Coach Operator

Salary

Position Range: $24.10 - $35.60

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

Join the team that keeps the Tri-Cities moving!

OUR MISSION

Ben Franklin Transit (BFT) provides exceptional and cost-effective transportation services that consistently exceed customer expectations while promoting the principles and practices of livable communities and sustainable development.

OUR VALUES

We value customer service, collaboration, diversity, fiscal accountability, innovation, sustainability and safety. Employees and representatives of BFT are expected to uphold our values and mission.

NATURE OF POSITION

Operate fixed-route buses in the Benton and Franklin County service area, ensuring safe and timely transport of passengers. Display a professional attitude and provide effective customer relations.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Drive vehicle over specified routes or to specified destinations to transport passengers adhering to established time schedules; comply with traffic regulations ensuring passenger safety.
• Provide courteous and respectful behavior to passengers; respond to questions regarding fares, schedules, routes, and transfer points.
• Pick up and drop off passengers at designated bus stops; collect fares, tickets, and transfers; validate passes.
• Conduct a thorough visual pre-and post-trip inspections on assigned bus and equipment following Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations; report malfunctions, damages, or equipment failures accordingly.
• Assist passengers, such as elderly or disabled individuals in boarding or alighting bus; ensure they are properly seated; load/unload wheelchair/mobility device and secure appropriately.
• Troubleshoot enroute problems; notify dispatch regarding mechanical issues, potential safety concerns, traffic problems, road hazards, and accidents.
• Promote passenger safety; handle passenger conflicts and disruptive passengers; respond to medical emergencies; notify dispatch when assistance is needed.
• Implement Agency protocols in the event of vehicle or non-vehicle-involved accidents.
• Announce stops using public address system; keep passengers informed of delays.
• Complete paperwork including timesheets, day card, arrival and departure times, occurrence/incident reports, passenger counts, types of fares used, and log books.
• Perform special service assignments, bus bridges, and acts as replacement driver; assist in training new drivers.
• Maintain cleanliness of vehicle.
• Work with and maintain confidential information
• Demonstrate regular and punctual attendance.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Understand and implement safety standards and practices for operating transit buses and equipment.
• Understand and apply applicable traffic and transportation laws, codes, and regulations.
• Familiar with basic servicing and checking procedures for various engine and vehicle components to perform preventative maintenance and simple emergency repairs.
• Familiar with the geography, transit routes, and landmarks of Benton and Franklin counties; read schedules, paper and/or electronic maps; comprehend directions of travel.
• Operate a two-way radio and public-address system.
• React quickly and calmly in an emergency and adopt an effective course of action within established guidelines.
• Effectively handle emergency situations and difficult customer interactions that occur while performing duties.
• Perform simple arithmetic.
• General methods of tactful public communication and customer service practices.
• Keep legible and accurate records.
• Learn new technologies, policies, procedures and guidelines established by professional organizations and/or governing agencies.
• Utilize office equipment and other relevant technology (software and systems) to meet business needs.
• Understand, follow, and communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Work as a team member and independently; effectively apply organizational and time management skills; meet deadlines and comply with Agency policies.
• Exercise sound judgment in making decisions.
• Focus on tasks and recall details; handle frequent interruptions.
  
  

Other Characteristics

• Collaboration: Shares time and knowledge with others; adjusts priorities as circumstances dictate; follows through on commitments, accepts responsibility for actions, resolves interpersonal conflicts constructively.
• Diversity: Demonstrates an awareness and respect of cultural and individual values. Treats all people with dignity, courtesy and respect.
• Fiscal Accountability: Actively contributes to the productivity of the agency; demonstrates good stewardship of company time and resources; displays high standards of ethical conduct.
• Customer Service: Anticipates the needs of internal and external customers; delivers quality work products and services within expected timeframes. Considers and responds appropriately to people in various situations.
• Innovation: Considers new approaches to situations; encourages ideas and improvements.
• Sustainability: Actively encourages environmental benefits and the conservation of natural resources.
• Safety: Adheres to safety related laws, regulations, standards, and practices; performs work in a safe manner; encourages and supports others to be safe while at work.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

High School diploma or G.E.D. equivalent and be 21 years of age plus five years of driving experience. Must possess a valid Washington State driver license.

Licenses, Certificates & Other Requirements

Must obtain and maintain the following licenses and certifications for continued employment at BFT:

• Class B Commercial Driver License (CDL) or Washington State Commercial Learner Permit with passenger endorsement and no air brake restriction, and corresponding DOT medical certification.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

Previous transit driving experience is encouraged, but not required.

Physical Requirements

Frequent standing, walking, reaching, handling, kneeling, crouching, bending, twisting, climbing, and balancing. Constant sitting to drive bus; fine dexterity to handle two-way radio, operate doors, fare box controls, operate lifts, steering. Constant hearing and talking to communicate with passengers, make announcements, listen to equipment. Constant use of foot controls to depress pedals. Frequent push/pull wheelchairs, open/close doors a force of 20 pounds. Frequent lifting up to 50 pounds. Visual acuity of at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without corrective lenses, field of vision, and depth perception to operate motor vehicles; ability to adjust focus. Good-natured, cooperative attitude and prepared for any situations that may arise while transporting passengers.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed primarily while inside passenger bus. Occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions, moving mechanical parts, fumes and airborne particles, vibrations, and moderate traffic patterns. The noise level is usually moderate but occasionally high and can be distracting. Employee maybe exposed to bodily fluids and bloodborne pathogens. Must be available to work up to six days a week (Monday-Saturday), including weekends during all hours of operation.

If you want to give back to the community, consider hopping onboard the team that's going places!

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

Ben Franklin Transit (BFT) is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. It is BFT’s policy to employ, train, promote, compensate, and provide conditions of employment without regard to a person’s race, color, sex, disability, religion, national origin, age, veteran’s status, citizenship, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Drug-Free Workplace Policy

Ben Franklin Transit (BFT) is a drug-free workplace.

The purpose of this policy is to ensure worker fitness for duty and to protect our employees, passengers, and the public from the risks posed by the use of alcohol and prohibited drugs.

Participation in BFT’s zero tolerance drug-free workplace policy is a condition of employment.