Operator

The Part Time Bus Operator will provide bus operating work necessary to provide transit and paratransit service to Hernando County residents and visitors, including the elderly, social service program participants, and individuals with disabilities.

• Operates transit coaches and other passenger-carrying vehicles in the performance of transit or paratransit service. Provides public transportation services on an assigned fixed or flexible route and/or schedule.
• Collects fares when applicable and makes message announcements while on-route.
• Assists passengers as required. Boards, secures, and off-loads wheelchair and other mobility-assisted passengers. Provides information and responds to passenger inquires.
• Conducts safety and operational vehicle inspections.
• Prepares daily inspection and passenger/trip reports.
• Work involves considerable contact with the public and requires tact, judgment and diplomacy.
• Work is performed with considerable independence under the general direction of a supervisor or General Manager. Responsible for maintaining vehicle in clean and safe operating order, and reporting malfunctions.

Assists in emergency evacuations as assigned and performs other related work as required.

• G raduation from high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma.
• Minimum of one year of driving experience in the operation of a bus, minibus, passenger van, or similar vehicle.
• Possession of a valid Florida Commercial Driver's License (CDL), Class "B" with Air Brakes and "P" endorsement . Applicants with the appropriate out of state CDL will be considered however, must obtain a Florida CDL by date of hire.
• No convictions within the past 10 years for DUI/impaired driving preferred.
• Knowledge of geographic area.
• Knowledge of traffic laws, rules, driving courtesy, and the fundamentals of defensive driving.
• Ability to serve and interact with the public.
• Ability to operate two-way radio communication equipment.
• Ability to remain calm and stay focused during stressful traffic situations and when dealing with irate customers.
• Ability to accurately and legibly complete and submit required reports.
• Ability to operate electronic tablets accurately.
• Ability to successfully complete recurring training
• Ability to read a map, locate addresses , plan an efficient route and maintain assigned schedule .
• Ability to make recommendations and to use resourcefulness in solving problems.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions. Schedules may change with short notice
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 40 pounds and push or pull heavy objects.
• May use a handling device (dolly, cart, etc.) or work with another team member to lift and/or move excessively heavy objects.
• Ability to climb, bend, stoop, walk, and squat frequently.
• Ability to communicate effectively using speaking, hearing, writing, and vision skills.

All applicants must undergo a Florida Department of Transportation Medical Examination and pass a urine drug test prior to employment. Medical examinations will be conducted every two years. Future urine drug testing and alcohol breath testing will comply with the Hernando County Transit Managements Substance Abuse Policy.

SPLIT SHIFTS, SPLIT DAYS-OFF, EVENINGS, SATURDAY AND HOLIDAY DUTY WILL BE ASSIGNED AS REQUIRED TO PERFORM SCHEDULED SERVICE.