Bus Driver Trainee

Join Our Team As A Bus Driver Trainee

Start your career with Pasco County and train to become a Bus Driver! As a Bus Driver Trainee, you will attend a County sponsored CDL training program to become a licensed Bus Driver. The training program involves both classroom training and driving training under the supervision of a certified trainer. Trainees learn to operate and maintain a transit bus to transport patrons safely and efficiently to assigned locations using designed routes. The Bus Driver Trainee position requires incumbents successful completion of the training program, passing the DMV Class B Commercial license exam and a Passenger (P) Endorsement certificate.

Essential Job Functions

Participates in the bus driver training which involves classroom teaching, skills development, and practical instruction on the safe operation of a transit bus. Practices pre-trip and post-trip comprehensive mechanical and safety vehicle system checks including fluid levels, basic operating systems, and operation of wheelchair lift and secured equipment to the standards required under the complementary paratransit provisions of the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Upon completion of course, the Bus Driver essential job function include driving a large, heavy-duty transit buses and other passenger-carrying vehicles within Pasco County and to neighboring counties. Provides transit service on an assigned fixed route or demand response services Follows established fixed route schedules and maps, collects fares and enforces rider policies. Boards, secures, and a lights customers in wheelchairs and assists other passengers with disabilities. Makes routine location, departure, and arrival announcements so that all passengers can navigate the system. Responds to passenger inquiries and provides information that helps passengers navigate the system, assisting passengers as required. Conducting safety and operational vehicle inspections. Writes inspections, schedule, incident and accident reports and other documents. Maintains a clean vehicle in safe operating condition throughout the shift, reporting malfunctions immediately to a supervisor. Operates onboard touchscreen tablets, destination signs, farebox controls and other technology. Operates two-way radios and public address systems. Work performed involves direct contact with the riding public within a confined space for extended periods of time, requiring tact, good judgement, and professionalism. Ability to lift and move 40 pounds, or work with another team member to lift and/or move excessively heavy objects. Performs other related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to effectively communicate with customers face-to-face or via public address systems.
• Ability to operate all transit vehicles.
• Ability to operate all scheduled routes.
• Ability to comprehend local geography.
• Ability to drive in daylight and darkness.
• Ability to deliver excellent customer service.
• Ability to work under stress, with frequent interruptions, and while interacting with irate customers.
• Ability to work in heavy traffic conditions and during poor weather.
• Ability to interact positively with a variety of personalities, both internally and externally.
• Ability to maintain records and prepare reports accurately and legibly.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions
• Ability to perform calculations with accuracy.
• Ability to dress appropriately and maintain personal hygiene.
• Ability to conduct oneself so that they are not a threat to themselves or others.
• Ability to meet attendance and punctuality requirements.
• Ability to be flexible, effective team player.
• Knowledge of safe operations of large heavy-duty transit buses.
• Knowledge of traffic laws, rules and driving courtesy.
• Ability to serve and interact with the public.
• Ability to operate two-way radio communications equipment.
• Ability to successfully complete initial and recurring training.
• Ability to read a route schedule and map, then plan operating activities for the route.
• Ability to make recommendations and to solve problems.

Minimum Requirements

Physical Activities/Working Conditions: Ability to communicate effectively using verbal, written and visual communication. Ability to sit and drive a transit vehicle for extended periods of time. Ability to tolerate exposure to all weather conditions. Ability to lift and move 40 pounds, or work with another team member to lift and/or move excessively heavy objects. Ability to push or pull passengers in manual wheelchairs up and down a ramp. Ability to frequently climb, bend, stoop, kneel, squat and stretch. Ability to manipulate and fasten safety securement devices. Ability to operate tactile devices like tablets, destination signs and farebox controls. Ability to perceive color, depth and texture. Ability to work early morning, late evening, weekend, holiday and split shifts. Ability to change schedule to cover open routes sometimes on short notice. Ability to pass biennial or more frequent CDL medical examinations in compliance with FAC 14-90, provided by Pasco County, prior to employment. Ability to pass a urine drug test in compliance with FAC 14-90 prior to employment. Ability to pass a Florida Agency for Health Care Administration Level II background check prior to employment. Must not have DUI or impaired driving convictions within the past 10 years. Education, Training and Experience: Graduation from high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma. Licenses, Certifications or Registrations: Must possess a valid Florida Driver's License. Must obtain a valid Florida Class A or B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) without Air Brake Restrictions (Code 1) and with a Passenger Endorsement (Code P) after successful completion of training program. ADA Statement: A qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Drug-Free Workplace: Pasco County BOCC is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida law. Emergency Response/Recovery Activities: All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens. Veterans' Preference: Under Section 295.07, F.S., Chapter SSA-7, Pasco County BCC provides to Veterans, that preference in appointment will be given to preference-eligible applicants.

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