Van Service Driver

Duke Clinical Research Institute; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 28,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Duke University is seeking a Night Transit Driver to support safe, reliable transportation for the Duke community during evening and overnight hours. You’ll operate vehicles, perform pre/post-trip inspections, and work with dispatch to meet service needs while upholding campus policies.

The role emphasizes strong customer service, sound judgment, and independent work in a mobility-focused environment. Applicants should be prepared for outdoor work and variable weather conditions.

Qualifications

• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions typically acquired through a partial high school education.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate assigned vehicles within service boundaries following traffic laws and University policies.
• Transport passengers professionally and courteously including students, employees, patients, and visitors.
• Coordinate with dispatch and use two-way radios, tablets, and other devices.
• Complete manifests, inspections, incident reports, and required records accurately and timely.
• Primarily work evening and overnight shifts and operate outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Skills

Strong communication

Interpersonal skills

Customer-facing transportation

Independent work

Decision making

Education

Partial high school education

Tools

Mobile technology usage

Tablets & radio equipment

Job description

Be You. Be Bold. Choose Duke.

Be You.

At Duke University, we celebrate individuality and the unique perspectives that every team member brings to our community. As a Night Transit Driver, you will play an important role in supporting the safety, mobility, and overall experience of students, faculty, staff, patients, and visitors. Your professionalism, customer service, and commitment to safety will help connect the Duke community during evening and overnight hours.

Working independently while collaborating closely with dispatch and transportation staff, you will ensure passengers reach their destinations safely, comfortably, and efficiently within the Duke service area.

Be Bold.

Join a team dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and customer-focused transportation services. In this role, you'll utilize sound judgment, strong communication skills, and a commitment to operational excellence while serving the Duke community.

What You'll Do:

Safe Transportation Operations

• Safely operate assigned vehicles within designated service boundaries while adhering to all traffic laws, safety regulations, and University policies.
• Transport students, employees, patients, visitors, and other authorized passengers in a professional and courteous manner.
• Conduct required vehicle pre-trip and post-trip inspections and promptly report mechanical issues, safety concerns, or vehicle deficiencies.
• Maintain awareness of service routes, campus geography, roadways, and transfer locations.

Passenger Service & Support

• Deliver exceptional customer service by interacting with passengers in a respectful, patient, and professional manner.
• Assist passengers as needed to ensure a safe and comfortable transportation experience.
• Respond accurately to questions regarding transportation services, service boundaries, and rider eligibility.
• Support diverse populations while creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Dispatch & Communication

• Coordinate effectively with dispatch personnel in a demand-response transportation environment.
• Receive and transmit information using two-way radios, tablets, and other communication devices.
• Exercise sound judgment when responding to operational changes, emergencies, incidents, or service requests.
• Plan and execute efficient passenger pick-up and drop-off sequences while maintaining service standards.

Documentation & Compliance

• Complete manifests, vehicle inspections, incident reports, accident documentation, and other required records accurately and timely.
• Attend and successfully complete all required training programs.
• Maintain compliance with state driving requirements and Duke transportation policies.
• Prepare detailed reports regarding accidents, service disruptions, vehicle breakdowns, and operational incidents as required.

Schedule & Work Environment

• Primarily work evening and overnight shifts.
• Perform duties outdoors and in varying weather conditions.
• Support transportation operations outside standard business hours based on service needs.
• Perform additional related duties as assigned.

What You Bring

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions typically acquired through a partial high school education.

Experience

• Minimum of one (1) year of experience operating a minivan, shuttle, passenger van, or larger vehicle.
• Experience transporting students, employees, patients, visitors, or customers preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to safe driving practices and customer service excellence.

Licenses & Certifications

• Valid North Carolina Driver's License required.
• Must meet all applicable Duke University driver qualification requirements.

Preferred Skills

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions.
• Experience in customer-facing transportation environments.
• Ability to use mobile technology, tablets, and radio communication equipment.
• Knowledge of campus, municipal, or public transportation operations is a plus.

Choose Duke.

At Duke, you'll join a world-renowned institution committed to excellence, innovation, inclusion, and service. You'll be part of a team that helps ensure safe and reliable transportation for the Duke community while contributing to a welcoming and supportive campus experience.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $20.00 to USD $24.10. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/

Equal Opportunity Employer: Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy- related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions:

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and reasonable accommodation(s) can be requested with Duke Access and Accommodations Services (email: [e-mail]; phone: [phone]).