The City is offering a Sign-On Bonus for Bus Operators in Training: $500 with first paycheck and 2% of gross earnings during first year of employment at first anniversary.

Brief Description of the Job
This is an entry-level trainee position intended for individuals with no, to less than a year of, professional driving experience. Individuals already in possession of a South Carolina Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) will complete a 6-week training program including both classroom and hands-on training intended to provide the essential skills and knowledge required to operate a transit bus safely and independently upon program completion. Individuals who do not already possess a CDL will undergo additional training for a total of 12 weeks and will be required to obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) within 3 weeks of hire and the CDL license within 8 weeks of hire.

The purpose of this position is to develop and prepare trainees for promotion to Bus Operator. To successfully complete the program, trainees must demonstrate proficiency and understanding in the following areas: Federal, State, City, and department rules and regulations; inspections, reports and documentation; bus and passenger safety; customer service; routes and directions; and driving. Failure to demonstrate proficiency and understating in all areas at designated evaluation points will result in removal from the training program.

Essential Functions
Obtain CDL License: Complete CDL training program, to include classroom study and hands-on driving instruction. Must test and successfully pass Commercial License Permit (CLP) exam within 3 weeks of hire. Must test and successfully obtain CDL within 8 weeks of hire.

Complete Bus Operator Training Program:
Rules and Regulations:  Receive department orientation and review of all department and City policies and procedures. Study and acquire knowledge of all Federal and State traffic laws and regulations pertaining to operating a transit vehicle.
Inspections, Reports, and Documentation: Learn the requirements of conducting pre and post trip inspections to include making sure all equipment is in proper working order. Receive hands-on instruction in checking tire pressure, fluid levels, safety equipment, gauges, steering controls, accelerator and brake pedals, horn, wipers, lights, mirrors, etc. Learn the guidelines for completing and submitting accident and incident reports.
Bus and Passenger Safety:  Learn requirements for assisting passengers on and off of transit vehicles both during regular and emergency operations. Train in proper operation of wheelchair lifts, as well as, how to safely secure wheelchairs and scooters. Train in emergency response procedures, including emergency roadside evacuations and the use of safety equipment to include fire extinguishers, reflective triangles, and first aid kits. Learn emergency management techniques for extraordinary circumstances one may encounter in the course of performing job functions including, collisions, mechanical failures, passenger emergencies, threats of violence, and natural disasters. Actively participate in the reporting of safety issues and concerns that are observed during the course of essential job functions.
Customer Service:  Review current fare structure and bus pass programs. Receive hands-on training in the utilization and troubleshooting of cash and electronic fare collection systems. Learn de-escalation techniques for passengers behaving in an offensive or destructive manner. Receive training in tactful and courteous interactions with passengers and the public.
Route Familiarization:  Develop and maintain working knowledge of city streets, current bus routes and stops within the County. Receive hands-on training in effectively utilizing the Automated Vehicle Location (AVL) system to program destination signs, enable on-board stop announcements, and capture on-time performance data, utilizing paddles, manifests and other information, to follow routes and meet time points. Utilize communication system to contact dispatch and report current position and conditions, receive accident and incident information, and coordinate detours.
Driving Instruction:  Learn and perform defensive driving techniques for urban and rural driving that include, but are not limited to, mirror usage and scanning techniques, monitoring blind spots, proper following distance, and safe acceleration and braking techniques. Learn and perform advanced maneuver techniques for driving a Class B transit vehicle that include turning, parallel parking, alley docking, off-set backing, and straight-line backing. Receive hands-on training in operating transit vehicles in a variety of weather and road conditions.

Operate Bus on Regularly Scheduled Route(s):  Under supervision, fully operate passenger bus on regularly scheduled routes through light to heavy City traffic, for the purpose of carrying passengers in a safe manner and in accordance with the City, County, State, and Federal laws, as well as City rules and policies. In performance of all Bus Operator essential functions, demonstrate proficiency and understanding of all training material. Collect fares, assist ADA passengers as needed while safely performing operation procedures. Monitors bus, weather conditions, and safety of passengers. Actively participate in the reporting of safety issues and concerns that are observed during the course of essential job functions.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements
Formal Education: High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Experience: Must have at least 6 months of work experience involving customer service or public contact. Prior professional driving experience preferred.

Driver’s License Required:  Must have a South Carolina Class D driver’s license. Must have or obtain a South Carolina Class B Commercial Learner’s Permit within 3 weeks of hire and CDL with passenger endorsement within 8 weeks of hire.

Certifications and Other Requirements: Must obtain a DOT Medical Examiners Certificate prior to starting the program and retain for duration of employment. Three-year motor vehicle record must meet the standards of City policy.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required by Program Completion
Knowledge of:
The safe operation of a public transit bus, including complete familiarization with its systems and safety features
Traffic rules, regulations and laws and procedures for the safe operation of a transit bus, and the ability to operate a transit bus in a safe manner
Geography and roadways of an assigned route and of the entire municipality.
Ability to:
Operate a motor vehicle safely.
Operate vehicle radio, Mobile Data Terminal (MDT), AVL system, and fare collection systems.
Operate and/or utilize all standard safety equipment installed in transit passenger vehicles, including; safety harnesses, restraints, and any other equipment required by federal, state, or local regulations
Conduct and document pre and post trip inspections
Read and understand maps and schedules
Read, understand and follow rules and regulations, vehicle operating procedures, vehicle laws, and written and oral instructions
Maintain effective working relationships and deal courteously and effectively with the public, fellow employees, and supervisors
Be able to work without immediate supervision in the field after completion of the initial training period
Prepare accident and incident reports
Maintain simple records and make basic math calculations
Operate a wheelchair ramp and assist passengers with disabilities
Handle confrontational passengers effectively
Be punctual and maintain regular, predictable attendance
Be available to work a flexible schedule that includes nights, weekends, holidays, working split shifts, and a reasonable amount of overtime

Working Conditions
Primary Work Location: Shop, vehicle, and outdoors (roadways).

Environmental/Health and Safety Factors: Occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Occasional outside work. Daily exposure to extreme temperature, wetness and/or humidity, respiratory hazards, noise and vibration, and physical hazards. Constant exposure to fire hazards, communicable diseases, and physical danger or abuse. Frequent exposure to mechanical hazards. Occasional exposure to chemical hazards and electrical hazards.

Protective Equipment Required: Seatbelt and safety vest.

Physical Demands: Light strength demands include exerting up to 20 pounds occasionally, 10 pounds frequently, or negligible amounts constantly AND/OR walking or standing to a significant degree. Continuously requires sitting, handling, vision, foot controls, balancing, hearing, and talking. Frequently requires kneeling and bending. Occasionally requires standing, walking, reaching, crouching, and twisting.

Mental Demands: Frequently requires time pressures, frequent change of tasks, irregular schedule/overtime, performing multiple tasks simultaneously, working closely with others as part of a team, tedious or exacting work, and noisy/distracting environment.

Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance
The City of Greenville is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. Prospective and current employees should contact Human Resources to request an ADA accommodation.
Disclaimer
The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.