Bus Driver, Transportation II

Tri-Valley Opportunity Council•Thief River Falls, MN

About The Position

The Bus Driver is primarily responsible for safely transporting passengers on the Tri-Valley Heartland Express Bus. The role involves frequent interaction with the public and requires positive, professional customer service. Duties include following scheduled routes, assisting passengers, inspecting and maintaining bus safety and cleanliness, completing required paperwork, promoting program services, answering customer questions, and collecting fares. Bus Driver II requires a valid Commercial Driver’s License with Passenger Endorsement upon hire and continued maintenance of that credential. Tri-Valley may help drivers who do not yet meet this requirement obtain it within 90 days of employment through training and practice opportunities.

Requirements

Minimum of three years of driving experience.
Maintain a current Medical Examination Card, obtained upon hire.
Meet pre-employment drug screening and background search requirements and continue to meet applicable requirements thereafter.
Participate in subsequent drug and alcohol testing and background searches as appropriate.
Have acceptable Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) results upon hire and annually thereafter.
Pass Tri-Valley Transportation Driver Certification training and observation upon hire; passing is required to continue employment.
For Bus Driver II, hold a valid Commercial Driver’s License with Passenger Endorsement upon hire and maintain it thereafter.
Minimum age of 21 if required to drive a bus across state lines.

Responsibilities

Represent Tri-Valley Heartland Express and Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Inc. positively and professionally, and work respectfully and cooperatively with clients, the public, and coworkers.
Mentor substitute and new drivers and assist with daily and monthly forms.
Safely transport passengers to scheduled destinations while following assigned routes and adhering as closely as possible to scheduled pick-ups and drop-offs.
Operate the wheelchair lift and secure passengers in the wheelchair securement area as trained.
Assist passengers, including ambulatory passengers with walkers or folding carts, when boarding and exiting the bus.
Remind passengers to sit and use provided seatbelts, and respectfully enforce passenger policies to maintain a safe, positive environment.
Operate communication equipment appropriately and respectfully, and promptly report delays to the Route Coordinator or designee.
Complete required daily and monthly records and reports, training, and paperwork, and attend meetings as requested by the supervisor.
Perform public relations and marketing duties to increase ridership and public awareness.
Deposit fare boxes weekly at designated drop spots, sell tickets, and collect fees.
Remain alert to driving, weather, and other conditions that may affect passenger safety or route schedules.
Complete pre-trip and post-trip vehicle safety inspections according to the checklist before and after each route.
Promptly report vehicle problems to the Transportation Fleet Supervisor.
Immediately report vehicle accidents, breakdowns, passenger accidents or incidents to the Transportation Program Manager and Transit Route Coordinator.
Immediately report employee injuries to the Transportation Program Manager and complete a workers’ compensation accident report form as soon as possible, no later than the end of the shift.
Participate in mandatory Drug and Alcohol training and comply with required and requested testing.
Ensure vehicle compliance with MN/DOT requirements for safety equipment and supplies, including the fire extinguisher, spill kit, first aid kit, flashlight, and securements.
Know the safety equipment on the bus and use it safely as needed; comply with traffic laws and regulations.
Pass and maintain Tri-Valley Transportation Driver Certification criteria.