Transit Operator I

Para-Transit Vehicle Operator

Operates para-transit vehicles of various sizes in response to scheduled pickup assignments and in accordance with specific manifest instructions; provides assistance to passengers as needed, collects appropriate fares, assures comfort and safety, and completes required daily inspections and reports.

Environmental Factors

Work is performed in a transit vehicle and in a transit operations traffic environment, and is required to exit his/her vehicle to ensure safe operations and to assist passengers. Potential exposure to extreme heat/cold, heavy traffic, and loud environments.

Physical Factors

Moderate physical requirements, frequent bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, squatting, pushing/pulling, lifting, carrying, and reaching from all levels.

Work Situation Factors

Position involves competing demands, performing multiple tasks, working to deadlines, occasional work beyond normal business hours, and responding to customer issues. Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services. Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Las Cruces policies.

Meeting or exceeding the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process.

FIRST CONSIDERATION WILL BE GIVEN TO CURRENT CITY EMPLOYEES WHO MEET THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS.

This posting will be used to fill a part-time, regular, non-exempt, union represented position, but may be used to fill multiple vacancies to include positions that are regular, or contract and may be full-time, part-time, or temporary in other sections of the Transit Section.

This position is graded BC06.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Operates a para-transit vehicle in accordance with established demand-responsive schedule/manifest in order to provide safe, secure, assistive mobility services to eligible program participants; assists riders to safely board and disembark the vehicle; secures all mobility aids in accordance with established procedures.
• Provides passengers with verbal and written information regarding transit services, destinations, stop and cross-street announcements, policies, fares, and schedules.
• Collects and accounts for accurate fare collection; collects and gathers bus fares and tokens from each bus driver; performs accounting for all fees and logs on spreadsheets; counts money at the end of day and creates deposits.
• Performs daily vehicle inspections prior to beginning service; maintains order in the passenger compartment; handles tense and stressful situations with tact and care and contacts the police department in the event that a behavior issue cannot be resolved and poses a threat to passenger or staff safety or comfort.
• Assures all required written reports are completed and submitted on a daily basis including, but not limited to, incident reports, accident reports, and operational problem reports; cooperates with the investigations of customer complaints; attends and successfully completes all transit training as scheduled by the supervisor; demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.
• Assists with the collection of data as required by the Transit Department for the planning and scheduling of transit service; assists with conducting outreach activities of the department.

Minimum Qualifications

No specific education requirements. Six (6) months in customer service, dispatch, or other driving related experience. A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy. Previous experience with elderly populations or persons with disabilities, as well as bilingual skills (English/Spanish), may be preferred.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

Valid driver's license is required. Position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy. Specific license requirements may apply.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of: Operating transit vehicles in a safe manner, in compliance with all traffic laws, City policy and procedures, and state and local regulations; reading maps and schedule information; reacting quickly to situations that could create safety and customer security problems; principles, practices, techniques, activities, rules, and regulations related to the operations and functions of the position and services provided; current principles of record keeping and records management; principles and practices of effective research methods and data analysis, customer service, and problem resolution techniques; occupational and environmental safety and health hazards, and safety practices; safe and effective use and maintenance of related tools, materials, and equipment; current methods and standards for preparing effective business correspondence; correct English usage, grammar, composition, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; business and personal computers and related software applications; City organization, operations, policies, and procedures to effectively perform the required functions and duties of the position.

Skills in: reading, understanding, and applying relevant rules, ordinances, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures; effectively managing assignments; responding to inquiries timely and within the scope of delegated authority; responding appropriately, maintaining objectivity and freedom from prejudice, and exercising sound judgment and understanding in all interactions; effectively working independently, or as a team member, in various environments with changing priorities; preparing and presenting various reports, documents, forms, and correspondence; researching information, analyzing data, maintaining accurate records, and updating information in various mediums and formats; operating a personal computer with installed generic and specialized software; preparing and presenting information in a clear and concise manner; demonstrating appropriate and effective interpersonal communication and conflict resolution skills; performing highly effective support in assigned areas.

Ability to: perform a variety of duties and responsibilities and assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and demands to meet deadlines; ensure appropriate levels of customer service to achieve expectations and meet objectives; read, understand, and assure compliance with a variety of policies, procedures, rules, standards, and regulations governing related activities and functions; collect applicable information and maintain accurate and timely records; maintain confidentiality of information and data; communicate effectively orally and in writing and use interpersonal skills to sufficiently exchange or convey information and receive work direction; prepare and present accurate and reliable information and reports; establish and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public; safely and effectively operate relevant tools, equipment, and motorized vehicles; navigate across even and uneven surfaces; timely and accurately enter data and update records using various mediums and formats; take initiative and exercise sound independent judgment within established procedural guidelines and carry out primary responsibilities in accordance with all governing regulations, statutes, and procedures to ensure achievement of goals and objectives.

Benefits

As per provisions specified in the individual contract or grant.