Transit Operator Trainee

Safety Statement

This is a safety-sensitive position subject to the rules and regulations of the Drug and Alcohol Policy and the required testing policy per the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). The incumbent is required to fully comply with all operational safety rules and regulations established by Mountain Line.

Job Purpose of a Transit Operator Trainee

Transit Operator Trainees are the company ambassadors, reflecting our core values and transporting customers in a safe, courteous, and timely manner to their destination within the City of Flagstaff. Transit Operator Trainees will cultivate a thorough understanding of streets and common destinations to aid in trip planning, scheduling pick up/drop off of on-demand passengers, transportation equipment, safety checks, and DOT requirements as a function of operating on city streets.  Under general supervision, Transit Operator Trainees will be charged with safe vehicle operations and interacting with customers in an often fast-paced environment.  Trainees will utilize excellent communication skills, both written and oral, customer service, and decision-making skills to operate efficiently and adhere to a strict routing timetable.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Operates company owned vehicles safely to provide bus and paratransit services.
• Performs pre-trip and post-trip inspections to ensure equipment is mechanically sound and complete all documentation as required.
• Maintains knowledge of and adherence with all Mountain Line policies, procedures, and safety requirements.
• Responsible for safe operation of transit vehicles and adherence to traffic regulations.
• Provides safe, timely, and courteous service to all Mountain Line passengers.
• Promotes and supports a culture of workplace safety.
• Operates transit vehicles in inclement weather safely, while adhering to all regulations including FTA, ADA, and traffic laws.
• Produces accurate, respectful, timely, and legible documentation when needed, including but not limited to accident and incident reports.
• Delivers honest, accurate, respectful, and trustworthy communication with passengers and co-workers.
• Provides exceptional customer service to all passengers in accordance with the Mountain Line Mission and Core Values.
• Maintains a professional company image while working and in cooperation with the City of Flagstaff and Coconino County representatives.
• Attends scheduled trainings and meetings.
• Understands current passes, fares, and assists customers with paper fare solutions.
• Assists with passenger questions concerning pass operations, changing policies, and riding procedures.

Attendance

Attendance should be regular and predictable.  General employment policies regarding vacation, sick, and unpaid leave apply. Occasional need to report to work on day off and work overtime.

Confidentiality

This position is expected to respect and maintain employee and customer confidentiality.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge

• State and Federal Transportation Regulations.
• English language usage; including spelling and vocabulary for written and verbal communication with other staff and customers.
• Procedures for safe operation of equipment.
• Flagstaff streets, businesses, outside service entities or non-profit organizations, and scheduled routes.

Skills & Abilities

• 2-way radio communication etiquette.
• Maintaining composure in crisis situations.
• Operate fare console and reader.
• Operate GPS navigation terminals.
• Use prudent judgment and problem-solving skills to make reasonable and appropriate decisions and recommendations in adherence with all Mountain Line policies, procedures, and safety requirements.
• Follow oral and written instructions in English.
• Sit for long periods of time.
• Prepare legible and accurate reports and documentation.
• Interact with a culturally, physically, and mentally diverse population.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors and co-workers.
• Be able to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Multi-task in a noisy environment which is prone to frequent interruptions and operate vehicle safely.
• Work safely and support culture of workplace safety.
• Maintain a positive work environment.

Working Conditions, Exposure to Risks, and Physical Dangers

This position requires physical effort such as walking, lifting, bending, standing, reaching, kneeling, pushing, pulling and manual dexterity.  May require assisting passengers in wheelchairs.  This position works onboard a moving vehicle and will require sitting for an extended length of time, with constant arm, hand, and foot movement. Additional requirements are listed in the available ADA Essential Functions Survey. The incumbent may be exposed to violent confrontations from passengers, airborne pathogens, and various weather conditions. Operates vehicles in various weather conditions and may be exposed to the heat of the sun, rain, snow, and ice. Because of the potential exposure associated with the work, incumbents in this job are required to follow all Mountain Line safety procedures, manuals, and guidelines. Additionally, incumbents are required to properly don safety-related clothing, protective hard hats, gloves, footwear, tools and equipment, and other safety-related gear.

Education Requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED.

Similar Work Experience:

• Minimum 6 months of customer service.

Licenses, Training, and/or Certifications Required:

• Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid, domiciled Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Arizona.
• Department of Transportation (DOT) medical exam.
• Clear background check.
• Pre-employment DOT drug & alcohol test.
• Valid driver’s license for the past 2 years.
• Clean 5-year motor vehicle record.

Substitution:

Any combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, abilities, and skill to perform the duties of the position.

Mountain Line is an equal employment opportunity employer.