’s job can visit First Student at the Airport Business Center or go to the company’s website, www.firststudentinc.com.