Transit Driver

City of Pullman•Pullman, WA

16h•$28

About The Position

The City of Pullman is hiring Transit Drivers to join a dedicated team providing safe, reliable, and customer-focused transportation services to the community. In this role, you will operate buses and paratransit vehicles on assigned routes and schedules, ensure passenger safety and comfort, conduct required vehicle inspections, and deliver courteous service to the public. No prior transit experience is required—paid training is provided, and a Commercial Driver License (CDL) is preferred but not required, as the City will train qualified candidates to obtain one. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age, able to wear a uniform, and maintain a neat and professional appearance. GENERAL PURPOSE: This is transit equipment operation work. Employees in this position are required to wear a uniform while driving and must report to work with a neat and clean appearance. Must be at least 21 years of age. CLASSIFICATION SUMMARY: Drives buses and paratransit vans in a safe manner over assigned routes according to established time schedules while being courteous to the public and maintaining order in the vehicle. Checks fluid levels and conducts pre-trip vehicle inspections. Equipment operation and route training are provided prior to operating vehicle alone. Does not supervise employees. More experienced employees may be assigned to familiarize a new employee with routes and evaluate their skills. Reports to the Dispatcher for schedule and other changes. Once experience is gained through on-the-job training, work is performed independently according to established time schedules and regulations.

Requirements

Must be at least 21 years of age
Able to wear a uniform, and maintain a neat and professional appearance
Ability to: Demonstrate self-motivation, service to the public, and a willingness to do a good job.
Operate a vehicle safely while observing passenger activities in the bus and at the bus stop
Successfully complete initial classroom and field training
Safely operate a large passenger bus and paratransit van independently on assigned route within established time schedules on crowded streets in all weather conditions
Deal with public in a pleasant and courteous manner and to remain calm in adverse weather conditions, crowded traffic conditions, and when dealing with irate or disorderly passengers
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, department personnel, other city employees, and the public
Understand and carry out written and oral instructions
Demonstrate excellent driving skills
Successfully complete a certified first aid class and to correctly apply training to passengers as required.
Accurately maintain records of fare categories, transfers coordinated, equipment defects, and time schedules
Provide quality services in a cost-effective manner and to recommend improved methods of performing the work
Demonstrate sensitivity to a diverse group of individuals including the elderly and disabled
Work varying hours including early morning, late evening, and on weekends
Attend work on a regular and dependable basis
Make ADA call outs
Pass a drug screen upon offer of employment
Pass a Washington State Patrol background check
Pass a transit orientation people skill test
Physically perform the essential functions of the job
Possession of a valid driver's license and an Abstract of Driving Record for evaluation of a safe driving record.
Presentation of an Abstract of Driving Record for evaluation of two years’ experience with the safe operation of passenger cars, trucks, or other motorized vehicles in a variety of weather conditions and a willingness to serve the public; or any equivalent combination of experience and training.
Ability to obtain a commercial driver's license, Class B, with air brake restriction removed.

Responsibilities

Checks fluids and tires on vehicle before starting; conducts inspections before, during and after operation to note damage or defects including body damage, tires, radiator, lights, instruments, brakes, radio, and other equipment; makes notes on defect sheet.
Operates a passenger bus on a designated route and/or a paratransit van on a designated schedule, safely picks up and discharges passengers, collects fares, verifies passes (ID for validity), coordinates transfers, counts riders through fare type on hand-held unit; operates wheelchair lifts and restraints for passenger safety and comfort; regulates heating, cooling, lighting, and ventilating systems for passenger comfort; receives passenger surveys.
Promotes positive passenger relations by greeting passengers in a pleasant and courteous manner; collects fares and issues transfers; gives information concerning routes, fares, schedules, and transfer points; secures and turns in articles found in vehicle; completes trip and other reports; distributes and receives passenger surveys.
Receives input from passengers in a polite manner and attempts to provide appropriate information; refers information to supervisor; makes suggestions to supervisor on safety and route improvements; reports observed accidents, hazards, and other circumstances requiring attention to dispatcher.
May participate in the cleaning of buses, facilities, and assists in the office when available or has free time, uses power washer to clean buses and vans, sweeps vehicles, empties waste baskets, answer telephone, provides information to public on route and paratransit service (does not schedule Dial-A-Rides).
Operates two-way radio in a professional manner, makes ADA stop call-outs, performs hourly vehicle walk-through and walk-a-rounds while on route, and reports changing conditions of Dial-A-Ride patrons to office staff.
Will be required to attend training, retraining or other informational meetings as necessary.
Attends work on a regular and dependable basis.
Interacts in a professional and respectful manner with city staff and the public.
Performs other tasks as assigned.

Benefits

3 Insurance plans to choose from as low as $0 for spouse & all dependents – Plans with deductibles as low as $200; high deductible plan includes employer sponsored contribution to Health savings account.
Vision & Dental Insurance with no cost sharing for employee & all dependents
$15,000 Basic Life & Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance
Short Term Disability Insurance
PERS2 or PERS3 Retirement
Employee Assistance Program
Deferred Compensation
Additional Life & Spouse Life Insurance
Discounts on Parks & Rec Membership
Discounts on Life Flight Membership