Bus Operator - COMMERCIALLY LICENSED

Golden Empire Transit District•Bakersfield, CA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

This position operates a public transit passenger bus in accordance with District schedules and other related programs. Maintains a safe and orderly environment while providing a high level of customer service. This is a Public facing, PUBLIC SERVICE ROLE. This classification is responsible for ensuring safe and timely transport of passengers. Moderate level of supervision is required.

Requirements

Possess a current valid Commercial Driver’s License - active and in good standing
High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Minimum of 21 years of age
Minimum of (3) years of holding a valid California Driver’s License.
Currently be in possession of and maintain a valid Class A/B/C California Commercial Driver’s license with ability to obtain and maintain passenger and air brake endorsements.
Ability to obtain and maintain a current CDL/DOT medical certificate.
Driving record (K4) acceptable to District.
Knowledge of safe driving practices.
Knowledge of state and local traffic laws.
Provisions of the California Motor Vehicle Code.
Requisite reading, mathematical and written language skills in order to perform the essential functions of the job.
Customer Service principles and practices.
Ability to continually possess a valid California Commercial Driver’s License with air-brake and passenger endorsements.
Ability to comply with FTA and DOT requirements for CDL holders at public transit agencies.
Ability to successfully complete the District’s Operator training program.
Ability to drive a bus safe and efficiently.
Ability to learn a designated bus route.
Ability to use a two-way radio.
Ability to recognize malfunctions in equipment and take appropriate actions.
Ability to recognize hazardous driving conditions and adopt effective courses of action.
Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions, including departmental standard Operating procedures.
Ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing.
Ability to maintain order among the public.
Ability to work cooperatively with others.
Ability to learn and effectively deploy de-escalation techniques during the course and scope of work.
Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays.
Ability to provide transportation services to the general public.
Prolonged sitting, driving, and steering, with occasional standing, walking, bending and stooping.
Must be able to lift, push, and pull 40 pounds or over.
Sit to operate bus on scheduled routes.
Twist upper body to maneuver buses through traffic.
Grasp and turn steering wheel to move and turn vehicle.
Reach, push, and pull maxi-brake in emergency conditions.
Reach, pull, and push head sign to keep passengers notified of bus destination.
Twist and pull door handle to open and shut doors for entry and exit.
Push and press gearbox to operate the bus.
Stand to load and unload passengers.
Load wheelchairs for passengers (lift, pull, and push).
Kneel to fasten wheelchairs to locks.
Walk to inspect inside and outside of vehicle.
Crouch/stoop to check tires, oil or air leaks.
Visual acuity sufficient to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle.
Pass an initial drug and alcohol screen (this includes no evidence of use of recreational cannabis/marijuana).
Participate in DOT’s Random drug testing program.

Nice To Haves

Ability to obtain and maintain passenger and air brake endorsements.

Responsibilities

Drive a bus in accordance with paratransit/micro-transit passenger transport programs and over designated routes in accordance with time schedules and District regulations.
Comply with DMV requirements and District rules, policies, practices, and regulations regarding holders of commercial drivers’ licenses and operators of commercial vehicles.
Pick up, transport and drop off bus riders.
Check vehicles daily to maintain safe operating conditions.
Timely report equipment malfunctions, vehicle collisions, passenger incidents and other related issues to District staff.
Ensure payment of correct fares by passengers.
Provide assistance to passengers, including assistance in boarding, de-boarding and safely securing wheelchairs, wheelchair lifts and announcing stops.
Assists passengers with directions and answers questions regarding District operations, rules, and regulations.
Completes accident or incident reports as needed.
Attend scheduled safety meetings and safety programs as required.
Operates two-way bus radio in accordance with established operating rules and procedures.
Complete DMV required Verification of Transit Training (VTT), annually.
Performs related work duties as required.
Reports to work as scheduled.
May be required to work extended hours or hours outside of the regular schedule including early mornings, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays.