Coach Operator

Salary Position Range: $25.10 - $36.80 FLSA Status Non-Exempt

About the role

Operate fixed-route buses in the Benton and Franklin County service area, ensuring safe and timely transport of passengers. Display a professional attitude and provide effective customer relations.

Responsibilities

• Drive vehicle over specified routes or to specified destinations to transport passengers adhering to established time schedules; comply with traffic regulations ensuring passenger safety.
• Provide courteous and respectful behavior to passengers; respond to questions regarding fares, schedules, routes, and transfer points.
• Pick up and drop off passengers at designated bus stops; collect fares, tickets, and transfers; validate passes.
• Conduct a thorough visual pre-and post-trip inspections on assigned bus and equipment following Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations; report malfunctions, damages, or equipment failures accordingly.
• Assist passengers, such as elderly or disabled individuals in boarding or alighting bus; ensure they are properly seated; load/unload wheelchair/mobility device and secure appropriately.
• Troubleshoot en-route problems; notify dispatch regarding mechanical issues, potential safety concerns, traffic problems, road hazards, and accidents.
• Promote passenger safety; handle passenger conflicts and disruptive passengers; respond to medical emergencies; notify dispatch when assistance is needed.
• Implement Agency protocols in the event of vehicle or non-vehicle-involved accidents.
• Announce stops using public address system; keep passengers informed of delays.
• Complete paperwork including timesheets, day card, arrival and departure times, occurrence/incident reports, passenger counts, types of fares used, and log books.
• Perform special service assignments, bus bridges, and acts as replacement driver; assist in training new drivers.
• Maintain cleanliness of vehicle.
• Work with and maintain confidential information.
• Demonstrate regular and punctual attendance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School diploma or G.E.D. equivalent and be 21 years of age plus five years of driving experience.
• Must possess a valid Washington State driver license.
• Must obtain and maintain the following licenses and certifications for continued employment at BFT: Class B Commercial Driver License (CDL) or Washington State Commercial Learner Permit with passenger endorsement and no air brake restriction, and corresponding DOT medical certification.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous transit driving experience is encouraged, but not required.

Skills

• Understand and implement safety standards and practices for operating transit buses and equipment.
• Understand and apply applicable traffic and transportation laws, codes, and regulations.
• Familiar with basic servicing and checking procedures for various engine and vehicle components to perform preventative maintenance and simple emergency repairs.
• Familiar with the geography, transit routes, and landmarks of Benton and Franklin counties; read schedules, paper and/or electronic maps; comprehend directions of travel.
• Operate a two-way radio and public-address system.
• React quickly and calmly in an emergency and adopt an effective course of action within established guidelines.
• Effectively handle emergency situations and difficult customer interactions that occur while performing duties.
• Perform simple arithmetic.
• General methods of tactful public communication and customer service practices.
• Keep legible and accurate records.
• Learn new technologies, policies, procedures and guidelines established by professional organizations and/or governing agencies.
• Utilize office equipment and other relevant technology (software and systems) to meet business needs.
• Understand, follow, and communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Work as a team member and independently; effectively apply organizational and time management skills; meet deadlines and comply with Agency policies.
• Exercise sound judgment in making decisions.
• Focus on tasks and recall details; handle frequent interruptions.

Other Characteristics

• Collaboration: Shares time and knowledge with others; adjusts priorities as circumstances dictate; follows through on commitments, accepts responsibility for actions, resolves interpersonal conflicts constructively.
• Diversity: Demonstrates an awareness and respect of cultural and individual values. Treats all people with dignity, courtesy and respect.
• Fiscal Accountability: Actively contributes to the productivity of the agency; demonstrates good stewardship of company time and resources; displays high standards of ethical conduct.
• Customer Service: Anticipates the needs of internal and external customers; delivers quality work products and services within expected timeframes. Considers and responds appropriately to people in various situations.
• Innovation: Considers new approaches to situations; encourages ideas and improvements.
• Sustainability: Actively encourages environmental benefits and the conservation of natural resources.
• Safety: Adheres to safety related laws, regulations, standards, and practices; performs work in a safe manner; encourages and supports others to be safe while at work.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing, walking, reaching, handling, kneeling, crouching, bending, twisting, climbing, and balancing.
• Constant sitting to drive bus; fine dexterity to handle two-way radio, operate doors, fare box controls, operate lifts, steering.
• Constant hearing and talking to communicate with passengers, make announcements, listen to equipment.
• Constant use of foot controls to depress pedals.
• Frequent push/pull wheelchairs, open/close doors with a force of 20 pounds.
• Frequent lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Visual acuity of at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without corrective lenses, field of vision, and depth perception to operate motor vehicles; ability to adjust focus.
• Good-natured, cooperative attitude and prepared for any situations that may arise while transporting passengers.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed primarily while inside passenger bus.
• Occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions, moving mechanical parts, fumes and airborne particles, vibrations, and moderate traffic patterns.
• The noise level is usually moderate but occasionally high and can be distracting.
• Employee may be exposed to bodily fluids and bloodborne pathogens.
• Must be available to work seven days a week (Monday-Sunday), including weekends during all hours of operation.

Pay

Salary Position Range: $25.10 - $36.80