Vehicle Operator: (Part-Time)

Job Title: Vehicle Operator

Deadline to apply is July 31, 2026.

Job Summary

The Vehicle Operator performs a variety of transportation-related work, including: driving heavy machinery capable of carrying up to 35 persons and their possessions in a safe, timely manner, exerting due care for the driving, riding and walking public; general upkeep of City vehicles and vehicle storage area; various reports and pre & post trip vehicle inspections; and assists in fulfilling the operating policies and procedures of the Transit Department.

Essential Job Functions

• Operates heavy machinery while transporting the public in a safe and timely manner, adhering to various City approved routes and schedules.
• Conducts pre and post trip inspections of vehicles, correctly reporting any problems or deficiencies.
• Greets and assists the public in a friendly, courteous manner; responds to inquires from employees, citizens and others; and refers, when necessary, to appropriate persons.
• Keeps City vehicles clean on a daily basis sweeps interior, washes interior and exterior, disposes of trash.
• Maintains vehicle storage and office area in a clean manner.
• Prepares the necessary daily paperwork reporting passenger counts and vehicle / situation discrepancies.
• Provide information to the public to assist them in locating services and business establishments.

Secondary Job Functions

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Fiscal Budget Responsibility

• Responsible for adhering to all City of South Padre Island Purchasing Policies while performing purchasing tasks.

Qualifications

Education:

• Requires a high school diploma or equivalent.

Experience:

• Two (2) years of related work experience in a related field; or any equivalent combination of education and experience, equivalency to be determined by the City.

Licenses or Certifications:

• Have a commercial Driver's License (CDL A or B) with passenger endorsement.
• Have a certificate showing satisfactory completion of a Defensive Driving Course within the last twelve (12) months.
• Have passed a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) qualified physical for commercial transportation operators within the previous twenty-four (24) month period.
• A valid state driver's license.

Special Requirements:

• Bilingual: Spanish and English preferred.
• Have no more than two (2) moving violations or accidents within the last three (3) years.
• Have passed an initial pre-employment FTA-approved drug test and continue to pass random drug and alcohol tests.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Skill in operation of listed tools and equipment.
• Ability to handle stressful situations and to effectively meet and deal with the public in a tactful and courteous manner.
• Ability to operate vehicle in congested areas in all types of climatic conditions.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Knowledge of standard business arithmetic, including percentages and decimals.
• Knowledge of record keeping, report preparation, filing methods and records management techniques.
• Knowledge of area streets, geography and community.
• Ability to work irregular hours and shift times.

Tools and Equipment Used:

Passenger buses such as Type 3 or Type 11 buses; wheelchair lifts within these buses; passenger counters; fuel dispenser; CB radio; tire jack; tire changer and video camera.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit and talk or hear for long periods of time. Sitting may be relieved by brief or occasional periods of standing or walking. The employee is occasionally required to walk and carry items; and is frequently required to use hands/fingers and feet to handle, or feel controls, objects, or tools; and to reach with arms, hands, legs and feet. The employee must occasionally lift and or move up to forty (40) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts or in outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/ or humid conditions, fumes toxic or caustic chemicals. Work is performed in mostly in an air-conditioned vehicle, although considerable outdoor work may be required at times while performing the required duties. The noise level in the work environment is often noisy and disruptive.

Selection Guidelines

Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required.