Bus Driver

About the Office of Commissioner Rodney Ellis

There are four precincts in Harris County. The four elected commissioners, along with an elected county judge, serve as members of Harris County Commissioners Court, the administrative head of the county’s government. Commissioner Rodney Ellis represents the constituents of Precinct One. With approximately 1.17 million residents, Harris County Precinct One is a diverse, urban precinct that covers 363 square miles. Precinct One’s multi-racial, multi-ethnic population is roughly 33 percent African American, 38 percent Latino, 21 percent Anglo, 6 percent Asian and 2 percent other or multiple races. Precinct One stretches south to Brazoria County and reaches into eastern and northern sections of Harris County. The Precinct’s territory includes a large section of Downtown Houston, including the Downtown Harris County Courthouse Complex, Toyota Center, Minute Maid Park and the BBVA Compass Stadium. Other notable landmarks include the 263-acre NRG Park Complex and the renowned Texas Medical Center. The Precinct is also the higher educational home to Houston Community College, Rice University, Texas Southern University, the University of Houston and the University of St. Thomas. Precinct One manages more than 21 parks, 10 community centers, numerous hike-and-bike trails, three maintenance service centers and several area offices, all of which provide an array of services to Precinct One residents.

Commissioner Rodney Ellis’ Office Mission

Precinct One: Commissioner Rodney Ellis’ Office, is committed to becoming a national model for delivering responsive public service that utilizes inclusive, innovative, and collaborative approaches to improve the quality of life, advance equality of opportunity, and promote the fair treatment of all people in Harris County. Key Areas of focus for our organization include, but are not limited to:

• Advancing more effective, fair and equitable criminal justice system.
• Furthering economic justice, equity, and opportunity for all Harris County residents, especially those often and historically left behind by government programs.
• Ensuring equitable outcomes in health and access to quality, affordable healthcare
• Fighting for environmental and climate justice that keeps all communities safe and healthy.
• Equitably investing in developing and maintaining resilient infrastructure and transportation for the 21st century
• Building and defending voting rights and a democracy that ensures equitable representation.
• Progressing equity and social and racial justice as common threads through all areas of public policy and public service.

Responsibilities

The Bus Operator will be responsible for operating various types of commercial passenger vehicles while providing safe and efficient transport services to Precinct One constituents and partners. Bus Operators follow precise schedules and adjust driving according to traffic and weather conditions and will be responsible for the safety and security of all passengers to and from their destinations. Essential duties include:

• Provide excellent customer service by safely transporting passengers to various destinations, operating various sizes of large passenger vehicles, open vehicle doors for passengers to enter and exit and assist passengers with disabilities and baggage.
• Answer passengers’ inquiries and maintain a professional demeanor at all times.
• Follow specific timetables, planned routes.
• Obey traffic laws, safety procedures, and transit regulations.
• Use vehicle, on-board equipment, communication devices and emergency procedures per standard operating procedures.
• Re-fueling, interior and exterior cleaning and sanitizing of units.
• Communicate with group coordinator and dispatch regarding planned trips and schedule.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education: High school diploma/GED. Experience: Three (3) years of related work experience. Licensure: Commercial Drivers License with Passenger endorsement. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of how to operate a commercial vehicle and the ability to employ defensive driving techniques and exercise prudent judgment under a variety of constantly changing operating conditions while maintaining a courteous and respectful attitude toward passengers.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

This job operates in a Precinct One bus and often requires the driver to be stationary for extended periods of time. Temperature and weather condition variations may be encountered. This role also uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers and copiers. The position is prominently sedentary however, may require some light physical activity (ability to climb stairs, pre and post trip inspection, storing baggage and bus cleaning). Ability to exert up to 25 pounds of force frequently.