Operator - Paratransit (Non-CDL)

Regional Transportation Agency (RTA) of Central Maryland•Annapolis Junction, MD

16h•Onsite

About The Position

The Regional Transportation Agency (RTA) is seeking a dedicated, responsible, and team-oriented Bus Operator - Paratransit (Non-CDL) to provide reliable and efficient shared-ride, door-to-door or curb-to-curb service for seniors and/or people with disabilities. The position is based at Operations, 8800 Corridor Road, Annapolis Junction, Maryland, and is classified as non-exempt. The wage rate is $22.64 per hour. The schedule includes a combination of daytime, evening, and weekend hours and days. The role reports to Dispatchers, Operations Supervisors, the Operations Manager, and the AGM or their designee. The operator drives transit buses or company non-revenue vehicles throughout the contracted service area according to an assigned daily schedule. Duties include conducting vehicle inspections, assisting passengers with boarding and mobility aids, securing wheelchairs and scooters, collecting fares, communicating with dispatch, completing reports, and using onboard fare and communications equipment. The operator must provide professional, safe, courteous service and work assigned shifts. This is a safety-sensitive bargaining unit position subject to RTA’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Program. Work involves variable hours and outdoor environmental conditions, traffic, vehicle noise and vibration, exhaust and road dust, and physical tasks associated with operating and inspecting vehicles and assisting passengers. RTA states that it provides equal employment opportunities and prohibits discrimination and harassment as described in the posting.

Requirements

At least one year of previous driving experience.
Valid Class C Driver’s License; a provisional driver’s license is not accepted.
Clean driving record.
High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Ability to communicate clearly in English; ability to read, write, and speak English and perform basic mathematical procedures.
Satisfactorily complete all required training.
Demonstrated professional and ethical conduct and professional demeanor.
Excellent customer service skills and ability to interact with interdepartmental personnel.
Positive attitude and sensitivity when dealing with customers with special physical and/or non-neurotypical needs.
Ability to work early morning and other varied hours, including assigned shifts.
Good depth perception, peripheral vision, distance vision, and color perception required to drive a motorized vehicle.
Hearing sufficient to perceive tone, pitch, and volume while operating the vehicle, using a two-way radio, and assisting passengers and the public.
Manual dexterity to operate a keypad and reach, grasp, and use equipment such as a two-way radio, door controls, PA microphone, steering wheel, wheelchair lift control, and bus door control.
Ability to sit while operating the vehicle for approximately 85–90% of the workday and move within and around the bus during the remainder.
Ability to push or pull at least 50 pounds; bend, stoop, or kneel; twist at the knee and waist; and reach forward, backward, upward, and downward while performing job duties.
Ability to acquire and maintain a medical examiner’s certificate (DOT Card).
Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening.
Ability to work in wet, cold, and/or hot conditions and around heavy traffic, nighttime lights, varying seasonal road conditions, vehicle noise and vibration, exhaust fumes and odors, road dust, and mist.

Nice To Haves

At least one year of previous driving experience in a professional environment, such as shuttle bus, van, school bus, or truck driving.

Responsibilities

Drive transit buses or company non-revenue vehicles safely, courteously, and reliably throughout the contracted service area on an assigned daily schedule.
Demonstrate reliability, flexibility, and professionalism with and without direct supervision.
Perform required pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections.
Maintain functional knowledge of the service area and read and understand street signs, route sheets, and maps.
Stop at designated points to load and unload passengers.
Assist passengers boarding with wheelchairs or other mobility aids and properly secure wheelchairs and scooters.
Notify dispatch of deviations, overloads, accidents, passenger incidents, medical or behavioral problems, and mechanical or electrical trouble.
Ensure fares are deposited in the fare box and provide information to passengers; advise passengers of rules and regulations when necessary.
Complete and submit timely, accurate written reports concerning passengers and accidents.
Operate onboard computer fare boxes, destination signs, tablets, and other electrical or technical instruments accurately and efficiently.
Communicate verbally with passengers and dispatchers or road supervisors, including through a two-way radio and PA system.
Work the assigned shift hours and days.
Meet strict timelines while working under stress, which may be high at times.
Walk around and through the vehicle for pre-trip and post-trip inspections and perform duties inside and outside the bus.
Assist passengers with boarding and securing wheelchairs or scooters and retrieve equipment as needed.