Bus Operator - 100% Contract

Bus Operator

Starting Salary Range $36,832-$46,040 plus excellent benefits

If you like to drive and love people, a career as a bus operator could be for you!  Cities Area Transit is now accepting applications for full-time, contract, Bus Operators. The successful applicants will safely operate a city bus on an assigned route and schedule, collect and account for fares, perform basic bus maintenance and a variety of technical skills relative to assigned area of responsibility.  Operator will also coordinate night and weekend shop operation as necessary.  Possession or ability to obtain a valid commercial driver's license with passenger and air brake endorsement within two months and HS Diploma/GED required.   Applications must be submitted to City of Grand Forks HR Dept.  Apply online at www.grandforksgov.com or City Hall. Open until filled. EEO Employer.

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class.  Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

DEFINITION

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

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the Transportation Operations Supervisor.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS--Essential responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

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.

QUALIFICATIONS (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities)

Knowledge: Modern transit buses and their operation and maintenance; Two-way radios, wheel chair 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 and Training Guidelines

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

            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.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environmental and Physical Conditions:

Field environment; exposure bodily fluids and infectious waste, noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, and gases; traffic conditions; adherence to a time schedule on bus routes throughout the day; Essential and marginal functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting and operating motorized equipment for prolonged periods of time; completion of Department of Transportation required physical.