Transit Operator

Transit Bus Operator

Operates transit buses of various sizes over fixed routes and in accordance with specific manifest instructions to meet service delivery expectations in providing public transportation in a safe, courteous and timely manner.

Environmental Factors

Work is performed in a transit vehicle and in a transit operations environment with exposure to all types of weather and traffic conditions with potential exposure to extreme heat/cold, heavy traffic, and loud environments.

Physical Factors

Moderate physical requirements, frequent sitting, 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.

Position will be advertised as continuous until filled, with periodic review of applications.

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

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

Part-time, regular, non-exempt, union represented position

This position is graded BC10.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides services to users of the transit system, drives and operates bus through all weather conditions, ensures the comfort of passengers, maintains order among customers and addresses volatile situations to ensure safety and security; 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.
• Announces bus stops, provides fare and routing information, explains passenger policies and procedures, provides verbal and written information regarding transit services, destinations, stop and cross-street announcements; provides directions and assists customers with boarding the vehicle and securing wheelchairs in accordance with established processes and procedures to provide expected levels of customer service; changes route display prior to beginning new route to provide consistent, accurate, and timely information and services.
• Completes, submits, and files various special and recurring reports and documents to include but not limited to incident reports, accident reports, and operational problem reports; cooperates with the investigations of customer complaints; performs daily inspections of to detect and report safety or maintenance problems, reports operational problems in a timely manner to the appropriate staff for repairs; assures that vehicles are operated in accordance with established policies, procedures, rules, regulations and schedules.
• Attends and successfully completes all required training; assists with the collection of data for the planning and scheduling of transit services; assists with conducting outreach activities to meet established goals and objectives. Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.

Minimum Qualifications

No specific education requirements. Previous experience driving transit vehicles may be preferred. A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy.

Licenses/Certification(s)

Valid Class B Commercial Driver's License with passenger endorsement is required. Position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with City of Las Cruces policies. Specific license requirements apply; driving record is subject to review and approval. Bilingual skills (English/Spanish) may be preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of: applicable traffic regulations, signs, and signals; effective customer service, communication, and problem resolution techniques and methods; occupational and environmental safety and health hazards, and safety practices and procedures; 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.

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.

Skills in: operating transit vehicles in a safe manner, complying with all applicable traffic laws, regulations, policies and procedures; reading maps, schedules and route information; reacting quickly to potential safety or security issues; 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.