Paratransit Operator

Research Triangle Regional Public Transportation Authority; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 40,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Research Triangle Regional Public Transportation Authority seeks a Paratransit Operator to transport passengers securely according to a set schedule. You will operate vehicles safely, courteously, and professionally, assisting riders with disabilities and adhering to ADA requirements.

The role requires maintaining paperwork, logging times, and following dispatch instructions while staying prepared for training and safety protocols.

Qualifications

• High school diploma preferred but not required.
• Must have valid North Carolina driver’s license at the appropriate class.
• Must obtain Class B CDL with passenger endorsement.
• Six years of driving experience with good record.
• Ability to report to work in adverse weather.
• Understanding of needs of persons with disabilities.
• Ability to operate lift-equipped vehicles and transport mobility devices.
• Physically able to lift 60 pounds.
• Meet DOT physical requirements.

Responsibilities

• Transports passengers per set schedule and ensures safety and courtesy.
• Completes paperwork including manifests and reports.
• Records mileage, driving and wait times accurately.
• Follows dispatch instructions and safe driving procedures.
• Attends trainings including CPR and First Aid.
• Assists passengers and answers questions about service and fares.
• Maintains radio procedures and ADA compliance.
• Prepares vehicle for service and assists in dispatch as needed.
• Works with supervisor on operator training.

Skills

Customer service

Safety consciousness

Communication

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

General Statement of Job Duties

The Paratransit Operator transports passengers over specified distant points according to a set time schedule. The Paratransit Operator is required to operate the assigned vehicle in a safe, reliable, and professional manner while being courteous, patient, and helpful to all passengers. This position reports to a Dispatcher I/Supervisor.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Abides by all safety and traffic regulations/laws as well as company policy/procedures.
• Properly completes all required paperwork to include manifests, pre/post-inspection checks, accident reports, and other applicable forms/reports.
• Accurately records all mileage, driving, waiting, and administration time on daily manifest sheet.
• Uses sound judgement in following dispatch instructions, being able to recognize, create, and follow logical sequences for pick- up and drop- off of passengers in an efficient manner.
• Attends training classes and successfully completes each. Training will include, but not be limited to, CPR, First Aid, and special assistance techniques and driving skills.
• Dresses in appropriate uniform and maintain a neat, clean, and well-groomed appearance.
• Answers passenger questions politely and accurately, to include questions about service area, eligibility requirements and fares.
• Must be knowledgeable of the fare box procedures, collect the proper fare, and issue proper fare media.
• Ensures passengers' ride is comfortable and safe.
• Provides assistance to individuals as needed.
• Knows all emergency procedures and report all accidents, emergencies, and incidents immediately.
• Knows and maintains proper radio procedures/protocol.
• Knows and abides by all ADA transit requirements.
• Keeps current on the operation of all service routes.
• Performs necessary fueling and cleaning of vehicle as required.
• Knows and adheres to policies/procedures pertaining to overall employment.
• Assists in dispatch office one day a week as needed.
• Assists the Paratransit Supervisor and Paratransit Manager with operator training. Training includes but is not limited to sensitivity training and route training.
• Works in corporation with other employees.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications and Requirements

• High school diploma preferred but not required.
• Valid North Carolina Driver's License at the appropriate classification.
• Must have or be able to obtain a Class B Commercial Driver's License with a passenger endorsement.
• Six years driving experience, possession of a good driving record, and the ability to drive in all types of adverse weather.
• Must be able to report to work during Adverse Weather conditions.
• Must have a good understanding of the basic needs of persons with disabilities.
• Must have the ability to operate lift- equipped vehicles and to transport passengers using various mobility devices.
• Must have the ability to lift 60 pounds.
• Portray a positive and professional attitude.
• Must have a minimum of two years of experience working as a bus operator for GoTriangle and at least one year of prior transportation service.
• Must have received an above expected performance review rating for the past two years.
• Must have an excellent safety and security record for the past two years.
• Demonstrate proficiency in all bus operator duties.
• Must be able to meet the Department of Transportation physical requirements and maintain a DOT card.

An equivalent combination of related education and experience may be substituted for the above stated minimums excluding High School Diploma, GED, Licenses, or Certifications.

Working Conditions:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals and vibration. May be moderately exposed to unpleasant working conditions to include dust, noise, temperature, weather, petroleum products, and chemicals while at operating facilities, during which the incumbent should observe all policies and procedures, safety precautions and regulations, and use all protective clothing and devices provided.

Physical Requirements:

Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Walking and standing are required only occasionally.

EEO Statement:

GoTriangle is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal opportunity and will not discriminate in terms and conditions of employment and employment practices. Decisions are made without regard to race, color, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, protected veteran and military status or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Accommodations:

GoTriangle is firmly committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment and to a program of achieving total equality of opportunity for all applicants. If you require reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact 919-485-7448. Please indicate the specific assistance needed.