Transit Operator - Entry Level

City of Gainesville•Gainesville, FL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

This is an entry-level position learning the skills necessary to operate revenue service vehicles safely, courteously, and on time, with the goal of providing satisfied and loyal customers of the public transit system. The position reports to a designated supervisor and works under direct supervision, with an emphasis on learning Transit Operator skills. The employee learns to operate agency vehicles on assigned routes, manage fares and passenger data, provide customer service, inspect vehicles, report incidents and service disruptions, assist passengers with disabilities, and follow safety, accessibility, and communications requirements. The position may require work outdoors and in heavy traffic under varied environmental and road conditions. Schedules may include weekends, late nights, split shifts, non-consecutive days off, and short-notice shift coverage. The salary is $16.40. The position is listed as onsite. It is open until filled.

Requirements

Three verifiable, consecutive years of driving experience.
Valid State of Florida Driver License.
Driving record covering the previous three years with no more than four points and no more than one moving violation; must not include DUI, DWI, reckless driving, or a currently suspended or revoked license.
Before hire, obtain a CDL B permit with Passenger endorsement by passing the General Knowledge, Air Brakes, and Passenger assessments.
After hire, obtain a Class A or B Commercial Driver License with Passenger endorsement within five weeks after training starts.
Pass a pre-employment medical examination, including satisfactory drug screening.
Ability to learn the City’s geography, vehicle operation, applicable regulations, and transit-vehicle occupational hazards and safety precautions.
Ability to learn, understand, and carry out oral and written instructions; perform basic arithmetic; and read and comprehend English-language materials.
Ability to report punctually and adhere strictly to projected schedules.
Ability to work effectively with coworkers, management, and the general public and maintain a professional attitude, appearance, and conduct.
Ability to communicate orally in English.
Physical ability to perform work involving walking, sitting, standing, twisting, bending, crouching, kneeling, balancing, fastening wheelchair tie-downs, lifting up to 20 pounds, pushing or pulling up to 100 pounds, climbing stairs, and overhead work.
Ability to safely maneuver and operate a bus, including hand-eye coordination and frequent repetitive head movements.
Normal color vision to distinguish traffic-control and safety devices; ability to see, listen, hear, respond, and communicate effectively.

Nice To Haves

Valid Florida Commercial Driver License Class A or B with Passenger endorsement is preferred.

Responsibilities

Learn to safely operate all models of agency revenue service vehicles on assigned routes, following schedules, traffic laws, and departmental regulations.
Manage farebox transactions, record passenger data by fare type, collect fares, issue transfers, and verify transfers, passes, and identification cards, including digital passes.
Provide customer service, maintain positive rider relations, keep the rider environment clean and safe, provide route information, and assist passengers with boarding and discharging.
Perform pre- and post-operation vehicle inspections and document physical deficiencies.
Contact the Control Center about emergencies and other circumstances affecting service, including medical emergencies, vehicle malfunctions, evacuations, accidents, heavy traffic, and road hazards or obstructions.
Complete accident, incident, and other reports documenting unusual occurrences.
Operate disability access lifts and ramps, assist wheelchair patrons upon request, and secure wheelchairs and other mobility devices according to department policy.
Follow applicable safety regulations and ADA guidelines, including making stop announcements for visually impaired passengers.
Operate communications equipment according to FCC and department rules and regulations.
Wear and maintain the prescribed uniform and a clean, well-groomed appearance.
Respond under emergency conditions and attend work continuously and regularly.
Perform other related duties as assigned.