Fixed Route Operator

ROCKFORD MASS TRANSIT DISTRICT Job Title:         Fixed Route Bus Operator Department:    Fixed Route Reports to:      Fixed Route Supervisor Summary:  Provide safe, courteous and timely transportation of bus passengers.  Responsible for fare collection and is a source of information for passengers.  Reports traffic conditions and records any mechanical problems with the bus. Essential Duties & Responsibilities: Transport passengers in a safe, courteous and scheduled manner Perform visual vehicle inspections and report any mechanical problems or defects of assigned vehicle prior to departure Provide passengers with correct route information, schedules and transfers Collect proper fares from every passenger and, when requested, keep an accurate passenger count Communicate to dispatcher through proper channels any traffic congestion, accidents or poor road conditions Close all windows in bus and remove any items remaining on the vehicle, including passenger items, personal items and District property Read Bulletins & Notices board daily Verbally announce major street intersections (as required by ADA ) and/or establishments along the designated route Maintain order on the vehicle and complete written reports as required Adhere to all official safety policies and guidelines as well as principles taught in the Defensive Driving Course, including use of operator and passenger seat belts and/or shoulder safety belts provided in the vehicle as well as the proper locking in of passenger wheelchairs Perform other duties as assigned/directed by the Fixed Route Supervisors, Operations Manager or Executive Director Qualifications & Requirements: High School diploma or GED CDL eligible (RMTD will train).  A CDL also requires a Medical Examiner's Certificate which certifies completion of a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination, including a drug screen.  This physical must be renewed every two (2) years. Valid drivers license with good and verifiable driving record Strong attention to detail Good time management, communication and organization skills Ability to remain calm and execute good judgment Ability to maintain an alert and unimpaired physical condition at all times while on duty Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Provide safe transportation to the general public while driving in all types of traffic, weather and road conditions Answer questions of the public and operate the vehicle in a manner to anticipate and prevent accidents Remain under the direction of a bus/route schedule Respond safely to unexpected events and have the temperament and psychological capability to provide consistently safe service Legible handwriting Ability to make quick decisions and to maintain a schedule Ability to file accident reports and to solve or get proper assistance in solving critical situations as needed Ability to operate a bus and be able to adjust to different types of buses Willingness to transport service animals Physical Demands: Requires the ability to sit for long periods of time (approximately 75% of the time) Requires the ability to assist disabled passengers (approximately 20% of the time) Requires the ability to complete necessary paperwork and other miscellaneous duties (approximately 5% of the time) Requires the ability to lift a maximum of 10 pounds while seated and a maximum of 25 pounds while standing Requires the ability to push, pull and/or maneuver approximately 200-600 pounds.  This weight will generally consist of a wheelchair and its passenger.  This amount of weight will need to be maneuvered within the bus for positioning of the wheelchair into the locked position. Frequent kneeling, bending, twisting and standing are required to serve disabled and ambulatory passengers The operator may be exposed to fumes, odors and moderate noise as a part of driving the vehicle Requires the ability to listen, hear and speak over the two-way radio system Hours: This position requires working odd hours, split shifts, early morning and/or late night hours, including nights and weekends The schedule will be inconsistent on a daily basis until full-time, regular status is reached Part-time operators are required to be available all hours of operation to perform work which becomes available due to full-time employee absences Training hours will vary between 5:00AM and 12:00AM allowing for training on all shifts and routes Selection: Interview process may include testing, in-person interview and extensive background checks in addition to the formal application The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between RMTD and the employee and is subject to change as the needs and the requirements of RMTD and the job change.