Bus Operator

City of Grand Forks ND; Grand Forks (ND); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated public transit vehicle operator to ensure safe and efficient transportation for passengers. This role involves operating transit vehicles on assigned routes, providing exceptional customer service, and maintaining vehicle safety and cleanliness. Ideal candidates will possess a valid commercial driver’s license and have experience in transit bus operations. Join a team that values safety, community service, and professionalism, offering a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for growth within the public transportation sector.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Participation in retirement system

Employee contributions up to 7%

Employer contributions up to 9.26%

Qualifications

• Two years of responsible transit bus operation experience.
• Valid commercial driver’s license with passenger and air brake endorsements.

Responsibilities

• Transport passengers safely in a designated transit vehicle.
• Provide excellent customer service and assist disabled passengers.

Skills

Clear communication

Effective relationship building

Sound decision-making

Perceptual acuity

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Two-way radios

Wheelchair lifts

PA systems

Job description

Description

Responsible for the safe and careful operation of a public transit vehicle, transporting people from one place to another based on an assigned route and making required stops according to a time schedule.

Examples of Duties

Essential Functions

• Transport passengers safely in a designated transit vehicle.
• Provide excellent customer service by sharing information about maps, schedules, routes, transfer points, and schedule changes with all passengers, including disabled, visually impaired, and hearing-impaired individuals; assist disabled and mobility aid passengers as needed.
• Operate the bus smoothly on assigned routes, announcing required stops and learning all transfer points and times.
• Prepare the bus for daily routes by checking fluid levels, inspecting tires, scanning for engine issues, cleaning interior, emptying trash, and completing checklists and damage reports.
• Drive through traffic while monitoring traffic, passengers, and pedestrians, obeying all traffic laws.
• Collect fares and report daily travel distances.
• Perform basic vehicle surveillance, report mechanical issues, and coordinate repairs with the Transportation Operations Supervisor.
• Refuel the bus, clean the interior as needed, and ensure bus cleanliness during operation.
• Consult with the Transportation Operations Supervisor regarding road conditions, route and schedule adjustments, shelter needs, and operational problems.
• Report accidents or traffic disruptions and follow instructions for alternate routes.
• Locate and secure lost or forgotten passenger property.

Marginal Functions

• Check bus shelters for cleanliness and snow removal.
• Perform related duties as required.
• If assigned, coordinate shop operations during nights or weekends.

Typical Qualifications

Knowledge

Modern transit buses, their operation and maintenance, two-way radios, wheelchair lifts, tie-down systems, PA systems, customer service principles, transportation vehicle operations, city geography, basic math, and relevant laws and regulations.

Skills

Clear communication, effective relationship building, physical and mental fitness for duties, sound decision-making, perceptual acuity, and the ability to stop the vehicle at designated stops.

Abilities

Work independently, learn traffic laws and safety procedures, follow regulations, understand city layout, adhere to schedules, prepare reports, assess route conditions in poor weather, give and follow directions, and handle citizen inquiries and complaints effectively.

Supplemental Information

Experience: Two years of responsible transit bus operation experience.
Training: High school diploma or equivalent.
License or Certificate: Valid commercial driver’s license with passenger and air brake endorsements within 60 days.

The City of Grand Forks offers a comprehensive benefits package, including participation in the North Dakota Public Employees Retirement System with employee contributions up to 7% and employer contributions up to 9.26%. For more information, see the 2025 Benefit Summary. Part-time, temporary, or seasonal applicants are not eligible for benefits.