Bus Driver (Transit Operator)

We are currently recruiting for our upcoming OCTOBER 2023 & JANUARY 2024 Training Class!

You do not need professional driving experience – we have a paid, comprehensive training program that will help you get your CDL! If you want to drive, and like working with community members, we can provide you with the tools to succeed as a Bus Driver with WTA. Right now we are looking for Bus Drivers for two of our upcoming classes!

We have information sessions and testing starting mid-August. You will be contacted via email if you meet the minimum qualifications with an invitation to attend an information session (RSVP required).

If you are interested in learning more about our Transit Operator Hiring Process, please take a look at our webpage: http://www.ridewta.com/business/employment/transit-operator-hiring-process.

COMPENSATION: *UPDATED 2023 RATES*

• Starting wage $28.65 / hour. This starts the first day of your full-time 8–10-week training period
• Annual step increases from $28.65 up to $35.81 after 5 years

Please read this posting to understand the important roles and responsibilities of being a Bus Driver (Transit Operator) at WTA.

This position is responsible for the safe, reliable, efficient and friendly operation of passenger buses for the public transportation system. Operators provide paratransit demand-responsive service and fixed route passenger bus service with assigned schedules.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Either Service

• Promotes good passenger relations through courteous treatment of passengers and providing information regarding system operations.
• Returns and secures vehicle at WTA yard in accordance with established procedures.
• Must be willing to work day, evening, split shifts, and weekends.
• Responsible for proper securement of passengers and mobility devices, and safe evacuation of passengers in any emergency situation.
• Operates two-way radio for professional routine communication with dispatch center and other vehicles as well as to report accidents, emergencies, or other unusual situations related to equipment and / or passengers.
• Must maintain punctual and regular attendance to provide dependable service to the public.
• Assures compliance with WTA's fare policy and collects ridership information.
• Readies and inspects vehicles, including safety items, cleanliness and general appearance, at launch and throughout the day in order to insure safe and efficient operation of equipment. Reports any equipment defects as prescribed by WTA policy and procedures.
• Completes and submits timecards, incident reports, and other information requested by the WTA.

Paratransit Service

• Uses computer technology for passenger, route and schedule record-keeping and information.
• Operates a paratransit vehicle providing demand-responsive service to persons with disabilities and the general public on assigned routes and schedules.
• Assists passengers boarding and disembarking from vehicles, as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act and WTA policy as they apply to paratransit service.

Fixed-Route Service

• Operates a passenger coach on prescribed routes and time schedules in accordance with established safety and operational policies and procedures while picking up and delivering passengers at regular stops.
• Maintains continual attendance at coach, except for scheduled breaks, to ensure the security and safety of both the coach and passengers, the maintenance of radio contact with dispatch and other drivers, and to provide system information to inquiring passengers in the terminal.
• Assists passengers boarding and disembarking from vehicles, as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act and WTA policy as they apply to fixed-route service.
• Always interacts with other assigned persons when relieving or being relieved on shift.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Receives on-going organization training on issues related to the position (e.g., CPR / First Aid, Passenger Relations, etc.)
• Participates in passenger counts and other related activities as required.
• May assist in the training of new drivers as assigned.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to read and comprehend maps, schedules and route information.
• Ability to utilize computer equipment to input work time, farebox information, receive and interpret route and schedule information, and other basic computer functions.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability and willingness to maintain a courteous, professional approach when handling the public and problems that arise.
• Ability to understand and apply WTA and Operations policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of traffic laws and safety rules applicable to the transportation of passengers.
• Ability to safely operate a transit vehicle under all conditions of weather, roadways, and traffic while successfully dealing with passengers, route and schedule requirements.
• Ability to use judgment to assess situations, take appropriate actions by evaluating individual circumstances and prioritize conflicting needs.
• Ability to work effectively with co-workers at all levels of the organization, people affiliated with other organizations, and with the general public.
• Ability to perform multi-task functions in what can sometime be a high-stress environment.
• Ability to successfully complete WTA's Operator Training Program.
• Ability to gain operational knowledge of the system and every coach assigned.

License or Certificate:

• Must pass a comprehensive background check (in accordance with RCW 43.43.830 through 43.43.840, Child / Adult Abuse Information Act.)
• Applicants must be at least 21 years of age at time of application with at least five years of driving experience.
• Applicants must have an acceptable driving record (in accordance with WTA personnel policy 3.03 "Employment Requirements") and must submit a five year driving abstract.
• Valid Washington State driver's license at time of hire and ability to obtain a valid Commercial Drivers License (CDL) with appropriate endorsements within six weeks of hire and maintain licensing during length of employment.
• Applicants must have a high school degree or equivalent.
• Obtain and maintain a valid and current CPR card within 3 months of hire.

WORKING CONDITIONS, TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT:

• Exposed to extreme weather seldom to occasionally.
• Moderate, frequent noise while on bus.
• Work is performed frequently to constantly while inside passenger bus. Seldom to occasional outdoor work is required to assist passengers as needed.
• Exposed to dust occasionally.
• Exposed to vapors / fumes occasionally.
• Constant vibration while driving bus.
• Operators wear a WTA uniform and meet appearance standards as set in policy.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Hearing unimpaired or correctable to minimum requirements of Section 391.41 CDL Physical Standards.
• Full and complete use of all limbs to operate coach controls.
• Must be able to comfortably and safely board, sit in and maneuver throughout vehicle.
• Has distant vision acuity of at least 20/40 (Snellen) in each eye without corrective lenses or visual acuity separate corrected to 20/40 (Snellen) in both eyes with or without corrective lenses, field of vision of at least 70 degrees in the horizontal meridian in each eye, and the ability to recognize the colors of traffic signals and devices showing standard red, green, and amber.
• Physical ability to perform essential job functions including, but not limited to, sitting for extended periods of time, standing, walking, stooping / bending, pushing / pulling (approximately 50 lbs.), lifting (approximately 30 lbs.), and climbing (stairs).
• Meets all other minimum requirements of Section 391.41 CDL Physical Standards.
• No history of cardiovascular impairment or related disease.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a medical evaluation and Department of Transportation (DOT) drug screen.
• As a safety-sensitive position, must participate in FTA regulated drug-testing program, including random drug testing as a condition of employment.

An Equal Opportunity Employer
Women and Minorities Encouraged to Apply
Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace including marijuana