Full-Time Bus Operator

Responsibilities

• Transport passengers safely in a designated transit vehicle on assigned routes.
• Provide excellent customer service, including information on maps, schedules, routes, transfer points, and schedule changes to all passengers, including those who are disabled, visually impaired, or hearing impaired.
• Assist disabled and mobility‑aid passengers as needed.
• Operate the bus smoothly, announce required stops according to the time schedule, and learn all transfer points and times.
• Prepare the bus for the daily route: check fluid levels, inspect tires, scan the engine for obvious problems, spot‑clean floor, windows and seats, empty the trash can, complete the checklist, and note any damages before departing.
• Drive through traffic while monitoring traffic, passengers, and pedestrians, and obey all traffic laws.
• Perform fare collection and prepare daily reports of distance traveled.
• Conduct basic vehicle problem surveillance and report mechanical problems and service requirements to the Transportation Operations Supervisor.
• Refuel the bus and spot‑clean the interior as necessary to maintain cleanliness during operation.
• Consult with the Transportation Operations Supervisor to report road conditions, recommend route or time changes, identify shelter location needs, and discuss daily and long‑range issues.
• Report accidents or traffic disruptions to the dispatcher and follow directions for alternate routing.
• Search for and secure lost or forgotten passenger property.
• Check bus shelters for cleanliness and perform snow removal when needed.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
• If assigned, coordinate shop operations during nights or weekends.

Qualifications

• Knowledge: Modern transit buses and their operation and maintenance; two‑way radios, wheelchair lifts and tie‑down systems, and PA systems for the visually impaired; principles and practices of customer service; operational characteristics of transportation vehicles and related equipment; city geography; basic mathematical principles; pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Skills: Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships; maintain physical condition appropriate to the duties; maintain mental capacity for sound decision‑making; maintain effective audio/visual discrimination and perception necessary for safe performance.
• Abilities: Work independently without supervision; learn city traffic laws and safe bus operating procedures; follow state and federal transit regulations; learn the city street system and locations of offices and agencies; work within the constraints of a time schedule; prepare clear and concise reports; use independent judgment and foresight when assessing route conditions in poor weather; give and follow directions with precision; respond to and resolve difficult or sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.

Requirements

• Two years of increasingly responsible experience operating a public transit bus.
• Education equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain within 60 days, a valid commercial driver’s license with passenger and air‑brake endorsement.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefit package, including participation in the North Dakota Public Employees Retirement System.
• Employee contribution: mandatory 4 % up to 7 %.
• Employer contribution: mandatory 5.26 % up to 9.26 %.
• Benefit details available in the 2025 and 2026 Benefit Summaries (links provided in the original posting).

Employer: City of Grand Forks (ND)
Address: 255 N. 4th Street, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58203
Phone: 701‑746‑2665
Website: www.grandforksgov.com/jobs