VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

School Bus Driver

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF INDIAN EDUCATION
Pine Ridge School
Pine Ridge, SD

POSITION TITLE & GRADE:
School Bus Driver, CY-5703-02

POSITION INFORMATION:
Full time, School Year

Salary Range $20.47 - $29.09, Per Hour

LOCATION:
Pine Ridge School, Pine Ridge, SD

ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER:
2023-D06A16-037,

Vacancies

Issue Date: 09/22/23

Closing Date: 10/12/23 - 08:30 pm, Central Timezone

The Bureau of Indian Education's mission is to provide quality education opportunities from early childhood through life in accordance with the tribes' needs for cultural and economic well-being and in keeping with the wide diversity of Indian tribes and Alaska Native villages as distinct cultural and governmental entities. The Department of the Interior (DOI) places a high value on diversity of experience and cultural perspectives and encourages applications from all interested eligible candidates. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) are fundamental principles that guide the Department and allow us to successfully achieve our mission.

JOIN US AS WE INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATION!

STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

Incumbent will create and maintain a safe, positive learning environment to ensure the holistic development of each student and staff member through cultural, social, spiritual, physical and academic experience. Incumbent will support the Bureau of Indian Education’s mission, which is to provide high quality education opportunities from early childhood through life while considering a tribe’s need for cultural and economic well-being. In performing this mission, the BIE takes into account the spiritual, mental, physical, and cultural aspects of school-aged children within their family and tribal community. To meet its trust responsibility to Indian Tribes, BIE works to strengthen education opportunities for American Indian students to be successful and competitive globally; to enhance student participation in their tribal communities; and support tribes in nation-building, in development of the next generation of tribal leaders.

Responsibilities:

Operates a school bus with a rated capacity of 36-60 passengers on school bus route(s) transporting students to and from school. The school bus routes are normally over unimproved roads that become very difficult to traverse during inclement weather.
Operates a school bus with a rated capacity of 36-60 passengers transporting student groups and employees of the school serving as sponsors and/or coaches of the groups to and from extra curricula activities such as field trips, sporting events, cultural activities, etc., both on and off the reservation. Trips are usually over improved roads and streets in all kinds of traffic and weather conditions.
Operates motor vehicles such as sedans, station wagons, pickup trucks, vans, etc., for the school performing trips such as picking up mail, supplies, laundry, transporting children to and from medical facilities, etc.

Performs operator maintenance checks before and after each trip and performs other maintenance and repairs as required such as checking and replacing worn fan belts, changing and repairing flat tires, changing oil and filters, cleaning and replacing air filters, etc. ls required to take vehicles assigned to the school to and from garages for repair, turn-in and/or maintenance.

INDIAN PREFERENCE POLICY:

Preference in filling vacancies is given to qualified Indian candidates in accordance with the Indian Preference Act of 1934 (Title 25, USC, Section 472). Verification Form BIA-4432 must be submitted with the application if claiming Indian Preference. Consideration will be given to Non-Indian applicants in the absence of qualified Indian Preference eligible.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

Within the scope of Indian preference, all candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, national origin or other non-merit factors.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION LANGUAGE:

This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify this agency. The decision in granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Refer to BIE Job Category Standards for additional qualification requirements and substitutions for education. Applicants must meet the qualification requirements contained in the BIE Job Category Standard.

NOTE: Persons submitting incomplete applications will be given credit only for the information they provide. It is the applicant's responsibility to submit all required documentation in support of their application in order to receive full credit for their Indian Preference, education, training and/or experience. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION WILL NOT BE SOLICITED BY THIS OFFICE.

BASIC EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

High school diploma or GED and a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) are required. Drivers must meet all applicable State and Federal requirements for CDL.

No DWI arrest or conviction within the past two years; no more than one DWI conviction in one’s lifetime.

All applicants must demonstrate the ability to follow written and oral instructions.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is an absolute requirement for these positions. A valid CDL must be maintained as a condition of employment; failure to do so will result in removal from these positions. In accordance with Department of Interior/Indian Affairs' Drug-Free Workplace Program all positions with CDL requirements are "Testing Designated Positions". Therefore, as a condition of employment, incumbents of these positions are subject to random drug testing.

An annual physical examination is required. Incumbents may be required to wear personal protective equipment as necessary.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Drivers must be able to lift over 50 pounds and must be in excellent physical condition. Good vision and ability to read without strain printed material the size of typewritten characters are required, glasses permitted. Ability to hear the conversational voice, with or without a hearing aid, is required. Good hand and foot coordination is required. In addition, incumbents must have mental and emotional stability. Occasionally, incumbent may be required to travel for training purpose or attendance at meetings from the duty station.

BASIS OF RATING:

Once the announcement has closed, all applicants for this position will be rated based upon the extent and quality of their experience, training and/or education as reflected on their resume. The judgement of qualification will be based on materials submitted, therefore, it is the applicants’ advantage to give complete thorough and complete information in a neat and orderly fashion.

SPECIAL REFERENCE:

U.S. Citizenship is required. You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration if selected.
Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
All selections under an announcement must be made within 3 months from the issuance date of the certificate referral list.
Contract Length: School Year
Tour of Duty: Full Time (Seasonal)
The Bureau of Indian Education has determined that the duties of this position are NOT suitable for telework under any circumstances.
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Position is covered by Bargaining Unit/Union - Federation of Indian Service Employees, American Federation of Teachers Local 4521
One academic year (equivalent to two academic semesters) probationary period may be required.
May require overtime work.
Salary includes applicable locality pay.
Direct Deposit of pay is required.
A Recruitment Incentive is not offered.
Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) will not be authorized.
Government quarters are not available.
May be subject to drug testing.
DRIVING REQUIREMENT: Incumbent may be required, as an incidental duty, to operate a government-owned or leased motor vehicle, in the performance of duties, therefore, a valid driver's license is required. Incumbent must have a safe driving record within the three-year period immediately preceding submittal of GSA Form 3607 and be able to meet the safe driving requirements of the Bureau of Indian Education.
Applicant is subject to a favorable background investigation. This is a Non-Critical Low Risk Position subject to a favorable adjudicated background investigation.

The Investigative Process for Public Trust Positions: Background investigations for public trust positions are conducted to gather information to determine whether applicants are reliable, trustworthy, of good conduct and character, and loyal to the U.S. The information that provided on the Questionnaire for Public Trust Positions (SF-85P) and the Declaration for Federal Employment (OF 306) may be confirmed during the investigation. The investigation may extend beyond the time covered by this form, when necessary to resolve issues.

The applicant's current employer may be contacted as part of the investigation, although the applicant may have previously indicated on applications or other forms that the applicant did not want the current employer to be contacted. If the applicant has a security freeze on their consumer or credit report file, then the agency may not be able to complete the investigation, which can adversely affect the applicant's eligibility for a public trust position or the ability to obtain Federal or contract employment. To avoid such delays, the applicant must request that the consumer reporting agencies lift the freeze in these instances.
In addition to the questions on the SF-85P, inquiry also is made about the applicant's adherence to security requirements, the applicant honesty and integrity, falsification, misrepresentation, and any other behavior, activities, or associations that tend to demonstrate a person is not reliable, trustworthy, or loyal.

After a suitability /fitness determination is made, the applicant may also be subject to continuous vetting which may include periodic reinvestigations to ensure the employee is continuing suitability for employment.

HOW TO APPLY:

Required Documents

NOTE: To ensure compliance with an applicable preliminary nationwide injunction, which may be supplemented, modified, or vacated, depending on the course of ongoing litigation, the Federal Government will take no action to implement or enforce the COVID-19 vaccination requirement pursuant to Executive Order 14043 on Requiring Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination for Federal Employees. Federal agencies may request information regarding the vaccination status of selected applicants for the purposes of implementing other workplace safety protocols, such as protocols related to masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine.

To apply for this position, submit a complete Application Package to include the following:

Your resume which may be submitted in any written format of your choice. It must clearly identify the following:
- Vacancy Announcement Number
- Month and year of High School Graduation or date GED information received PLUS name of school, city, and state.
- Complete contact information for employer reference (your supervisor) for last 12 months of employment. If none is available, you must provide a professional reference which is a person not related to you and who knows your qualifications and fitness for the kind of job for which you are applying.
Your resume must support the specialized experience described in this announcement. Your work experience must contain the following:
- Job Title
- Duties
- Accomplishments
- Employer’s name and address
- Supervisor's name and phone number
- Starting and ending date (month and year)
- Hours per week
- Salary
Claiming Indian Preference: Form BIA 4432, available at Verification of Indian Preference for Employment (PDF), Verification of Indian Preference for employment, is required for claiming Indian Preference. The form must be completed by the appropriate official with the federally recognized tribe where the applicant is enrolled as a member. No other form will be accepted.

Commercial Driver’s License: Copy of professional certification or licensure as identified in the qualifications and/or conditions of employment. You must submit a copy of your current and valid professional certification or licensure with your application package or you will be rated ineligible. It must reflect your name, issue date, expiration date, and endorsements (as applicable).

Additional Documents (Optional):

Cover Letter to resume: Cover letter providing your intent for employment and brief narrative of your qualifications or strengths for the position.
Claiming Current or Prior Federal Service: Copy of most recent SF-50, DD03434 or other accepted equivalent to SF-50, Notification of personnel Action, to identify prior Federal service and/or highest previous rate.
Claiming Additional Education: Copies of Official transcripts are preferred; student advisement and web-print outs are NOT acceptable submissions.

Copies of Official or Unofficial College Transcript may be accepted for initial qualifications evaluation or pay setting. Transcripts MUST show the degree awarded, date conferred, and all required courses as required by the position. Please note, this may be shown with multiple transcripts.

Upon tentative selection, you MUST submit Official transcripts for all colleges attended before final job offer can be confirmed.
State Driver’s License: Copy of licensure as identified in the conditions of employment. It must reflect your name, issue date, expiration date, and endorsements (as applicable).
Claiming Military Service: DD214 (member copy 4) for consideration of service credit for leave purposes.
Future Military Retirees*: You are required to submit a copy of your retirement DD Form 214 (Member 4 Copy) OR certification document** OR a copy of your retirement letter AND a copy of your terminal leave request (if applicable). You will be required to provide your DD Form 214 (Member 4 Copy) upon issuance.
Future Separation from the Military*: You are required to submit a copy of your most recent DD Form 214 (Member 4 Copy) OR certification document** OR a copy of your most recent active duty orders AND a copy of your terminal leave request (if applicable). You will be required to provide your DD Form 214(Member 4 Copy) upon issuance.

*Active duty military members who are selected may not be appointed unless on terminal leave or already separated from the armed forces.

** The "certification" is any written document from the armed forces that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted. The Statement of Service must be signed by, or by direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters, AND the Statement of Service letter must include your rank, dates of active duty service, the Type of Discharge, Character of Service (i.e. honorable), and, if applicable, when your terminal leave will begin.

Applications and all accompanying documents must be received by 10/12/23 - 08:30 pm, Central.

SCHOOL MAILING ADDRESS:

Department of the Interior

Bureau of Indian Education

Pine Ridge School

P.O. Box 1202

Pine Ridge, South Dakota 57770

FAX SIGNED AND DATED APPLICATIONS TO: (605) 867-5482

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: Helena White Eyes, Business Technician, (605) 867-5198

For VERIFICATION of our receipt of your application-resume, please contact: Helena White Eyes, Business Technician, (605) 867-5198

Application Deadline

Applications and all accompanying documents must be received by the closing date & time of the announcement.

Applicant’s qualifications will be evaluated solely on the information submitted by them in their applications.

Applications become part of the official record and will not be duplicated or returned.

This office accepts telefaxed applications.

Applications mailed using Government postage and/or envelopes are in violation of OPM and postal regulations and will NOT be considered.

This office does NOT accept applications via e-mail.

PLEASE NOTE: Documents submitted as part of the application package, to include supplemental documents, may be shared beyond the Human Resources Office. Some supplemental documents like military orders and marriage certificates may contain personal information for other than the applicant.