Head Start Bus Driver

Nisqually Indian Tribe; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Nisqually Indian Tribe is seeking a responsible bus driver to operate school buses on fixed routes, transporting children and adults safely and on schedule. The role requires strict confidentiality, excellent communication, and a courteous, safety-focused demeanor.

Applicants must hold a CDL with a school bus endorsement, a clean driving record, and pass a background check and drug screening. The position involves non-traditional hours and potential weekend work as needed.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or Equivalent required.
• First Aid and CPR cards within 30 days.
• CDL with school bus endorsement required.
• Valid Washington state driver's license.
• Pre-employment drug screen and criminal background check required.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily pre- and post-trip inspections and record deficiencies.
• Ensure safe boarding, seating, and behavior of children on the bus.
• Coordinate routes with coordinator and adjust for safety or weather.
• Drive buses on scheduled routes while obeying traffic laws.
• Maintain safe load/unload procedures and complete time/incident reports.
• Attend required safety trainings and keep vehicle clean and presentable.
• Train children in safety and emergency evacuation procedures.

Skills

Communication

Safety procedures

Record keeping

Customer service

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

First Aid & CPR

CDL with School Bus Endorsement

Washington State Driver's License

Background check & Drug screen

Job description

This position has regular contact with or control over Indian Children and Vulnerable Adults. In compliance with Federal Law, this position will not be filled by an applicant with any felonious offense or any of two or more misdemeanor offenses under Federal, State and Tribal law involving crimes of violence; sexual assault, molestation, exploitation, contact, or prostitution; crimes against persons; or offenses committed against children.

GENERAL SUMMARY

Responsible for the safe operation of a school bus and other commercial vehicles, over fixed routes while transporting children and/or adults safely and on schedule, completing forms and reports as required.

This position ensures confidentiality, security, and accuracy of records, and promotes positive employee, customer, and community relations. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required and outstanding customer service to fellow employees, customers, vendors, etc. is expected. Regular attendance is required, and on occasion, later hours or weekend time may be required with project deadlines and a neat well‑groomed professional appearance is essential at all times.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary responsibilities are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform. This list of responsibilities is intended to be representative of the duties performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed if such duties relate to the position.

• Perform daily pre‑ and post‑trip inspections as directed under Federal, State and Tribal guidelines. Determines if vehicle is acceptable to drive based on inspections. Records all deficiencies in a timely manner and completing maintenance request forms.
• Ensure children who receive vehicle and services are taught safe riding practice, safety procedures for boarding and leaving the vehicle, and crossing the street too and from the vehicle.
• Confirm daily schedule with coordinator/supervisor in person, noting any changes to regular pick‑up or drop‑off schedules. Alerts coordinator and director when alternative routes or stops are necessary because of safety, inclement weather, construction, or emergencies.
• Fuel vehicle when necessary, making sure enough fuel is onboard for the next scheduled route.
• Drive buses to scheduled pick‑up and drop‑off stops, while obeying all traffic laws.
• Ensures safe load and unload procedures are always followed.
• The driver will contact the center in the event of a breakdown.
• Ensure children are seated, buckled up, and always demonstrate safe behavior on the bus. Determines when a child's behavior warrants further action.
• Exhibits professional courteous behavior in all interactions with children, parents, school officials, and the public.
• Completes and submits bus and time reports as required.
• Attend all required safety, pre‑services, and in‑service training during the school year.
• Ensure the bus is always clean and the aisleways are kept clear for safe access to emergency exits.
• Conduct periodic passenger evacuation drills in full compliance with all state and federal requirements.
• Train children to recognize danger zones around the vehicle and are taught emergency evacuation procedures.
• Complete various other required forms, including incident/accident reports as required by Tribal policy.
• Always maintain a valid commercial driver's license and immediately reports any changes in license status which could infringe on qualification or safe operation of required vehicle class license.
• Assist in the routing efforts with the coordinator for scheduled pick‑up and drop‑off addresses, ensuring that all information (i.e., addresses, phone numbers) is accurate and up to date.
• Ensure that routes are no longer than 1 hour, stay within service boundaries and are efficient.
• Coordinate transportation for families attending scheduled special events.
• Ensure up-to-date child rosters and lists of the adults each child is authorized to be released to, including alternates, in case of emergency, are maintained and no child is left behind, either in the classroom or on the vehicle at the end of the route.
• Attend all monthly staff meetings and management team meetings.
• Responsible for keeping current on all Head Start Performance Standards, Head Start Policies & Procedures and Tribal Personnel Policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or Equivalent.
• Must obtain/maintain First Aid and CPR cards within 30 days of employment.
• Willing to work non‑traditional work hours/days on occasion.
• The driver must meet all federal requirements for Head Start Drivers under the 1310 final rule.
• Commercial driver's license (CDL) with school bus endorsement required.
• Maintain a clean driving record while employed by Nisqually Indian Tribe.
• Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's license and maintain a driving record that meets the minimum requirements established by Nisqually Indian Tribes vehicle insurance provider.
• Successfully pass a pre‑employment drug screen and criminal background check.

• The ability to work with vulnerable populations including adults and children.
• Must pass a State and National (FBI) criminal history background check prior to employment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working with children with disabilities and/or behavioral and emotional challenges.
• Knowledge of the Nisqually Indian Tribe's history, customs, traditions, and ability to demonstrate cultural sensitivity.
• Experience working with Federally Recognized Tribes.

SUPERVISION

This position does not supervise.

COMPETENCIES

Possesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the primary responsibilities of the position.

• Knowledge of the rules, regulations, and standard operating procedures of the transportation system.
• Knowledge of services and safe transit vehicle operations.
• Knowledge of or the ability to learn to use dispatching devices such as hands‑free cell phones or radios.
• Knowledge of or the ability to learn route deviation coordination procedures around fixed route via cell phone or radio as part of a dispatch team.
• Ability to safely operate transit coaches and vans.
• Ability to resolve customer complaints courteously and tactfully.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to prepare accurate records and reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, other agencies, and the public.
• Ability to successfully complete mandatory training.
• Ability to physically perform the duties of the position including moderate lifting, bending, and crouching; assisting passengers on/off vehicle; sitting for long periods of time.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS

The work environment and exposures described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the primary responsibilities of this job. Work will be conducted indoor and outdoor and may be exposed to fluctuations in temperature while in and around Nisqually Indian Tribe. You may be exposed to all types of weather to include but not limited to summer heat, winter cold, humidity, rain, snow, wind, and any other weather conditions experienced at the property. May be exposed to normal conditions related to the position i.e., noise from vehicles, machines, tools, customers, employees, dust, pollen, odors, wildlife etc.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger; handle; feel; or grip objects, stretch and/or reach with hands and arms; stoop; crouch or work in cramped or awkward positions; repetitive motions. This person may regularly lift and/or move up to 55+ pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust to focus.

• Background Check: I authorize Nisqually Indian Tribe or its designated third‑party agency to conduct a background investigation, which may include verification of past employment, education, criminal history, and other relevant records.

• Drug Screening: I understand that I will be required to undergo a drug screening test as a condition of employment (or engagement). A positive result, refusal to test, or tampering with the test may result in disqualification or termination of employment.