Part Time (30+ hrs/wk) Transit Bus Driver

Location: New Ulm, MN

Job Type: Part Time (30+ hrs/wk)

About the role

Provide safe, courteous and dependable transportation to public passengers of all ages and abilities.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate lift-equipped buses carrying up to 18 passengers in all types of conditions while complying with BCHE policies and local, state, and federal traffic laws and regulations.
• Work collaboratively with all passengers, dispatch, personnel, Transit Manager, Transit Assistant Manager, other drivers, maintenance personnel, service providers (nursing home staff, business owners/operators, and community program managers).
• Make decisions regarding bus problems/demanding situations (e.g., agitated/confused, ill passengers, mechanical failure) and handle according to established procedures.
• Assist, load, and unload passengers, providing transit services as prescribed on mobile data computer (MDC)/tablet.
• Review schedule daily and adjust to accommodate passenger needs, providing quality service in the safest and most efficient manner possible.
• Communicate via two-way radio with transit dispatcher and/or management on status of passengers, vehicle, and other associated concerns.
• Meet and maintain certification requirements set forth by the MN Department of Transportation’s Office of Motor Carrier Services and/or other regulatory agencies.
• Conduct before (pre-trip), during, and after (post-trip) vehicle preventative maintenance inspections in accordance with MN Department of Motor Carrier Rules and regulations. Report all mechanical malfunctions to the Transit office and ensure documentation.
• Serve as a Transit Express representative in promoting the service, maintaining a positive attitude when responding to passenger questions/concerns and in discussions with the public regarding transit operations.
• Document daily fuel use and vehicle miles as well as completing incident/accident reports.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Transit Manager and Transit Assistant Manager.
• Regular attendance is required.
• Attend meetings and training as needed.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent and two (2) years bus driving experience; or five (5) years as a licensed driver with previous experience preferably driving a larger vehicle (van or bus).
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to drive in the state of Minnesota.
• Ability to read and speak English as per FTA Safety regulations Part 391.
• Obtain a valid MN Commercial Driver’s License with passenger endorsement (knowledge and skills test) free of any cancellations, revocations, suspensions, or convictions and a clear criminal record.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Pass required medical examination per Federal Motor Carrier Safety regulations and drug and alcohol testing as mandated by the FTA.
• Complete additional training: 4 hrs. First Aid, 4 hrs. defensive driving, 4 hrs. abuse prevention, and 8 hrs. passenger assistance (renew certification every 3 years).
• Must be able to lift 30 lbs or more.

Skills

• Knowledge and skill in commercial bus driving.
• Knowledge and skill with Microsoft Office and basic computer use.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written or oral forms.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Ability to analyze and respond to problems.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Work is performed in an office setting, in vehicles, and in maintenance areas.
• Moderate duty with ability to lift, carry, or push up to 30 pounds.
• Frequently performs work under a tight schedule that requires complete attention to the details of each ride to ensure safety and accommodations.
• Driving and its hazards reflect significant exposure to all types of weather, other drivers, and exposure to angry, disabled, impaired, or ill passengers.

Equipment Utilized

• Office equipment, computer, department vehicles, vehicle maintenance supplies, and tools.

Pay

Entry hourly wage range of $23.38 to $26.23, depending on qualifications.

Benefits

• Vacation: Accrual rates vary based on years of service:
  • Up to 4 years: 101.66 hours biweekly (1321.58 hours per year)
  • 4 years but less than 8 years: 130 hours biweekly (1690 hours per year)
  • 8 years but less than 12 years: 157.30 hours biweekly (2044.9 hours per year)
  • 12 years but less than 16 years: 185.38 hours biweekly (2410 hours per year)
  • 16 or more years: 201.50 hours biweekly (2619.5 hours per year)
• Sick Leave: Full-time employees may earn 8 hours of sick leave per month.
• Paid Holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, President's Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day (Observed), Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day.
• Health Insurance: Full-time employees and employees working 30 or more hours per week may choose between single or family coverage. The County contributes monthly towards the cost of the health plan premiums and makes a semi-annual contribution into the employee's HSA for single or family coverage. For regular part-time employees working 30+ hours/week year-round, the County pays 75% of the county share of single coverage (base plan) and 75% of the employer HSA contribution.
• Life Insurance: Full-time employees receive $20,000 term life/$20,000 AD&D at no cost. Regular part-time employees working 30+ hours/week are eligible with the County paying 75% of the premium.
• Retirement: The County and employee contribute to PERA (Public Employees Retirement Association).
• Variable Benefits Available: Dental, Vision, Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Reimbursement Accounts (FSA), Deferred Compensation (457b), Roth IRA, Supplemental Life, AFLAC Plans.