The Bus Driver & Facility Float position is responsible for ensuring the health, safety and welfare of the children, staff and volunteers during bus transportation to and from the center and on field trips and guarantee that the bus is clean and in proper working condition at all times. This position is also responsible for assisting all classrooms, kitchen and front office at the Samish Head Start and Early Learning Center by providing high quality, consistent support for staff and children. Additional duties may include general building and grounds maintenance.

Why work for Samish?

The Samish Indian Nation provides a very competitive compensation package, which includes medical, dental, vision, STD/LTD, Life Insurance, optional supplemental coverage plans, a 401(k) Plan, paid vacation and sick leave, and approximately 16 paid holidays. Best of all, we offer a great environment with passionate and caring staff!

Benefits Summary

• Health insurance including medical, dental & vision
• Life, AD&D, STD and LTD insurance
• Annual & Sick Leave
  
• Paid holidays (up to 16+ days per year)
• Paid jury, bereavement & cultural leave
• Wellness & Employee Assistance Plan
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Wage increases at 6 months, 1 year and annually (based on performance evaluation and available funds)

1. Ensures the safety and well-being of children and adults being transported to and from the program and on field trips and with the assistance of bus monitors, ensures all children are in age appropriate child safety restraints at all times during transportation
2. Completes a comprehensive written inspection of the bus daily, reporting any conditions of concern to the Center Manager, or delegated staff person, before transporting children and ensures that the bus always has sufficient fuel and that there is always fresh drinking water on board
3. Ensures that the Head Start cellular phone is in proper working order before each trip and assists with ensuring child/staff ratios are maintained on the bus, providing day to day guidance to the Bus Aides
4. In consultation with the Center Manager, develops and follows efficient and safe written bus routes that ensure no child will be on the bus more than one hour. Follows procedures to guarantee no child is left alone on bus without adult supervision at any time, including insuring all children have departed bus at the end of all bus routes (morning, evening and during field trips or other special trips)
5. Operates bus in such a way that road and safety regulations are always followed; reports any traffic violations to the Center Manager immediately. With the assistance of the Bus Aides, follows safe bus loading and unloading procedures
6. Maintains responsibility for buses’ cleanliness and maintenance
7. Works with the Planning Department for the completion of routine maintenance of buses (e.g., oil change); transporting buses to and from maintenance and/or repair facilities and implement an inventory schedule for emergency and first aid supplies. In case of accidents/emergencies, evacuates children according to written and practiced procedures and assures that medical emergency procedures are followed; completes a written accident report as required by Longhouse procedure and other authorities
8. Daily assist in classrooms, kitchen and front office during non-bus hours to ensure that the Head Start has adequate coverage. Some of these duties include providing relief in the classroom and playground, and supervision of children for the classroom staff; washing dishes, cleaning floors, transporting food to the Elder’s Program, answering Head Start phones, greeting parents and visitors, helping maintain a clean and safe environment, etc
9. Reports the following to the Center Manager: presence of animals, vermin or insects; need for cleaning supplies or equipment repair in advance; water leaks, and other maintenance needs; all other health and safety hazards noticed
10. Attends training as relevant to staff development plans; maintains current certification for First Aid, CPR, Food Handler’s Permit, and health checks; complies with CPS mandated reporting requirements for child abuse and neglect
11. Other duties as assigned
    

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by a person in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed in such a position.

1. Must possess and maintain a current Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and be able to operate tribal vehicles and school buses or be willing to complete training to earn CDL
2. Must have knowledge of proper cleaning methods and applicable WAC licensing regulations
3. Must be able to lift up to 50lbs frequently
4. Must have effective organizational, problem solving, and time management skills
5. Ability to perform responsibilities under pressure and in cases of accidents or other emergencies
6. Must obtain First Aid, CPR and AED certifications within 30 days of hire
7. Must have proof of a Tuberculosis (TB) test taken within 12 months prior to initial employment date and be free from communicable disease
8. Must pass state, federal, and Department of Early Learning fingerprinting and background checks

**Obtaining full COVID-19 vaccination no later than 60 days from the hire date will be a condition of employment for all Samish employees**

Applicants must be a Washington State resident or willing to relocate to Washington State.

Physical Demands: This job involves sitting (30% of time) and standing (40% of time), as well as stooping, squatting, lifting, carrying, pushing and climbing (30% of time). Must be able to lift up to 50lbs frequently. Manual dexterity sufficient to: manipulate cleaning supplies and equipment, operate the bus, conduct pre-trip inspections, and clean the bus. Must be able to physically move through the bus, center and classrooms. Must be able to physically drive and operate a school bus. Mental/Visual Demands: Frequent mental and/or visual attention to task is required. Occasionally work requires heavy concentration. Frequent interruptions. Tasks involve eye-hand coordination. Working Environment: Tasks may involve possible exposure to blood or bodily fluids. Must be able to withstand exposure to adverse weather conditions. Unavoidable hazards/risks: Risk involved with travel on highways, side streets and rural roads during bus trips. Possible exposure to communicable diseases. Work requires moderate risks which require safety precautions (working around moving parts, chemicals, equipment, etc.). Protective clothing or equipment may be required (goggles, gloves, masks, boots, etc.)

Random drug tests will be performed.

Samish Indian Nation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively encourages applications from all persons regardless of race, religion, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, or ancestry.  Samish preference and Indian preference will be applied to the selection for this position as defined in Title 25, US Code Section 473.

CONFIDENTIALITY:  This position develops, maintains, and is responsible for safeguarding the computer/electronic and hardcopy file folders containing sensitive and proprietary information about the Tribe and its members.  The incumbent must maintain confidentiality of all work and files pertaining to enrollment, clients, survey results, and all other material that may identify individuals by name (either directly or by reference), as set forth by the Tribal Council in the Personnel Manual.  Any violation in this matter may result in immediate termination of employment.

Please state your eligibility for Indian preference in your cover letter.  Indian preference must be documented prior to interview or hiring.  BIA Form 4432 or tribal enrollment ID may be submitted with the application if claiming Indian Preference.

All persons who are offered employment with the Samish Indian Nation must give permission for a thorough background check of previous work performance, motor vehicle history, credit history and criminal history, as well as a pre-employment drug screen.

This position is a “covered position” under the Tribe’s Indian Child and Family Violence Act Policy and all applicants must undergo a fingerprint background investigation in order to be hired for this position.  The Tribe will not hire, permit anyone to work or volunteer in a covered position if the person has ever been found guilty or entered a plea of no contest or guilty to any offense under federal, state, or Tribal law which involves violence, threat of violence, sexual assault, molestation, exploitation, prostitution, crimes against persons, or offenses committed against children.