Dial-A-Ride Bus Operator - Full Time

STARTING HOURLY WAGE:  $25.51

Primary Objective of Position

The Dial-a-Ride Bus Operator is responsible for providing safe, reliable, and friendly paratransit and/or on-demand transportation services.

Essential Functions of the Position

Essential duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them if the work is similar, related or logical to the position.

1. Responsible for providing safe, reliable, and friendly paratransit and/or on-demand bus transportation services.
   1. Perform complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections, equipment safety checks, and inform maintenance when mechanical and/or operating issues arise.
   2. Operate a transit bus in moderate to heavy traffic, according to time schedules while complying with traffic regulations to ensure passengers have a smooth ride while putting safety at the forefront at all times.
   3. Provide door-through-door assistance to eligible passengers
   4. Operate ramp and wheelchair lift and assist passengers in boarding, securing mobility devices and exiting safely.
   5. Collect fares, make passenger stops, maintain order on the bus and report delays or service interruptions.
   6. Write reports and complete paperwork according to policy and procedure concerning accidents, incidents, breakdowns and mechanical defects.
2. Communicates courteously and professionally and maintains respectful working relationships with coworkers and customers in carrying out job functions.
   1. Interact with coworkers, passengers and the general public in a manner that promotes a positive public image.
   2. Courteously and concisely provide clear and detailed response to passenger questions or refer the passenger to the approporiate Metro Bus team member.
3. Performs all job duties in compliance with safety guidelines and with an ongoing awareness of safety practices.
   1. Knows and follows safety rules and guidelines as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss;
   2. Wears proper protective equipment when policy requires or conditions indicate a need exists and utilizes proper body mechanics and ergonomics while performing work;
   3. When potentially unsafe conditions are observed, makes efforts to avoid or correct them if they are controllable and draws them to the attention of the responsible supervisor or safety representative in a timely manner.
4. Performs other duties and activities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

The job requires a high school diploma or equivalent, three (3) years satisfactory driving record, and demonstrated background in transportation, customer service, or commercial vehicle operation or an equivalent combination of education and experience. CDL permit with the following implications:  No airbrake restrictions, must have passenger endorsement.

Must have, or be able to obtain within 90 days, a valid Class B Minnesota Driver License, with passenger and air brake endorsements and current DOT medical certification.

Knowledge, skills and abilities required include:

• Ability to safely drive a transit vehicle in all traffic and weather conditions
• Ability to pass physical assessment, pre-employment DOT physical certification and pre-employment drug and alcohol testing
• Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with co-workers, passengers, and the general public and to handle all types of situations
• Ability to understand and carry out both oral and written instructions and complete written reports
• Must be able to read and speak English clearly. Bilingual a plus
• Ability to work flexible work schedules including late evenings, early mornings and weekends
• Ability to maintain a valid Class B Minnesota Driver License, with passenger and air brake endorsements, and a current DOT medical certificate
• Ability to gain general geographic knowledge of the St. Cloud Metropolitan area
• Interpersonal skills sufficient to exchange and or convey information, receive work direction, and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of employees, committees and groups; and to diffuse situations/conversations that have escalated beyond normal limits

Desirable Qualifications

• Technical or Community College, business college or two (2) years post-secondary education
• Public Transit experience
• Experience working with individuals with varying physical and cognitive abilities

Physical Demands and Working Environment

1. This position drives Dial-a-Ride buses requiring extended periods of sitting with moderate periods of standing, walking, stooping, bending, pushing, pulling and reaching
2. Moderate exposure to temperature extremes; limited exposure to noise, physical and/or chemical hazards
3. Utilizes personal computer, onboard fare and communications technology, and two-way radio equipment on a regular basis

This position description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the organization and requirements of the job change.

Metro Bus is an Equal Opportunity Employer in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. It will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.