Lead Driver - Metro QC

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Paratransit ADA experience required
• Extensive knowledge of FTA and ADA guidelines
• Prior dispatching/reservation experience required
• Valid IL Driver’s License and acceptable driving record
• Minimum of 2 years of experience as a full-time paratransit operator
• Prior lead or supervisory experience preferred
• Knowledge of project specific vehicles, components, and data/communications systems
• Strong customer service attitude
• Intermediate knowledge and experience of Microsoft Office Suite
• Transportation Dispatching Software knowledge required

Skills

• Excellent planning and leadership abilities
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Detail oriented
• Self-motivated
• Ability to work flexible schedules that may include nights, weekends, and holidays
• Ability to read, write and speak English
• Ability to communicate effectively and work with all departments
• Ability to work independently and objectively
• Ability to de-escalate situations/incidents with passengers, employees, and the general public
• Ability to make decisions, manage change and time
• Strong analytical and reporting skills

Responsibilities

• Oversee driver and vehicle operations
• Enhance customer service, support drivers during revenue service, respond to accidents or incidents, monitor condition of bus stops, assess operating conditions and on-time performance
• First line of response in service delivery for incidents and accidents; follow all reporting policies and procedures
• Monitor operators in service to ensure they meet uniform and equipment standards and possess proper licensing and certifications
• Assist dispatch staff with vehicle change outs in the field
• Provide feedback to safety and operations departments on service items affecting safety and performance; identify potential safety hazards
• Follow company safety and operational rules and procedures
• Work under stress and meet strict timelines
• Handle Special Event management
• Monitor pullout to ensure on-time performance
• Inspect vehicles for damage and compliance with safety standards
• Coach employees based on onboard surveillance technology and field observation
• May operate a vehicle based on business needs
• Perform dispatch/reservation duties as needed to ensure full coverage
• Make regular observations of operators to ensure high-quality service provision
• Respectfully enforce Keolis’ and MetroLINK policies and procedures as well as the code of conduct
• Accountable for driver group safety performance
• Conduct field supervision of operators to assess performance and competence
• Prepare and deliver regular driver scorecard results, coaching drivers for continual improvement
• Accountable for operators’ contribution to the overall customer experience
• Assist with customer comments investigations
• Build positive relationships with operators
• Address driver performance issues, providing coaching when appropriate
• Act as liaison between drivers and other departments
• Work with applicable Keolis resources to recruit, interview, onboard, train, and retain qualified operators
• Other duties as assigned

Training

• Provide behind-the-wheel (BTW) training for new operators and trainees
• Conduct on-board evaluations and in-service training for operators as scheduled or needed
• Provide BTW retraining as directed
• Evaluate new operator driving skills using appropriate checklists and evaluation forms
• Provide appropriate feedback to new operators
• Serve as role model and mentor to new operators
• Identify retraining needs
• Recognize and report safe and unsafe acts/conditions to Management
• Provide feedback to General Manager regarding training needs
• Assist with identifying additional or refresher training needs based on current trends within the employee base

Safety

• Comply with all requirements of the Road Traffic Safety Management System
• Comply with rules, laws, and regulations relating to road safety
• Report any situation posing a risk to road safety to supervisor
• Promote road safety when driving a vehicle

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be requested to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Long periods (potentially exceeding 8 hours per day) of walking, standing, sitting, bending, pushing, pulling, climbing, lifting, balancing, stooping, twisting, squatting, handling materials, repetitive hand-wrist motions, and traversing uneven surfaces
• Exposure to both extreme heat and cold
• Exposure to loud noises, fumes, and airborne particles
• Split work between an office setting and active transit field locations driving in a vehicle

Employment for safety-sensitive positions will be contingent upon passing a pre-employment drug screen and a physical examination. Keolis maintains a drug-free workplace. Employment will also be contingent upon completion of a background check consistent with applicable federal, state, and/or local laws.