Hybrid Part-Time Bus Driver at Squaxin Island Tribe

Department:  Planning & Community Development

Reports To: Program Services Manager, Monica Nerney

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Time Status:  32 hours a week with benefits

TS Range: 6A ($23.74)

Opening Date:  August 15th, 2025

Closing Date:  August 29th, 2025

SUMMARY : This position provides transportation services by driving bus, minibus, van or lightweight truck/car for seniors, youth, disabled, and the public through fixed or deviated scheduled routes and unique events. Responsibilities include transporting passengers in a safe and courteous manner. Must have excellent people skills by promoting positive and professional relationships with passengers and co-workers. Must be an effective member of the team by being dependable and completing the required paperwork in an accurate and timely manner. This is a part-time position. 

On occasion, this position will require you to work irregular shifts and/or Dial-a-Rides Monday through Friday or for other Squaxin Island Tribal departments as needed Monday through Friday, nights, holidays, and/or weekends.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Drives vehicles from individual or central loading areas to social services or rehabilitation center, training location, job site, or other destinations according to assigned schedule.

• Operates passenger vehicles in a safe manner under varying traffic and road conditions by obeying traffic rules and regulations, while using defensive driving techniques.

• Promotes positive passenger relations by greeting and assisting passengers with diverse personalities by being friendly, courteous, and sensitive, sometimes in stressful situations.

• Assists seniors and disabled passengers into and out of vehicle.

• Supervises the conduct of individuals accepted as passengers while riding the bus.

• Always maintain a personal clean and professional appearance. 

• Must be punctual, dependable and maintain regular attendance by being at work during scheduled work time.

• Inspects vehicle for readiness for operation by performing a pre-trip inspection.

• Inspects vehicle at the end of each shift for damage and lost articles. 

• Ability to resolve conflicts using sound judgment, in a crisis. 

• Secures passengers’ wheelchairs to restraining devices to stabilize the wheelchairs during trip.

• Operates radio or similar device while vehicle is parked to communicate with base office or other vehicles in case of disruption of service.

• Services vehicle with fuel, lubricants, and accessories.

• Maintains cleanliness and orderliness manner of the buses by washing buses inside and out, emptying garbage etc.

• Completes accurate daily records of trips and the behavior of passengers or other required written materials in a timely manner.

• Operates office equipment such as computers, calculators, and copier.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be twenty-one years of age and have a minimum of five years of driving experience with a clean driving record.

• Ability to work independently and effectively as part of a team.

• Must be able to drive within a 100-mile radius of the reservation, including long-distance routes such as to Seattle, as needed.

•  Ability to pass a Tribal and State background check (including but not limited to clean driving record)

• Must have an accurate time piece (watch, etc.) always carried while on duty.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Must be able to effectively communicate with supervisors, co-workers, and passengers. 

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: The successful applicant will be responsible for keeping all licenses and/or certificates current. 

• Must have a valid Washington State Driver’s License.

• Must have a Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with P1 endorsement.

· Must have a Class B Student endorsement on Driver’s License (CDL)
“Note: If the applicant does not currently possess a passenger (P1), or student endorsement, they will have 6 months from the date of hire to obtain it.”

• Must have a valid medical certificate and complete an annual Department of Transportation (DOT) driver physical to maintain eligibility.

• Must have a CPR certificate, or ability to obtain prior to start of hire.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will frequently be exposed to vibration for prolonged periods of time; and occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles and hot or cold outdoor weather conditions. The noise level for this position is moderate.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and regularly required to use hands to finger, handle or feel; and occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and talk or hear. The employee may occasionally be required to lift to 75 pounds. This position must be able to assist disabled passengers into and out of vehicle.

This position also requires close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less), distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet); color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors); peripheral vision (ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or to the left and right while eyes are fixed in a given point), and depth perception (three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and spatial relationships) and have the ability to adjust focus (ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus). This requirement can be met with the use of prescribed lenses or contacts. 

DRUG FREE WORKPLACE: The successful candidate will be required to have urinalysis for drug and alcohol screening, in accordance with the Tribe’s Drug Free Workplace Policy.

INDIAN PREFERENCE: Indian preference will be exercised in the hiring of this position consistent with the Tribe’s Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual.

TO APPLY: Submit application packets including a resume and cover letter to [email protected] Contact Human Resources for more information: 360-432-3865.

***Any Tribal Member interested in becoming a Squaxin Transit Driver – CDL training and student passenger endorsement training are available at no cost to the employee. A one-year service agreement is required.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE: Associate degree and 2 years of relevant experience OR High School Diploma GED and 4 years of relevant experience.