Public Transit Operator; Bus Driver

Public Transit Operator (Bus Driver) (Transportation)

The Public Transit Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently transporting passengers along designated routes, ensuring timely arrivals and departures. You'll perform routine vehicle inspections, adhere to all traffic laws and safety regulations, and provide excellent customer service by assisting passengers as needed. Additionally, you'll maintain accurate records of daily activities, including ridership counts and vehicle maintenance reports, and respond to any on-the-road issues or emergencies in accordance with company procedures.

You'll work to promote accessibility and ensure that all individuals, including those with disabilities, are provided with a safe and reliable transit experience.

This full-time position is 36 hours per week, and you will primarily drive in the Faribault/Northfield area but may occasionally be assigned to another city/community.

Start pay is $22.70/hour if you already have a Class C CDL and Passenger Endorsement (PE); otherwise, starting pay will be $21.70/hour with a Commercial Learners Permit (CLP) while you are in training to receive your CDL. If you do not have a CDL and Passenger Endorsement, a CLP is required before your start date.

Job offers are contingent on a reference check; a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) review; a criminal background study with fingerprinting through the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS); a Medical Examiners Certificate (“Medical Card”); a Fitness-for-Duty Exam paid for by the agency at the clinic of the agency’s choosing; and a pre‑employment Department of Transportation (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). test. Employees in this position are subject to random and reasonable suspicion DOT drug and alcohol testing throughout their employment.

• Ability to pass a required background study, as defined by the position
• Current, valid driver’s license for at least three (3) years in good standing as defined by agency insurance company (including, but not limited to, no more than 1 moving violation in the previous 12‑months)
• Current, valid personal automobile insurance
• Ability to successfully pass required background study (including, but not limited to, no felony convictions)
• Willingness/ability to adhere to all CFR Part 40 regulations as they pertain to public transit operators, including but not limited to submission to and successfully passing of drug and alcohol testing throughout employment
• Ability to safely operate large transit vehicles, associated equipment, mobility lift, and security devices safely and efficiently
• Ability to read, write and speak English to communicate effectively with passengers, dispatchers and in emergency situations
• Demonstrated adherence to all state and highway safety rules and regulations
• Ability to use tablets and other basic transit software
• Ability to pass Driver Training on topics including, but not limited to:
  • Passenger Assistance
  • Maltreatment Awareness
  • Defensive Driving
  • First Aid/CPR
  • Child Passenger Safety

NOTE: If position is offered to and accepted by applicant, the Agency will provide resources to assist applicant in obtaining a Commercial Learners Permit (CLP) and a Medical Examiners Certificate (Medical Card) prior to their first day of employment. Employment will not begin until both are obtained.
Paid training is provided to assist new hires in obtaining CDL and Passenger Endorsement; must obtain CDL and Passenger Endorsement within 90 days of start date.

• Ability to sit for long periods of time while driving and use hands to finger, handle, or grasp objects and controls, and reach with hands and arms
• Ability to safely operate large transit vehicles and equipment safely in all types of weather and environmental conditions
• Ability to adhere to ADA compliance and reasonable accommodation requirements and physically assist passengers personally, or with mobility devices or property as needed
• Ability to pass a Fitness for Duty Exam paid for by the agency at the clinic of the agency’s choosing
• Potentially frequent lifting of up to 75 lbs.
• Occasional bending/squatting/reaching.

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