Paratransit Bus Operator Trainee

Smart & Final; Clinton Charter Township (MI); On-site; USD 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

SMART is hiring Paratransit Bus Operators to transport passengers in a safe and courteous manner across our service area in Michigan. You will handle fares, provide information, and assist riders, including seniors and people with mobility needs.

Hours include varied shifts; CDL is required and a strong driving record is essential. Training covers safety, customer care, and protocol; team-based setting with Union Teamsters involvement.

Qualifications

• Must obtain a Commercial Driver’s License.
• Good driving record with no suspensions or major restrictions in the last 3 years.
• High school diploma or GED required; 5 years driving experience preferred.
• Ability to work varied shifts including weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Operates motor coaches per rules and schedules, communicating with dispatcher.
• Provides fare, route and schedule information; collects fares and transfers.
• Assists elderly and handicapped passengers with boarding and exiting vehicles.
• Inspects vehicle equipment before each run and reports maintenance concerns.
• Maintains orderly interior, posts route signs, and ensures passenger safety.
• Maintains trip sheets and submits incident reports when needed.

Skills

Public service oriented

Interpersonal skills

Reading maps / navigation

Safety awareness

Education

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required

High School Diploma or GED

5 years licensed driving experience

Job description

Paratransit Bus Operator

Department: Transportation

Union: Teamsters

SMART is actively looking for customer-focused drivers that LOVE to work with the public! We are looking to fill immediate openings. We have openings throughout our service area in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties.

$20.22/hour is paid during training; $21.92/hour after successful completion of training (7 weeks).

General Summary

Under general direction, the Paratransit Bus Operator (CBO) operates motor coaches to transport passengers in a safe, efficient and courteous manner. The CBO is responsible for collecting fares and completing necessary inspections and reports.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Operates motor coaches subject to departmental rules, regulations, schedules, and local and state traffic regulations, keeping radio dispatcher aware of status and location.
• Maintains professional image and performs duties in courteous, friendly manner emphasizing positive customer relations.
• Inspects and tests vehicle equipment prior to each run to ensure vehicle safety.
• Reports equipment and maintenance problems or concerns to appropriate management personnel.
• Responsible for the safe loading, transport and unloading of passengers.
• Judges best way to route vehicle from place-to-place in demand-responsive service.
• Provides schedule, route, fare, directional and general information to customers.
• Responsible for collecting proper fares, inspecting passes, receiving and issuing transfers.
• Assists passengers, particularly the elder and handicapped persons, in boarding or exiting vehicle as necessary, including operation of wheelchair lift and wheelchair restraints.
• Posts appropriate route and destination signs in vehicle.
• Removes ice, snow and slush from platforms.
• Maintains proper lighting, heating and ventilation on vehicle.
• Responsible for inspecting bulletin board daily for directives, policy and procedure announcements.
• Maintains trip sheets and other forms as required.
• Submits written reports on accidents and may be required to serve as witness regarding same.
• Maintains reasonable order aboard the coach.
• Performs related work as required.

Minimum Requirements

• Ability to work various shifts, weekends, holidays, split days off, especially during the first 2 years of employment.
• A real desire to drive and serve the public.
• Ability to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License.
• Less than four points on driving record in last five years.
• Good driving record. No suspensions, revocations or restrictions within past 36 months (3 years).
• High school diploma or GED from an accredited school.
• A minimum of 5 years licensed driving experience.
• Ability to read, write, and comprehend written directives and service information.
• Ability to perform arithmetical calculations and maintain reports.
• Ability to work in a time-structured environment under minimal direct supervision.
• Strong interpersonal skills and desire to work with the public.
• Ability to exercise sound and quick judgment in solving problems.
• Ability to read a street map and find unknown locations quickly.
• Knowledge of the service area of the assigned terminal: Major streets and landmarks, street numbering systems, etc.
• Ability to successfully complete employment history verification and criminal background check, medical examination including drug screening, and employment interview.