Bus Driver-Tribal School

Yasama Nation; Toppenish (WA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

Yakama Nation Tribal School is seeking a dedicated bus driver to transport students and staff on time and safely. You will operate school buses under varying weather conditions, conduct pre-trip inspections, and ensure student safety inside the vehicle.

The role requires a CDL with Passenger, School Bus, and Air Brakes endorsements, a high school diploma or GED, and at least five years of passenger-vehicle driving experience. Seasonal trips and after-hours support may be required.

Qualifications

• Must possess a Commercial Driver's License A (CDL-A) or B (CDL-B) with Passenger (P), School Bus (S) and Air Brakes Restriction (K) endorsements.
• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• High School diploma or GED.
• Five years of experience driving a passenger vehicle.
• Clean driving record per CDL requirements.

Responsibilities

• Operate a school bus to transport students and staff safely on scheduled routes and trips.
• Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections and report mechanical issues.
• Maintain order and safety of students on the bus at all times.
• Obey traffic laws, safety regulations, and district policies.
• Drive during field trips and evening events as assigned.

Skills

Safe driving

Safety awareness

Good communication

Ability to follow directions

Excellent hearing/vision

Ability to lift 50 pounds

Education

High School diploma or GED

CDL-A or CDL-B with endorsements

Job description

Announcement #: 2026-159

Issue Date: 08-13-26

Closing Date: Open Until filled

Bus Driver

Tribal School

Department of Human Services

Hourly Wage: $21.11/Regular/Part-Time

Incumbent is responsible for operating a school bus and transporting Tribal School students and other authorized personnel safely and efficiently over specified routes to and from school and various extracurricular activity trips as authorized by the school administrators. Operates school buses under all types of weather conditions including but not limited to; fog, rain, hail, sleet, snow, and ice. Incumbent will conduct pre-trip inspections; observes safety regulations and policies and performs related work.

Examples of Work Performed:

• Operate a school for the purpose of transporting students to and from school routinely on strict scheduled routes and or school activities both within the and outside the school district boundaries.
• Maintain, inspect and clean school buses and related equipment as required by the state and district policy; to include interior/exterior sweeping and washing, installation of fuel, oil and coolant, checking tire inflation, etc. report any mechanical defects and report any bus malfunctions or needed repairs.
• Maintain good order among students as related to safety, while the bus in in motion, parked, boarding and exit, cross streets and/or roadways near bus stops. Report unsafe acts or conditions which require the attention of any person rather than the driver.
• Obeys all traffic laws and transportation practices as outlined in the CDL manual, Bus Driver Handbook, School Board Policy and local ordinances.
• Ensure that the bus can be operated safely and conducts pre-trip and post-trip safety inspections as required by federal and state laws to include observing visual defects and checking operating systems to include brakes, horn, lights, emergency flashers, extended stop arms, and door-opening devices.
• Legible and accurate completion forms, records and reports that may include the number of passengers, trip requests, hours worked, route studies, accident reports, mileage and fuel consumption as required.
• Attend meetings, in-service trainings, workshops, etc. for the purpose of gathering information required to perform job functions.
• Operate and service all school bus equipment and accessories including but not limited to fire extinguisher, highway warning kits, snow chains, sanders, first aid kits, etc.
• Drive students and teachers on field trips, extracurricular activities, and other special events, often in evenings and at night as assigned.
• Reports all accidents immediately, requesting police or ambulance service as needed; assists injured person(s) until services arrive; and completes required accident reports.
• Perform required operational and safety inspections of the school bus and all related equipment.
• Drives a school transportation vehicle within a prescribe route(s) in accordance with time schedules: picking up and discharging students at designated stops.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by Transportation Supervisor for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the unit.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of and skill in the operation and maintenance of the school bus.
• Knowledge of Washington State Driving laws and regulations of driving a school bus.
• Knowledge of Yakama Nation Tribal School, Bureau of Indian Education and Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction policy and procedures.
• Knowledge of basic first aid practices, procedures and techniques.
• Ability to read and write at a level necessary to successfully perform the required duties.
• Ability to understand and carry out both oral and written instructions in an independent manner.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and extreme caution while driving.
• Ability to maintain valid certification as school bus driver according to state regulations.
• Ability to lift over 50 pounds to meet the physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively perform required duties.
• Ability to have good vision and read without strain, printed material the size of typewritten characters are required, glasses permitted.
• Ability to hear the conversational voice, with our without a hearing aid.
• Ability to have good hand and foot coordination.
• Ability to enforce strict discipline of students on bus.
• Ability to utilize and understand YN Tribal School COOP plan.
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in all weather conditions.
• Ability to be on time and available on short notice to drive routes/trips on an as needed basis.
• Ability to be physically and mentally able to perform all essential job functions.

Minimum Requirements:

• Must possess a Commercial Driver's License A (CDL-A) or B (CDL-B) with Passenger (P), School Bus (S) and Air Brakes Restriction (K) endorsements.
• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• High School diploma or GED.
• Must have five (5) years of experience driving a passenger vehicle.
• Driving record must be within the guidelines contained in the Commercial Motor Vehicle Act of 1986 and meet all applicable State and Federal requirements for CDL.
• Required to pass a pre-employment background/fingerprint check according to Yakama Nation Tribal School requirements.
• Must have no history of child abuse/neglect and drug/alcohol abuse.
• Must possess a valid First Aid/CPR card or ability to obtain one within six (6) months of hire.
• Required to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test, and random testing when requested.
• Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's License with the ability to obtain a Yakama Nation Driving Permit.
• Enrolled Yakama Preference, but all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Preferred Requirements:

• Commercial Driver's License Training Certificate.