Transit Extraboard Driver

Join the City of Pullman's Transit team and make a difference every day! 

As a Transit Extraboard Driver, you'll keep our community moving by providing safe, reliable transportation and outstanding customer service. Whether you're behind the wheel of a fixed-route bus or assisting passengers as a transit ambassador, every shift offers the opportunity to connect with people and positively impact their day. We provide paid training, help you earn your CDL, competitive pay, half-time benefits, — making this a great opportunity for individuals who enjoy driving, serving the public, and being part of a supportive team.

GENERAL PURPOSE: This is part-time regular transit equipment operation work, intended to substitute for full-time Driver absences and provide flexible support for the entire workforce. Employees in this position are required to wear a uniform and must report to work with a neat and clean appearance. Must be at least 21 years of age. 

CLASSIFICATION SUMMARY: Designed as a coverage backup for an otherwise full-time driving staff. This position is guaranteed the opportunity for at least four hours of work per day (but may be assigned up to 10 hours of work across a 13 hour period), and has half-time benefits. Drives buses and paratransit vans in a safe manner over routes assigned by Dispatch, according to established time schedules while being courteous to the public and maintaining order in the vehicle. Performs non-driving customer service passenger interaction to promote the overall rider experience as a transit ambassador. Checks fluid levels and conducts pre- and post-trip vehicle inspections. Equipment operation and route training are provided prior to operating vehicle alone. Does not supervise employees. Reports to the Dispatcher for schedule and other changes. Once experience is gained through on-the-job training, work is performed independently according to established time schedules and regulations. 

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Checks fluids and tires on vehicle before starting; conducts inspections before, during and after operation to note damage or defects including body damage, tires, radiator, lights, instruments, brakes, radio, and other equipment; makes notes on defect sheet.
• Operates a passenger bus on a designated route and/or a paratransit van on a designated schedule, safely picks up and discharges passengers, collects fares and issues transfers, verifies passes (ID for validity), coordinates transfers, counts riders through fare type via onboard technology and/or on-board reader/clicker; operates wheelchair lifts and restraints for passenger safety and comfort; regulates heating, cooling, lighting, and ventilating systems for passenger comfort; receives passenger surveys.
• Promotes positive passenger relations by greeting passengers in a pleasant and courteous manner; gives information concerning routes, fares, schedules, and transfer points; secures and turns in all articles found in vehicle; completes trip and other reports; distributes and receives passenger surveys.
• Receives input from passengers in a polite manner and ; refers information to supervisor; makes suggestions to supervisor on safety and route improvements; reports observed accidents, hazards, and other circumstances requiring attention to dispatcher.
• Performs non-driving customer service passenger interaction (on the bus or at a stop) to promote the overall rider experience as a transit ambassador, especially during service transitions; assists driver and reports disturbances or hazards to staff to promote safety; remains visible, friendly, and approachable; observes and documents rider behavior as needed, including conflict de-escalation; checks transit facilities for cleanliness, and reports maintenance needs. 
• Participates in the cleaning and fueling of buses and vans, cleaning facilities, and assists in the office when not actively driving or assigned other slack time duties by Dispatch or a supervisor; Distributes and collects schedules and pamphlets to/from transit vehicles and local businesses. 
• Operates two-way radio in a professional manner, makes ADA stop call-outs, performs hourly vehicle walk-through and walk-a-rounds while on route, and reports changing conditions of Dial-A-Ride patrons to office staff.
• Required to attend training, retraining or other informational meetings as necessary.
• Attends work on a regular and dependable basis.
• Interacts in a professional and respectful manner with city staff and the public.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

Performs other tasks as assigned.

Benefits Include: (employee will pay ½ of the premium)

• 3 Insurance plans to choose from – Plans with deductibles as low as $200; high deductible plan includes employer sponsored contribution to Health savings account. 
• Vision & Dental Insurance 
• $15,000 Basic Life & Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance
• Short Term Disability Insurance
• PERS2 or PERS3 Retirement
• Employee Assistance Program

Elective Benefits Include:

• Deferred Compensation
• Additional Life & Spouse Life Insurance
• Discounts on Life Flight Membership

SELECTION FACTORS:

(Applicants should describe their previous experience and training for each of the following selection factors. These factors will be the basis for selecting the most qualified applicants to be interviewed. Candidates selected for employment must satisfactorily demonstrate possession of these factors during a prescribed probationary period, and afterwards, for continued employment.)

Ability to:

• Demonstrate self-motivation, service to the public, and a willingness to do a good job.
• Operate a vehicle safely while observing passenger activities in the bus and at the bus stop;
• Successfully complete initial classroom and field training;
• Safely operate a large passenger bus and paratransit van independently on assigned route within established time schedules on crowded streets in all weather conditions;
• Interact with the public in a pleasant and courteous manner and to remain calm in adverse conditions including weather, congested traffic (including planned and unplanned construction and detours), and in de-escalation scenarios with an irate or disorderly public;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, department personnel, other city employees, and the public;
• Understand and carry out written and oral instructions;
• Consistently demonstrate excellent driving skills and good judgement;
• Successfully complete a certified first aid class and to correctly apply training to passengers as required.
• Accurately maintain records of pre/post trip inspections, ridership, , equipment defects, and time schedules (when needed);
• Accurately track and report timesheet data in accordance with pay period schedules;
• Provide quality services in a cost-effective manner and to recommend improved methods of performing the work;
• Demonstrate sensitivity to a diverse group of individuals including the elderly and disabled;
• Work varying hours including early morning, late evening, and on weekends;
• Attend work on a regular and dependable basis;
• Make ADA call outs;
• Communicate clearly and effectively with passengers;
• Pass a drug screen upon offer of employment;
• Pass a Washington State Patrol background check;
• Pass Department of Licensing physical exam (as required);
• Physically perform the essential functions of the job;
• Provide proof of a valid driver's license and a safe driving record.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

(Persons applying for a position of this class should have any combination of the following experience and training.)

Two years’ experience with the safe operation of passenger cars, trucks, or other motorized vehicles in a variety of weather conditions and a willingness to serve the public; or any equivalent combination of experience and training. Ability to obtain a commercial driver's license, Class B with the passenger endorsement, and the air brake restriction removed.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

Paratransit van, bus, or car; fuel pumps; wheelchair lifts; power washer and hand tools used in the maintenance of transportation vehicles; phone; two-way radio; mobile data terminals and other electronic devices on vehicles. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

(The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.) 

While performing the duties of the job, the employee is required to sit for extended periods of time. The employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

This is a safety-sensitive position and is subject to random drug and alcohol testing as a condition of employment.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet while in the office, or moderately loud when in the field.     

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. 

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

Adopted: 9/82 Revised: 9/91, 4/94, 12/01, 6/16, 08/26