Full-Time Bus Operator

Responsible for safe and careful operation of a public transit vehicle, transporting people from one place to another based on an assigned route and making required stops according to time schedule.Essential Functions: 

1.Transport passengers from one place to another safely in a designated transit vehicle. 

2.Provide excellent customer service by providing information regarding map information, schedules, routes, transfer points, and any schedule changes to all passengers including the disabled, visually impaired and hearing impaired; Assist disabled passengers and mobility aid passengers as needed. 

3.Operate bus in a smooth manner on assigned routes, announcing required stops according to time schedule and learn all transfer points and times. 

4.Prepare the bus for the daily route; check fluid levels, inspect tires, scan engine for obvious problems, spot clean floor, windows and seat, empty trash can, and fill out check list and note all damages to bus before departing. 

5.Drive through traffic and monitor traffic, passengers, and pedestrians while obeying all traffic laws. 

6.Perform fare collection and make daily reports of distance traveled. 

7.Perform basic bus vehicle problem surveillance and report mechanical problems and service requirements to the Transportation Operations Supervisor. 

8.Fill bus with fuel, spot clean interior as necessary to ensure cleanliness of buses before and during operation. 

9.Consult with Transportation Operations Supervisor to report road conditions, recommend route and time changes, shelter locations needed, and discuss daily and long-range problems. 

10. Report accidents or other traffic disruptions to dispatcher and follow directions when using an alternate route. 

11. Search for and secure passengers lost or forgotten property.

Marginal Functions: 

1.Check bus shelters for cleanliness and snow removal. 

2.Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

3.If assigned, coordinate shop operation during nights or weekends. Knowledge: Modern transit buses and their operation and maintenance; Two-way radios, wheelchair lifts and tie down system, and PA system for visually impaired; Principles and practices of customer service; Operational characteristics of transportation vehicles and related equipment; City geography; Basic mathematical principles; Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations.

Skills: Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities; Maintain mental capacity which allows the capability of making sound decisions and demonstrating intellectual capabilities; Maintain effective audio/visual discrimination and perception to the degree necessary for the successful performance of assigned duties. Stop the designated transit vehicle frequently at designated passenger stops.

Abilities: Work independently in the absence of supervision; Learn city traffic laws and safe bus operating procedures; Follow state and federal transit regulations; Learn city street system and the location of various offices and agencies; Work within the constraints of a time schedule; Prepare clear and concise reports; Use independent judgment and foresight when assessing route conditions in poor weather; Give and follow directions with precision; Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.Experience: Two years of increasingly responsible experience operating a public transit bus.

Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

License or Certificate: Possession of, or ability to obtain within 60 days, a valid commercial's driver's license with passenger and air brake endorsement.