Transit/Paratransit Operator (Bus Driver)

City of Billings; Billings (MT); On-site; USD 33,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Billings is hiring a Transit/Paratransit Operator (Bus Driver) to safely operate transit vehicles on designated routes and during special events. You will provide courteous customer service, collect fares, and communicate with dispatch and supervisors.

The role involves assisting passengers, including those with disabilities, and maintaining accurate trip records. Responsibilities include following schedules, using onboard data terminals, and ensuring vehicle safety through

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• State of Montana Class B CDL with passenger endorsement or must be obtained within 90 days of employment.
• Must pass pre-employment drug test and background checks.
• Strong interpersonal skills required.

Responsibilities

• Safely and efficiently operate a transit system vehicle on designated routes and special events.
• Read, understand, and follow schedules and routes.
• Use a mobile data terminal for manifests and related activities.
• Collect fares and verify pass eligibility; assist passengers with fare issues.
• Maintain operational records and prepare tabulations/summaries.
• Assist passengers with mobility devices and lifting equipment as needed.
• Promote a positive public relations image and provide accurate information to passengers.
• Attend to transit-related needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

The City of Billings is seeking a Transit/Paratransit Operator (Bus Driver) to provide transit services to the citizens of Billings. Under general supervision, this position safely and efficiently operates a transit system vehicle over designated routes and for special events according to schedule or manifest; provides prompt and courteous customer service including attending to transit related passenger needs; provides information to the public; collects and verifies fares; and communicates regularly via two-way radio with other employees and management.

Salary Range: $23.9105 per hour (Step 1) without CDL License, $25.0955 per hour (Step 2) with CDL License or after completion of training. Salary reflects Step 1 and Step 2 of a 7-step pay scale.

Work Schedule: The work schedule for this position may vary from day to day. The regularly scheduled workdays are Monday through Saturday.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Safely and efficiently operate a transit system vehicle over designated routes and for special events according to schedule, or manifest.
• Use alternate routes when necessary and approved.
• Read, understand, and follow applicable schedules and routes.
• Utilize a mobile data terminal for trip manifests, for fixed-route and paratransit operations, and other transit related activities.
• Pick up, transfer, and discharge passengers at various locations in accordance with schedule times and trip manifest.
• Communicate professionally with other transit operators to coordinate passenger transfers and other issues as needed.
• Collect fares, verify pass eligibility, and assist passengers with fare related issues.
• Maintain a variety of operational records including passenger counts with lift and bike rack deployments, pre-trip and post-trip records, and mileage.
• Prepare tabulations and summaries.
• Conduct surveys as required.
• Report driving hazards, vandalism, and incidents encountered on route.
• Communicate professionally with dispatch, maintenance, and Transit Supervisors to report situations, request assistance, and request instruction.
• Occasionally communicate with law enforcement, medical, and other emergency personnel.
• Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections of vehicles.
• Report problems, repair needs, and other issues to ensure vehicle is safe and prepared for operation.
• Perform cleaning of interior and exterior of vehicles and facilities as directed.
• Utilize drive through vehicle wash bay.
• Perform a variety of building and grounds maintenance duties including snow removal as directed.
• Exhibit an understanding of and adhere to all applicable safety, security, and operational policies as well as applicable local, state, and federal regulations and requirements.
• Report for duty on short notice as required.Maintain fitness for duty and availability when on standby.
• Serve as a responsible team member.
• Display regular and consistent attendance and punctuality.
• Assist in the training of new employees.
• Greet passengers and maintain a friendly attitude.
• Maintain order among passengers.
• Attend to transit related special needs of passengers including seniors and individuals with disabilities.
• Make reasonable accommodations as necessary.
• Operate mobility device restraints and all types of vehicle lifts and ramps.
• Assist with loading passengers using mobility devices as necessary.
• Promote a positive public relations image.
• Recognize the transit operator position as a public servant and treat all passengers with dignity and respect, while using effective customer service skills.
• Provide accurate information to passengers and the public.
• Answer questions regarding routes, policies and regulations, City and business locations, and other questions or direct passengers to the appropriate source for answers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• A State of M ntana Class B, Type 2 commercial driver's license with no air brake restrictions, and passenger endorsement or must be obtained within ninety (90) of employment.
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test, Federal and State criminal history background check, and a driving records check.
• Strong interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

• Experience with city government and knowledge of city transit operations.
• Two (2) or more years of combined professional driving education and experience.

Equal Opportunity Employer.