School Bus Operator 30-39 hour (Transit Operator)

About the role

The City's School Bus Transit Operator, assigned to CAT's Pupil Transportation Division, performs intermediate semiskilled support work in the operation of large passenger buses in public transportation, daily school transportation, school-related events, charter services, and/or other designated routes to transport passengers in a safe, courteous, and timely manner. Work is performed under limited supervision and reports to a Transit Operations Supervisor.

Responsibilities

• Operates a transit passenger bus or school bus over designated routes and schedules, ensuring safe and timely transportation for passengers.
• Conducts pre- and post-trip inspections of vehicles and related equipment, reporting defects or mechanical issues as required.
• Prepares and maintains trip records, including fares, passenger behavior, mileage, vehicle defects, and condition reports, in compliance with department requirements.
• Aids passengers with boarding and off-loading, including wheelchair accessibility, and announces bus routes and stops.
• Maintains a safe and orderly environment aboard the bus by monitoring passenger behavior and providing accurate route and service information.
• Communicates with other operators, supervisors, and dispatch via two-way radio or phone to report traffic conditions, vehicle issues, or passenger concerns.
• Operates a City vehicle in the performance of the job duties.
• Follows safety instructions and attends appropriate safety training, including body fluid spill clean-up procedures.
• Complies with all traffic laws and safety regulations, employing defensive driving techniques to minimize risks and prevent accidents.
• Reports accidents or emergencies immediately and completes required reporting information, maintaining composure and ensuring passenger safety during such events.
• Captures fueling and basic maintenance of the bus, communicates mechanical concerns, records mileage, and ensures the vehicle is clean and safe throughout each shift in accordance with division requirements.
• Attends required meetings and training sessions as needed to maintain compliance with DOT, FTA, and Virginia State School Bus standards.
• Supports departmental goals to provide dependable, efficient, and safe transportation service.
• May be required to work non-traditional work schedule, including weeknights, weekends, and/or holidays.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED AND one year of experience performing customer service tasks.
• Three years of work experience performing customer service tasks.
• Some experience working with children, general public and/or operating a commercial vehicle or similar equipment.
• Valid Class B Commercial Driver’s License or CDL Learner’s Permit.

Qualifications

• Valid appropriate driver’s license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia or ability to obtain one by employment start date and maintain an acceptable driving record in accordance with City criteria.
• Class B Virginia Commercial Driver’s license with Passenger (P) and air brake endorsement within ninety (90) days of employment start date.
• No reckless driving or driving under the influence convictions within five years and less than two moving violations within 12 months of employment start date.
• Satisfactory completion of a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Clearinghouse Query may be required.
• Subject to Federal DOT drug and alcohol testing regulations.
• Valid School Bus (S) endorsement within 90 days of employment start date.
• Successfully complete the Virginia Department of Education training curriculum.
• Successfully pass the EB.001 School Bus Driver Application for Physician Certificate annually.
• Successfully pass Tuberculosis (TB) testing.
• Possess CPR and First Aid certifications within three (3) months of start date.

Skills

• Thorough knowledge of traffic rules and regulations, including federal, state, and local traffic laws applicable to transit operations.
• Familiarity with dispatch and communication procedures, including the use of two-way radios and other equipment.
• Basic: Understands the meaning of commonly used multi-syllable words and simple paragraphs. Comprehends and applies simple written instructions, signs, and notices, as well as departmental and city policies and guidelines.
• Basic: Ability to write simple letters, paragraphs and sentences containing subject, verb, and object, and/or a series of numbers, names and addresses in a simple report format.
• Basic: Ability to perform the four basic arithmetic operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Basic: Provide standard information to and interacts with others outside direct reporting relationships on procedures or general policies. Interaction requires recognizing different points of view to ensure understanding and appropriate response. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with co-workers, customers, and passengers.

Benefits

• Excellent benefits including paid holidays, paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance options with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, City's retirement options, gym membership reimbursement, and continuing education/training opportunities.
• For a general summary of benefits offered by the City, please click the 'benefits' tab on this posting, or visit https://www.charlottesville.gov/1047/Employee-Benefits.

Pay

The hiring amount for this position is $24.15 an hour in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement between Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1220 and the City of Charlottesville.

Schedule

The position is a part-time (30-39 hour per week), non-exempt, position and is eligible for prorated benefits.