Coach Operator

Link Transit•Wenatchee, WA

About The Position

Link Transit Coach Operators transport passengers using fixed-route, demand-response, and route-deviated services. They operate transit vehicles safely, follow assigned routes and schedules, assist passengers with boarding and accessibility needs, provide route and fare information, and communicate with dispatch and other staff. The role supports connections to work, healthcare, education, and other destinations throughout the service area. No commercial driving experience is required. Link Transit provides paid training and CDL testing assistance. Operators must obtain a Washington State Class B Commercial Driver’s License with passenger endorsement and without an air brake restriction within the established probationary period. New operators start at $30.19 per hour, increasing to $31.10 per hour upon successful completion of training. Work is performed primarily outdoors and in a transit vehicle. Operators may encounter changing weather, traffic, vehicle exhaust, equipment noise, roadway conditions, and confrontational members of the public. Schedules may include early mornings, evenings, weekdays, weekends, holidays, and changing service assignments.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
A satisfactory driving record and employment history.
At least 18 years of age.
Valid Washington State driver's license and maintenance of an acceptable driving record.
Obtain a Washington State Class B Commercial Driver’s License with passenger endorsement and without an air brake restriction within the established probationary period.
Willingness and ability to operate and become proficient in all assigned fleet vehicles.
Availability to work any day of the week, including assigned day, evening, weekday, weekend, and holiday shifts.
Ability to safely operate a transit vehicle, learn routes and service policies, read maps, follow directions, and adapt to changing assignments and service conditions.
Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, understand and follow written and verbal instructions, maintain accurate records, and complete reports.
Ability to assist passengers with varied mobility and accessibility needs, secure mobility devices, and follow passenger safety procedures.
Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English sufficiently to perform essential job functions.
Meet Link Transit driving-record standards: during the preceding three years, no more than one moving violation, no drug- or alcohol-related DUI violations, no felony convictions incurred while operating a commercial vehicle, and no at-fault accidents.
Maintain an acceptable driving record throughout employment; records may be reviewed periodically.
Successfully complete a pre-employment physical examination and drug screening and meet requirements for participation in the FTA Drug and Alcohol Testing Program, including pre-employment and ongoing random testing.
Submit the required supplemental questionnaire, background disclosure form, and three-year driving record.
Comply with Link Transit uniform and professional appearance standards while on duty.
Be legally authorized to work in the United States and provide required documentation.
Meet the physical demands of the role, including visual ability to safely operate a transit vehicle, hearing and speaking clearly, sitting for extended periods up to eight hours, operating vehicle controls, bending, stooping, crouching and kneeling, lifting at least 35 pounds, and assisting passengers with mobility needs.

Nice To Haves

Customer service experience is preferred.
Commercial driving experience is not required.

Responsibilities

Safely operate transit vehicles according to assigned routes, schedules, service requirements, policies, and applicable regulations.
Provide fixed-route, demand-response, and route-deviated transportation services as assigned.
Complete pre-trip inspections and report vehicle defects, equipment malfunctions, and safety concerns.
Monitor radio and other communication systems and report accidents, passenger incidents, traffic conditions, service disruptions, and unusual circumstances.
Secure wheelchairs and other mobility devices according to safety procedures and assist passengers with boarding and exiting.
Install and remove tire chains when required for winter operations.
Provide courteous, professional service and answer questions about routes, schedules, fares, transfers, locations, facilities, and points of interest.
Announce streets, stops, and transfer points as required and explain or enforce transit policies professionally.
Respond calmly and courteously to passenger concerns and complaints, and provide door-to-door or stop-to-stop assistance as required.
Care for lost and found property and complete the required documentation.
Coordinate demand-response passenger pickups and drop-offs with dispatch and adapt to changing schedules, assignments, and passenger needs.
Complete accurate manifests and lost-and-found, accident, incident, and vehicle-defect records and reports.
Communicate effectively with dispatch, supervisors, coworkers, passengers, and the public.
May assist with training Coach Operator trainees or be assigned other service operations or public information duties.
Perform other related duties as assigned.