Full Time Norman Bus Operator

EMBARK•Oklahoma City, OK

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Bus Operator is located in the Norman Operations Division of EMBARK and reports to a Route Supervisor or other designated Operations management personnel. The operator safely, efficiently, and courteously transports passengers while following applicable federal, state, and local regulations, as well as EMBARK policies and procedures. As a frontline representative of EMBARK, the operator provides customer service, supports reliable service and accessibility, and promotes safety during daily operations. The role operates fixed-route, special-event, charter, and other assigned transit vehicles; conducts vehicle inspections; monitors equipment; assists passengers, including riders with disabilities; collects fares; communicates with Dispatch and Operations personnel; and completes required reports. Operators follow assigned routes and schedules, respond appropriately to incidents and emergencies, maintain professional conduct and required credentials, attend mandatory training, and perform related operational duties as assigned. Work is primarily performed in transit vehicles and transportation-related environments, with exposure to traffic, weather, dust, fumes, noise, vibration, and temperature extremes. Schedules may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, split shifts, overtime, and emergency assignments. The position involves working independently for extended periods while staying in contact with Operations personnel and maintaining situational awareness while seated and operating a vehicle. This is a safety-sensitive position.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Oklahoma Class D driver's license and CDL permit before employment.
Valid Oklahoma Class B CDL with Passenger (P) endorsement within 60 days of employment.
Pass a Department of Transportation physical examination, including a drug screen.
Pass the background investigation/verification required by EMBARK.
Meet the driving-record standard: three or more moving traffic violation convictions, excluding parking tickets, within the last two years may disqualify applicants.
Ability to meet the stated physical and communication requirements, including remaining seated for extended periods, safely operating vehicle controls and accessibility equipment, walking on uneven surfaces up to one-half mile, and occasionally lifting, pushing, or pulling up to 20 pounds.
Ability to communicate in English in person, by telephone, and by two-way radio; meet required vision, color/vision examination, and hearing standards.
Ability to work in a safety-sensitive environment and comply with the applicable substance-abuse policy.
Provide at least three years of employment history, reasons for leaving each position, explanations for employment gaps, and contact information for current and previous employers.
Former employees must be eligible for rehire to participate in the selection process.

Nice To Haves

Previous customer service, public transportation, commercial driving, or other public-facing experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Operate fixed-route, special-event, charter, and other assigned transit vehicles safely and efficiently, following traffic laws, defensive driving practices, and EMBARK procedures.
Prioritize passenger, pedestrian, and public safety; use seatbelts and safe driving techniques; secure unattended vehicles; and follow emergency response protocols.
Complete pre-trip, post-trip, and end-of-shift vehicle inspections using the Driver Vehicle Inspection Report, checking cleanliness, safety, security, passengers, and lost items.
Monitor vehicle gauges, warning indicators, onboard systems, and wheelchair accessibility equipment; promptly report defects, safety concerns, and maintenance needs.
Provide professional customer service and accurate information about routes, fares, schedules, and services; communicate courteously with the public, coworkers, and supervisors.
Assist passengers with disabilities in accordance with ADA requirements, including deploying ramps, kneeling buses, securing mobility devices, using restraint systems, and making required announcements.
Operate assigned routes according to schedules and run assignments; avoid unauthorized deviations and early departures; notify Dispatch of service impacts; and follow authorized detours and modifications.
Collect and process fares, explain payment options, apply fare policies professionally, report disputes or evasion, and maintain accountability for fare-related activities.
Maintain communication with Dispatch and Operations using radio and approved communication systems; immediately report accidents, incidents, concerns, hazards, suspicious activity, and service disruptions.
Complete required logs, surveys, Daily Operator Reports, accident and incident reports, special reports, and related documentation; distribute customer information cards when required.
Follow EMBARK policies, procedures, operating rules, bulletins, SOPs, and applicable labor agreements; meet uniform, grooming, credential, licensing, and safety-equipment requirements.
Avoid unauthorized activities, inappropriate language, horseplay, personal conversations while driving, and mobile-device use while driving; maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
Attend mandatory training and complete required training, ride checks, route assessments, and training hours.
Perform related duties and special assignments, including special-event service, training activities, emergency transportation operations, and other assigned operational needs.