Bus Driver

Position Description

About the Office of Commissioner Rodney Ellis

There are four precincts in Harris County. The four elected commissioners, along with an elected county judge, serve as members of Harris County Commissioners Court, the administrative head of the county's government. Commissioner Rodney Ellis represents the constituents of Precinct One.

With approximately 1.17 million residents, Harris County Precinct One is a diverse, urban precinct that covers 363 square miles. Precinct One's multi-racial, multi-ethnic population is roughly 33 percent African American, 38 percent Latino, 21 percent Anglo, 6 percent Asian and 2 percent other or multiple races. Precinct One stretches south to Brazoria County and reaches into eastern and northern sections of Harris County. The Precinct's territory includes a large section of Downtown Houston, including the Downtown Harris County Courthouse Complex, Toyota Center, Minute Maid Park and the BBVA Compass Stadium. Other notable landmarks include the 263-acre NRG Park Complex and the renowned Texas Medical Center. The Precinct is also the higher educational home to Houston Community College, Rice University, Texas Southern University, the University of Houston and the University of St. Thomas. Precinct One manages more than 21 parks, 10 community centers, numerous hike-and-bike trails, three maintenance service centers and several area offices, all of which provide an array of services to Precinct One residents.

Commissioner Rodney Ellis' Office Mission Precinct One:

Commissioner Rodney Ellis' Office, is committed to becoming a national model for delivering responsive public service that utilizes inclusive, innovative, and collaborative approaches to improve the quality of life, advance equality of opportunity, and promote the fair treatment of all people in Harris County. Key Areas of focus for our organization include, but are not limited to:

• Advancing more effective, fair and equitable criminal justice system.
• Furthering economic justice, equity, and opportunity for all Harris County residents, especially those often and historically left behind by government programs.
• Ensuring equitable outcomes in health and access to quality, affordable healthcare
• Fighting for environmental and climate justice that keeps all communities safe and healthy.
• Equitably investing in developing and maintaining resilient infrastructure and transportation for the 21st century
• Building and defending voting rights and a democracy that ensures equitable representation.
• Progressing equity and social and racial justice as common threads through all areas of public policy and public service.

Job Summary:

The Bus Operator will be responsible for operating various types of commercial passenger vehicles while providing safe and efficient transport services to Precinct One constituents and partners. Bus Operators follow precise schedules and adjust driving according to traffic and weather conditions and will be responsible for the safety and security of all passengers to and from their destinations.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provide excellent customer service by safely transporting passengers to various destinations, operating various sizes of large passenger vehicles, open vehicle doors for passengers to enter and exit and assist passengers with disabilities and baggage.
• Answer passengers' inquiries and maintain a professional demeanor at all times.
• Follow specific timetables, planned routes.
• Obey traffic laws, safety procedures, and transit regulations.
• Use vehicle, on-board equipment, communication devices and emergency procedures per standard operating procedures.
• Re-fueling, interior and exterior cleaning and sanitizing of units.
• Communicate with group coordinator and dispatch regarding planned trips and schedule.
• Other duties as assigned.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

If you need special services or accommodations, please call View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io. This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Requirements

Education:

• High school diploma/GED

Experience:

• Three (3) years of related work experience

Licensure:

• Commercial Drivers License with Passenger endorsement

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of how to operate a commercial vehicle and the ability to employ defensive driving techniques and exercise prudent judgment under a variety of constantly changing operating conditions while maintaining a courteous and respectful attitude toward passengers.

Note: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge and skills must be documented in your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

General Information

Work Environment:

• This job operates in a Precinct One bus and often requires the driver to be stationary for extended periods of time
• Temperature and weather condition variations may be encountered.
• This role also uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers and copiers.

Physical Demands:

• This position is prominently sedentary however, may require some light physical activity (ability to climb stairs, pre and post trip inspection, storing baggage and bus cleaning).
• Ability to exert up to 25 pounds of force frequently

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards. Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.

Harris County Employee Benefits

Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.

The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Wellness Plan
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
• Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
• One (1) floating holiday per year
• Paid Parental Leave*
• Sick Leave

Retirement Savings Benefit

• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:

• Professional learning & development opportunities
• Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
• Flexible work schedule*
• METRO RideSponsor Program*

* Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.

In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.

For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website: