Bus Operator Jobs

POSITION SUMMARY: $18.72 - Student Pay $19.76 - First 6 months

Mobility Services is a door-to-door transportation service provided for senior citizens and persons with disabilities living in Polk County who are functionally unable to independently use the regular city bus. You would help assist in trips to medical appointments, grocery stores, etc. There are two different types of vehicles that can be used. The size of the Mobility Services bus is comparable to an airport shuttle bus. Mobility Services also uses a minivan type vehicle. Applicants do need to hold a Commercial Driver's License, a Class B Driver's License.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Complete a pre- and post-trip inspection of the vehicle
• Submit written reports of all accidents involving his/her bus.
• Report equipment malfunctions to appropriate shop personnel for correction.
• Maintain records and trip logs that outline your driving activities
• Will greet and interact with passengers in a courteous and professional manner. The bus operator will answer questions with courtesy and tact.
• Must comply with all local traffic regulations.
• Regulate heating, cooling and ventilation systems for passenger comfort.
• Promptly pick up and drop off passengers according to the schedule that fits the needs of passengers
• Assist passengers to board and exit the vehicle safely, fastening wheelchairs and other medical or mobility equipment in a secure fashion
• Report delays, breakdowns, and accidents using two-way radio.
• Inspect the vehicle and perform necessary vehicle checks (tires, gas, oil, lights, etc.)
• Signing in on time, locate your assigned vehicle in the garage and set all route signs.
• Collect fares

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Job related experience is preferred.
• 21 years of age or older
• Complete a DOT physical with DART's physician
• Must maintain driver insurability standards.
• Pass a pre-employment drug screen, including mandatory random drug screens and a physical
• Must possess a High School Diploma/GED or equivalent.
• Possess (or be able to obtain) a valid Iowa CDL with Air Brake and Passenger endorsements.
• Pass a pre-employment and on-going background checks (Motor Vehicle Record and Criminal History)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of principles and methods of bus transportation services at DART
• Knowledge of the Des Moines and surrounding area city streets, landmarks, and related geography in the DART service areas

Skills or Ability to:

• Customer service experience is preferred
• Ability to follow and understand policies and procedures
• Ability to work and maintain professional composure while under stress and pressure
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse workforce
• Ability to operate a vehicle in city traffic
• Ability to operate assigned equipment in a safe manner
• Ability to exercise good judgement and caution while driving
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely to convey information to other bus operators, dispatch, supervisors, and other agency personnel via in person and radio communications
• General knowledge of the Des Moines area
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.

Special Requirements:

• Ability to work unusual hours, which may include early mornings, late evenings, weekends, holidays, split shifts
• Class B Iowa Commercial Driver s License with Passenger and Airbrake Endorsements
• DOT Medical Certification must be maintained per the requirements of the DOT

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

On a normal workday, this position requires:

• The ability to hear normal verbal conversation with or without corrective devices to communicate with co-workers and customers
• Extensive use of hands, fingers, and arms in operations of large buses
• The ability to speak and read the English language clearly and concisely
• Clarity of vision during both day and nighttime hours
• Prolonged periods of sitting

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Occasionally exposed to disagreeable elements such as heat, cold, dampness, fumes, noise, etc.

DISCLAIMER:

This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, or working conditions associated with the position. While this list is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current position, the DART Commission reserves the right to revise the functions and duties of the position, or to require that additional or different tasks be performed when circumstances change (e.g., emergencies, staff shortages, workload changes, rush jobs, or technological developments).