MET Transit Operator (Bus Driver)

Salary: $21.2969/hour (Step 1) without CDL License, $22.3691/hour (Step 2) with CDL License or after completion of training.  Salary reflects Step 1 and Step 2 of a 7-step pay scale. 

Job Summary: 

The Transit Operator position is directly involved in providing transit services to the citizens of Billings. Under general supervision, this position safely and efficiently operates a transit system vehicle over designated routes and for special events according to schedule or manifest; provides prompt and courteous customer service including attending to transit related passenger needs; provides information to the public; collects and verifies fares; and communicates regularly via two-way radio with other employees and management.

Scope of Responsibility: 

Incumbents will be familiar with department or functional operations and able to work with minimal assistance and considerable initiative.  Working under limited supervision, incumbents must make decisions considering objectives within established procedures as well as use analysis of data to solve problems within defined work principles.   Work product has a noticeable impact on departmental operations and moderate impact on the organization.  Incumbents may provide work direction or training to new employees.

Transit Operations

• Safely and efficiently operate a transit system vehicle over designated routes and for special events according to schedule, or manifest; use alternate routes when necessary and approved.
• Read, understand, and follow applicable schedules and routes; utilize a mobile data terminal for trip manifests, for fixed-route and paratransit operations, and other transit related activities.
• Pick up, transfer, and discharge passengers at various locations in accordance with schedule times and trip manifest; communicate professionally with other transit operators to coordinate passenger transfers and other issues as needed.
• Collect fares, verify pass eligibility, and assist passengers with fare related issues
• Maintain a variety of operational records including passenger counts with lift and bike rack deployments, pre-trip and post-trip records, and mileage; prepare tabulations and summaries; conduct surveys as required.
• Report driving hazards, vandalism, and incidents encountered on route; communicate professionally with dispatch, maintenance, and Transit Supervisors to report situations, request assistance, and request instruction; occasionally communicate with law enforcement, medical, and other emergency personnel.
• Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections of vehicles; report problems, repair needs, and other issues to ensure vehicle is safe and prepared for operation.
• Perform cleaning of interior and exterior of vehicles and facilities as directed; utilize drive through vehicle wash bay. 
• Perform a variety of building and grounds maintenance duties including snow removal as directed.
• Exhibit an understanding of and adhere to all applicable safety, security, and operational policies as well as applicable local, state, and federal regulations and requirements.
• Report for duty on short notice as required; maintain fitness for duty and availability when on standby.
• Serve as a responsible team member; display regular and consistent attendance and punctuality.
• Assist in the training of new employees. 

Passenger/Customer Service/Public Relations

• Greet passengers and maintain a friendly attitude; maintain order among passengers.
• Attend to transit related special needs of passengers including seniors and individuals with disabilities; make reasonable accommodations as necessary; operate mobility device restraints and all types of vehicle lifts and ramps; assist with loading of passengers using mobility devices as necessary.
• Promote a positive public relations image; recognize the transit operator position as a public servant and treat all passengers with dignity and respect, while using effective customer service skills
• Provide accurate information to passengers and the public; answer questions regarding routes, policies and regulations, City and business locations, and other questions or direct passengers to the appropriate source for answers.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• A State of Montana Class B, Type 2 commercial driver’s license with air brake and passenger endorsement or must be obtained within ninety (90) of employment
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test, Federal and State criminal history background check, and a driving records check
• Strong interpersonal skills 

Preferred Qualifications & Skills:

• Experience with city government and knowledge of city transit operations
• Two (2) or more years of combined professional driving education and experience, experience

Work is primarily in the operation of a passenger bus or transit vehicle.  Intermittent physical effort involving lifting of 60 pounds or less is required. Work frequently includes sitting for long periods of time with occasional standing, walking, pushing, pulling, bending, kneeling, crouching, stooping, squatting, and crawling. Alignment of a passenger and their wheelchair or other mobility device into a position for use of lift equipment, ramps, and restraints also occurs occasionally. Driving is required on a regular basis and includes the required ability to learn routes, geography of the city and area, street names, and landmarks. Work requires moderate attention to detail or deadlines, including the ability to read a schedule and map as well as operate a mobile data terminal between 45% and 70% of the time. Exposure to multiple disagreeable elements none of which are greater than moderate intensity between 15% and 45% of the time including, but not limited to, cold, heat, odors, outdoors, and vibration. All transit operators are subject to random drug and alcohol testing as required by the Federal Transit Administration and the City of Billings. 

Some requirements in this job description may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.  All requirements are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and experience required.  To perform this job successfully, the worker must possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise.   The City retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time.