Bus Operator - County Services ID-9513

March 28, 2025

Job Summary

NO PRIOR EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

PAID TRAINING PROVIDED

($19.7447 - $25.8199 Hourly – Wage Step Progression)

Under the direction of the Transportation Superintendent, operator is responsible for the safe operation of RTD’s equipment, providing extraordinary customer service, alighting and boarding passengers, and collecting fares along a scheduled route or destination. No prior driving experience required (but preferred). RTD will provide paid training in preparation for commercial class B license and endorsements. Class B Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) with passenger and airbrake endorsements must be obtained prior to hire date

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Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The incumbent must be able to perform the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodations.

As a bus operator:

Thoroughly inspect assigned bus for all safety, comfort, and cleanliness prior to departing from the operations facility per the beginning of shift policies and procedures.
Notify the control center of any damage to the bus; upon relieving another operator,
Ensure the proper operation of all safety items; ask relief operator of any defects and/or route detours.
Throughout assigned shift, operate bus on assigned route and schedule while picking up and delivering passengers except as altered by Transportation Supervisor.
Collect fares and transfers, inspect passes for validity, collect ridership information as directed by Transportation Superintendent.
Offer assistance to passengers in boarding and alighting when necessary and provide information to passengers, when requested; assist and ensure wheelchair passengers are properly secure.
Call out bus stops, where appropriate.
Once per cycle, inspect safety items on the bus.
Assist new and trainee operators.
Except for authorized relief periods, continually attend bus to ensure the security and safety of both the bus and the passengers, and the maintenance of radio contact with the control center and other operators.
At the completion of shift ensure all end of shift tasks are performed per the policy and procedures; and adhere to the Operator’s Handbook.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

State and local traffic laws, safe driving practices, and defensive driving practices
Vehicle safety, rules, and regulations
Positive communication, interaction, and customer service with the general public, including students, elderly, and persons with disabilities
Schedules, fares, routes, and transfer points

Ability to:

Successfully complete the District's Operator training program
Perform all duties and responsibilities in a professional manner
Work varying shifts and hours, Monday through Sunday. Weekday hours may begin as early as 3:15 A.M. and end as late as 11:30 P.M.
Lift 40 pounds or over, pull, bend, stoop and twist, as required by various job duties
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, other agencies, and co-workers
Relate well to various persons from all ethnic backgrounds and classes
Establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers and all staff to ensure the team concept in the work environment which includes maintaining a positive and professional disposition, demeanor and attitude with all customers, co-workers, all staff and supervisors at all times
To report to work as required and on time
Dress in a professional manner as required

Education, Training and Experience:
A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities outlined above is: High School diploma or GED equivalent; good work and driving record; 21 years of age and have three (3) years of licensed vehicle driving at the time of application; and possess excellent people skills. Prior bus driving and customer service experience a plus. Must have reliable transportation. Must be able to read, write, and speak English.

Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:

Valid Class C California driver license or higher
Class B Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) must be obtained prior to hire date
Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Class B driver license, with Passenger and Airbrake endorsements
Ability to obtain Valid Verification of Transit Training Certificate
An original DMV printout must be provided for consideration

Please submit your DMV printout to Human Resources in one of the three following ways: (1) Upload and submit it with your application; (2) Fax it to (209)-943-1175; or (3) Bring it in person to the Downtown Transit Center to the customer service department (Attention: HR).

Work Environment:
The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, or hear, in person and by radio; use hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate District vehicles (buses and automobiles); and reach out with hands or arms. The employee frequently is required to walk and stand. The employee must be able to lift, push, and pull (40) pounds. The employee does not work under typical office conditions. The employee will be working in District buses and other vehicles where the noise level is usually loud. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Mental Demands:
While performing the duties of this class, the incumbent is regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information, and documents; observe and interpret people and situations; analyze and solve operational problems, use math and mathematical reasoning; perform detailed work on multiple concurrent tasks; work with constant interruptions; and interact with RTD personnel and a multi cultural customer base encountered in the course of work.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee occasionally works in outdoor weather conditions where noise levels are moderately noisy; around moving equipment and vehicles; and is exposed to toxic fumes and caustic chemicals.

Employment Process:
Applicants must complete and submit an official application form. The standards as stated on the front of the job announcement represent only the minimum required to fill an application. Resumes will be accepted but may not be substituted for the required application form. Meeting the listed standards does not guarantee that a candidate will be invited for an interview as the Human Resources Department reserves the right to limit the number of candidates to the most qualified for the vacancy. The selection process for this position may include a written assessment. All statements made on the application are subject to verification and investigation. False statements will be cause for disqualification, removal from the eligible list or termination of employment.

Employment is conditional upon successfully passing all pre-employment screens. Substance abuse tests paid by the Transit District are required of each prospective employee. Candidates are cautioned that offers of employment are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of DOT physical examination (for safety sensitive positions), substance abuse drug and alcohol tests, reference checks, and a background investigation.

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