Transit Operator - Entry Level

About the role

This is entry level work learning the skills necessary for operating revenue service vehicles in a safe, courteous and timely manner with the goal of satisfied and loyal customers of the public transit system. Positions in this classification report to a designated supervisor and work under direct supervision. Work in this class is distinguished from other classes by its emphasis on learning Transit Operator skills.

Responsibilities

• Safely operates all models of agency revenue service vehicles through traffic along assigned routes under various environmental conditions in accordance with published schedules, traffic laws and departmental regulations.
• Manages farebox transactions, and records passenger data by fare type.
• Collections fares from passengers and issues transfers; checks passenger transfers, passes, and identification cards to ensure they are valid.
• Acts as first-line customer service representative by cultivating and maintaining positive customer relations with the riders.
• Ensures a clean, safe rider environment, provides accurate and timely information regarding routes, and assists and accommodates riders with boarding and discharging the vehicle in a safe and efficient manner.
• Performs pre- and post-operation vehicle inspection.
• Records any physical deficiencies on required documents.
• Contacts Control Center regarding various emergencies, such as, medical emergencies, vehicle malfunctions, vehicle evacuations, vehicle accidents, etc.; as well as, other circumstances that may affect service, such as, heavy traffic, road hazards, road obstructions, etc..
• Completes accident, incident, and/or other miscellaneous reports to document unusual occurrences.
• Operates the disability access lifts and ramps for wheelchairs or upon request by any passenger.
• Assists wheelchair patrons on and off vehicles upon request.
• Secures all onboard wheelchairs or other mobility devices in accordance with department policy.
• Complies with all applicable Federal, State and local safety regulations and with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines to include stop announcements for all visually impaired.
• Operates communications equipment in accordance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and department rules and regulations.
• Wears and maintains prescribed uniform and maintains a clean, well-groomed appearance at all times.
• Will be required to respond under emergency conditions.

Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily. Below are the required education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions.

• Three (3) verifiable, consecutive years of driving experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience, which provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Pre-employment medical examination required, including satisfactory drug screening.
• Licenses: Valid State of Florida Driver License. Driving record shall reflect a three (3) year period with a maximum of four (4) points and no more than one (1) moving violation, including DUI, DWI, reckless driving, or license currently suspended or revoked. Valid State of Florida Commercial Driver License (CDL) Class A or B with passenger endorsement preferred. Once hired, employee must obtain a Commercial Driver License (CDL) class “A” or “B” with passenger endorsement in a period not to exceed three (3) weeks after training starts.
• Certifications: None.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must possess certain physical abilities and be able to withstand work related environmental conditions.

• Physical Requirements: Work will require performing tasks in and around heavy traffic. Work will require tasks that involve walking, sitting, standing, twisting, bending, crouching, and/or kneeling and balancing while simultaneously manipulating and fastening wheelchair tie-down straps, lifting up to 20 lbs., pushing/pulling up to a maximum of 100 lbs., climbing stairs and overhead work. Must be physically able to safely maneuver and operate a bus that includes hand eye coordination with repetitious head movements, such as, turning the head left and right frequently. Work requires normal color vision to distinguish the color and severity of many traffic control and safety devices. Must be able to communicate orally in the English language, see physical surroundings, listen, hear others, respond, and demonstrate good communication skills.
• Environmental Requirements: Work schedules may require weekends, late night hours, split shifts and non-consecutive days off, including having to fill in for a vacant shift with short notice. Will require direct contact with the public. Work may require exposure to moderate noise levels. Work may require exposure to dust and/or to exhaust fumes and vapors. Work will require performance of tasks outdoors under varying climatic conditions. Work may require performance of tasks in extreme road and/or weather conditions.

Skills

Below are the required education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions.

• Education And Experience: Three (3) verifiable, consecutive years of driving experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience, which provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Knowledge, Skills And Abilities: Ability to learn the City’s geography. Ability to learn the operation and use of diesel powered and/or alternative fuel vehicles. Ability to learn Federal, State and local traffic and other regulations governing the use of passenger-carrying vehicles in the city. Ability to learn occupational hazards involved and safety precautions necessary in operation of a transit vehicle. Ability to learn, understand and carry out oral and written instructions. Ability to perform basic arithmetic calculations. Ability to read and comprehend written materials, such as, training materials, departmental rules, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handbook, etc. using the English language. Ability to report to work punctually and adhere strictly to projected schedules. Ability to work effectively with coworkers, management and the general public. Ability to maintain continuous professional attitude, appearance and conduct at all times. Ability to verbally communicate with others using the English language.

Benefits

The City of Gainesville offers a competitive benefits package and opportunities to grow both professionally and personally. All 'regular' employees are eligible for traditional benefits such as health insurance, life insurance, paid leave, 11 paid holidays a year, a pension plan and a deferred compensation plan, but we also offer great things like on-site fitness centers, tuition reimbursement, on-site medical staff and a wellness program to keep you healthy and happy. Please note; benefits are not available for temporary employees.

Pay

Salary Range Minimum: $16.23 Salary Range Maximum: $16.23

Schedule

Work schedules may require weekends, late night hours, split shifts and non-consecutive days off, including having to fill in for a vacant shift with short notice.