Top Benefits
About the role
Class 4 Minibus Driver Okanagan Indian Band
KʷU KʷLIW̓T L̓ NQMAPLQS | WE LIVE AT HEAD OF THE LAKE
Located within the unceded territory of the syilx people, the Okanagan Indian Band is comprised of six reserves located in the North Okanagan.
Come join the OKIB Team and enjoy all that the beautiful Okanagan Valley has to offer, including a great climate, stunning scenery, world-class ski resorts, golf courses, wineries and beaches.
The OKIB offers a welcoming team environment and a rewarding job experience. You can expect a supportive work environment and a total compensation package which includes:
-
3 Weeks’ Vacation Pay
-
Extended Health and Dental Benefits
-
Employer Matched Pension Plan
-
15 Statutory Holidays
-
Paid Winter Holiday Break
-
Cultural Leave
-
Discounted Silver Star lift passes
-
Retention Bonuses after years of service
-
15 Paid Sick Days
-
Paid Personal Leave
-
Employee Assistance Program
-
Professional Development Opportunities
Hours of work**: 37.5 hours per week**
Start Date: ASAP
Deadline for applications**: December 15, 2025**
JOB SUMMARY
The Driver is responsible for safely operating the vehicle according to a set daily schedule. He/she must ensure that the vehicle is in good operating condition by doing a daily routine inspection, pick up and drop off children as per the schedule, maintain order and security in the vehicle, ensure that children are buckled properly in their seats, maintain a kind and friendly demeanor and obey all laws, regulations and rules of conduct.
REPORTING STRUCTURE
Reports to the snc’c’amala?tn Early Childhood Education Centre Manager.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Safely transport students to and from their school programs according to established schedules
- Ensure compliance with safe loading, riding and unloading procedures
- Communicate with parents, teachers and administration regarding student behavior and discipline
- Reinforce safety rules and behavior expectations within and around the vehicle
- Provide emergency First Aid when required
- Perform specialized custodial tasks as approved by the supervisor
- Maintain bus cleanliness, complete pre- and post-trip inspections and refuel the bus regularly
- Conduct a full bus sweep at the end of each route to ensure safety measures are in place
- Ensure all vehicle documentation and insurance are current and accurate
- Report defects to maintenance personnel, assist in assessing issues and perform minor repairs or emergency maintenance as needed
- Notify Daycare/School Administration and parents when transportation cannot be provided safely
- All persons employed by the Okanagan Indian Band may be required to assist the Band in providing emergency services. Duties assigned during an emergency may differ from regular duties
ADMINITRATIVE DUTIES
- Liaise with the Program Coordinator, snc’c’amala?tn and school staff
- Monitor and respond to communications via the bus cell phone
- Track attendance schedules for pick-up and drop-off daily and report discrepancies immediately
- Address parent concerns courteously and professionally
- Develop and implement safe seating plans for students
- Collaborate with administration to determine efficient bus routes for a diverse age range of riders
- Attend staff meetings and participate in professional development training as required
- Perform all duties in accordance with OKIB policies and procedures
- Perform other duties as required
WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR
You have education, experience, or an equivalent combination may be considered. You are community-minded, detail-oriented, have a willingness to contribute to a team and an excellent communicator.
Education
- Valid BC Class 4 Drivers License
- Level One First Aid
- Working knowledge of Federal and Provincial Transportation Regulations
- Clean Driver’s Abstract
- Valid criminal record check for vulnerable populations
Experience
- Minimum 2 years of driving experience with children
- Experience working with First Nations communities
Competencies (KSAs & Desired Attributes)
- Possesses cultural appropriateness and sensitivity towards OKIB and Community
- Knowledge of motor mechanics
- Alertness
- Respectful, honest, and trustworthy
- Flexible
- Demonstrate sound work ethics
- Ability to deal with the public in a positive, courteous, and respectful manner
- Ability to listen and demonstrate empathy
- Exceptional interpersonal skills
CLASSIFICATION/PAY SCALE
$25.00 - $28.00 per hour dependant on education and experience.
Please send resume, cover letter and references in any one of two ways:
Email: recruiting@okanagan.org
Mail or drop off: 12420 Westside Road, Vernon, BC V1H 2A4
If you have accessibility needs, please contact Hollie Lachuk @ 250-542-4328 ext. 1011
The successful applicant will be required to provide a Criminal Record Check that includes the vulnerable sector and three references
Preference will be given to qualified Aboriginal Applicants as per section 41 of the Human Rights Code***.***
Education : Other trades certificate or diploma
Experience : 2 years to less than 3 years
About Okanagan Indian Band
The Okanagan Indian Band is working toward ensuring the future through Cultural, Social and Economic Development, guided by the leadership of an elected Chief and Council. The band administration is organized departmentally to deliver services and manage the strategic goals of the Chief and Council and Okanagan Indian Band membership.
The Okanagan Indian Band is one of the eight member Band communities of the Okanagan Nation; the other member Band communities are Lower Similkameen Indian Band, Upper Similkameen Indian Band, Osoyoos Indian Band, Upper Nicola Band, Penticton Indian Band, Westbank First Nation and the Colville Confederated Tribes.
The presently known Okanagan valley is also known as the Okanagan Indian Nations traditional territory, or as the "Syeelhwh Nation", which means the people who live here". "S-Ookanhkchinx" or Okanagan translates to mean "transport toward the head or top end". This refers to the people traveling from the head of the Okanagan Lake to where the Okanagan river meet the Columbia river. In other words Okanagan Lake and Okanagan river were the traditional transportation routes of the people and their traditional boundaries encompassed this area.
Top Benefits
About the role
Class 4 Minibus Driver Okanagan Indian Band
KʷU KʷLIW̓T L̓ NQMAPLQS | WE LIVE AT HEAD OF THE LAKE
Located within the unceded territory of the syilx people, the Okanagan Indian Band is comprised of six reserves located in the North Okanagan.
Come join the OKIB Team and enjoy all that the beautiful Okanagan Valley has to offer, including a great climate, stunning scenery, world-class ski resorts, golf courses, wineries and beaches.
The OKIB offers a welcoming team environment and a rewarding job experience. You can expect a supportive work environment and a total compensation package which includes:
-
3 Weeks’ Vacation Pay
-
Extended Health and Dental Benefits
-
Employer Matched Pension Plan
-
15 Statutory Holidays
-
Paid Winter Holiday Break
-
Cultural Leave
-
Discounted Silver Star lift passes
-
Retention Bonuses after years of service
-
15 Paid Sick Days
-
Paid Personal Leave
-
Employee Assistance Program
-
Professional Development Opportunities
Hours of work**: 37.5 hours per week**
Start Date: ASAP
Deadline for applications**: December 15, 2025**
JOB SUMMARY
The Driver is responsible for safely operating the vehicle according to a set daily schedule. He/she must ensure that the vehicle is in good operating condition by doing a daily routine inspection, pick up and drop off children as per the schedule, maintain order and security in the vehicle, ensure that children are buckled properly in their seats, maintain a kind and friendly demeanor and obey all laws, regulations and rules of conduct.
REPORTING STRUCTURE
Reports to the snc’c’amala?tn Early Childhood Education Centre Manager.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Safely transport students to and from their school programs according to established schedules
- Ensure compliance with safe loading, riding and unloading procedures
- Communicate with parents, teachers and administration regarding student behavior and discipline
- Reinforce safety rules and behavior expectations within and around the vehicle
- Provide emergency First Aid when required
- Perform specialized custodial tasks as approved by the supervisor
- Maintain bus cleanliness, complete pre- and post-trip inspections and refuel the bus regularly
- Conduct a full bus sweep at the end of each route to ensure safety measures are in place
- Ensure all vehicle documentation and insurance are current and accurate
- Report defects to maintenance personnel, assist in assessing issues and perform minor repairs or emergency maintenance as needed
- Notify Daycare/School Administration and parents when transportation cannot be provided safely
- All persons employed by the Okanagan Indian Band may be required to assist the Band in providing emergency services. Duties assigned during an emergency may differ from regular duties
ADMINITRATIVE DUTIES
- Liaise with the Program Coordinator, snc’c’amala?tn and school staff
- Monitor and respond to communications via the bus cell phone
- Track attendance schedules for pick-up and drop-off daily and report discrepancies immediately
- Address parent concerns courteously and professionally
- Develop and implement safe seating plans for students
- Collaborate with administration to determine efficient bus routes for a diverse age range of riders
- Attend staff meetings and participate in professional development training as required
- Perform all duties in accordance with OKIB policies and procedures
- Perform other duties as required
WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR
You have education, experience, or an equivalent combination may be considered. You are community-minded, detail-oriented, have a willingness to contribute to a team and an excellent communicator.
Education
- Valid BC Class 4 Drivers License
- Level One First Aid
- Working knowledge of Federal and Provincial Transportation Regulations
- Clean Driver’s Abstract
- Valid criminal record check for vulnerable populations
Experience
- Minimum 2 years of driving experience with children
- Experience working with First Nations communities
Competencies (KSAs & Desired Attributes)
- Possesses cultural appropriateness and sensitivity towards OKIB and Community
- Knowledge of motor mechanics
- Alertness
- Respectful, honest, and trustworthy
- Flexible
- Demonstrate sound work ethics
- Ability to deal with the public in a positive, courteous, and respectful manner
- Ability to listen and demonstrate empathy
- Exceptional interpersonal skills
CLASSIFICATION/PAY SCALE
$25.00 - $28.00 per hour dependant on education and experience.
Please send resume, cover letter and references in any one of two ways:
Email: recruiting@okanagan.org
Mail or drop off: 12420 Westside Road, Vernon, BC V1H 2A4
If you have accessibility needs, please contact Hollie Lachuk @ 250-542-4328 ext. 1011
The successful applicant will be required to provide a Criminal Record Check that includes the vulnerable sector and three references
Preference will be given to qualified Aboriginal Applicants as per section 41 of the Human Rights Code***.***
Education : Other trades certificate or diploma
Experience : 2 years to less than 3 years
About Okanagan Indian Band
The Okanagan Indian Band is working toward ensuring the future through Cultural, Social and Economic Development, guided by the leadership of an elected Chief and Council. The band administration is organized departmentally to deliver services and manage the strategic goals of the Chief and Council and Okanagan Indian Band membership.
The Okanagan Indian Band is one of the eight member Band communities of the Okanagan Nation; the other member Band communities are Lower Similkameen Indian Band, Upper Similkameen Indian Band, Osoyoos Indian Band, Upper Nicola Band, Penticton Indian Band, Westbank First Nation and the Colville Confederated Tribes.
The presently known Okanagan valley is also known as the Okanagan Indian Nations traditional territory, or as the "Syeelhwh Nation", which means the people who live here". "S-Ookanhkchinx" or Okanagan translates to mean "transport toward the head or top end". This refers to the people traveling from the head of the Okanagan Lake to where the Okanagan river meet the Columbia river. In other words Okanagan Lake and Okanagan river were the traditional transportation routes of the people and their traditional boundaries encompassed this area.