School Bus Driver

Starting Date: Immediately

JOB TITLE: School Bus Driver

GROUP: Classified

SALARY: Transportation

FLSA STATUS: Non‑Exempt

WORK DAYS PER FISCAL YEAR: 183

HOLIDAYS: 10

SUMMARY: The School Bus Driver is responsible for safely transporting Chief Leschi Schools students and other authorized passengers to and from school, bus stops, athletic events, field trips, extracurricular activities, and other approved locations. This position operates a school bus in accordance with federal and Washington State laws, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction requirements, district policies, tribal school expectations, and established transportation procedures.

The School Bus Driver supports student safety, maintains appropriate student conduct while passengers are on the bus, performs required vehicle inspections, communicates with transportation staff and school personnel, and serves as a positive role model for students. This position requires dependable attendance, sound judgment, patience, professionalism, and the ability to work effectively with Native American students, families, staff, and community members.

ABOUT CHIEF LESCHI SCHOOLS: Formerly known as the Puyallup Tribal School, Chief Leschi Schools was founded in 1976 to address the high dropout rate of the youth of the Puyallup tribe. It is the largest of seven tribal schools in the state of Washington and one of approximately 200+ tribal schools in the United States. It is also one of the largest tribal schools to be funded by the Bureau of Indian Education.

Note: $2,000 incentive! Chief Leschi School District is experiencing a bus driver shortage. In order to recruit the highest quality bus drivers, Chief Leschi Schools is offering this incentive for new hire bus driver employees who have not worked for CLS as a bus driver within twelve (12) months prior to their new hire date.

• Safely transports students and other authorized passengers to and from school, bus stops, field trips, athletic events, extracurricular activities, and other approved locations.
• Operates school buses in a safe and lawful manner under varying traffic, road, and weather conditions.
• Follows assigned routes, schedules, transportation procedures, and approved route changes.
• Conducts required pre‑trip and post‑trip inspections and reports vehicle defects, safety concerns, accidents, incidents, or needed repairs.
• Maintains the cleanliness and basic care of assigned bus and ensures required safety equipment is present and functional.
• Supervises students on the bus and maintains safe, respectful, and appropriate student conduct.
• Ensures students load, ride, and unload safely, including following required student crossing procedures.
• Assists students as needed, including students with disabilities or specialized transportation needs, within the scope of training and assignment.
• Operates wheelchair lifts, securement systems, car seats, harnesses, seat belts, and other specialized equipment when assigned and trained.
• Maintains confidentiality of student, family, route, medical, and school‑related information.
• Communicates professionally with students, families, staff, administrators, dispatch, emergency responders, and community members.
• Completes required reports, logs, inspection records, incident reports, accident reports, and other documentation accurately and on time.
• Participates in required safety trainings, driver meetings, evacuation drills, and continuing education.
• Maintains required driver authorization, CDL endorsements, medical certification, First Aid/CPR certification, and other required credentials.
• Responds appropriately to emergencies, including accidents, student illness or injury, unsafe road conditions, or mechanical issues.
• Maintains professional boundaries, serves as a positive role model, and demonstrates respect for Native American students, families, cultures, traditions, and community values.
• Supports the mission, vision, and values of Chief Leschi Schools.
• Maintains regular and punctual attendance.

This list is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not an exhaustive list of all duties.…