Bus Operator Trainee

Position Title: Bus Operator Trainee

Safety Sensitive: Yes

Supervisor’s Title: Manager of Transportation Training 

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Department: Transportation 

Division: Operations 

Worker Category: Drivers Full-Time 

Job Class: Technical

ABOUT US 

We are IndyGo, a Municipal Corporation of Indianapolis–Marion County, and we’re proud to be the largest public transportation provider in the state of Indiana. We operate transit routes throughout the county, providing millions of passenger trips a year. IndyGo is committed to expanding mobility options to improve connectivity with the company’s mission, vision, and goals.

WHO WE ARE 

As the largest public transportation provider in Indiana, we believe driving people from one place to another is much more than just moving riders: it’s about helping our riders reach their hopes and dreams, education and careers, families and friends, and health and well-being. IndyGo is focused on meeting three objectives as we operate nearly 30 transit routes throughout Marion County, and provide millions of passenger trips each year. They include protecting frontline workers, increasing ridership and prioritizing long-term stability. We are moving the city forward to become a better place of opportunity and community.

INDYGO MISSION

IndyGo's mission is to connect our community to economic and cultural opportunities through safe, reliable and accessible mobility experiences. Our vision is to be at the forefront of making Indianapolis a resilient, prosperous and equitable community for all.

Accountability: We are legally, ethically, and morally committed to utilizing all resources responsibly with integrity and transparency. 

Adaptability: We adapt to disruptions through technology, workforce and ridership innovations, so we can meet the evolving needs of our community.

Workplace Culture: We offer an empowering workplace to meet the needs of our teammates and riders.

Compassion: We promote, embrace and value all individuals, treating each other with dignity and respect.

Communication: We value open and honest conversations with each other, our riders and the community.

Excellence: We are proud of who we are and the work we do and will continue to exceed customer expectations.

Responsibility: We will be good stewards of our resources.

Results: We make things better today than they were yesterday.

Safety: We ensure safe and secure environments.

BENEFITS WE OFFER 

• Voluntary medical, dental, and vision coverage (effective on the first of the month following 30 days of employment)
• On-site wellness clinic for employees and their families
• Retirement plans (401A and 457B)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Free IndyGo transportation for employees and their families
• Eligibility for the Federal Loan Forgiveness Program
  

POSITION PURPOSE

The Bus Operator Trainee position is a limited-duration training position in which the incumbent is taught the knowledge and skills necessary to become an IndyGo Professional Bus Operator. After successful completion of the IndyGo Training Academy, an incumbent will know how to transport, safely and expediently, passengers throughout the Indianapolis Metropolitan area. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. The company will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, consistent with applicable law.

• Learn to be and is responsible for conducting self in an appropriate manner as a representative of IndyGo, working effectively in a diverse work environment, making appropriate decisions, safely performing duties, and assuring professional quality of services to all external and internal customers.
• Learn how to operate a transit bus in revenue and non-revenue service while strictly complying with IndyGo policies, directives, procedures, and all Federal and Indiana traffic laws and regulations. This includes using proper defensive driving techniques.
• Learn how to perform a pre-trip inspection of a transit bus for mechanical problems before beginning the work assignment. This includes conducting an external/internal visual inspection of the transit bus and pre-testing all necessary equipment, operating/safety devices, and transit bus controls for use while in service. In addition, learn how to conduct an internal visual inspection at the end of revenue service to collect and turn in lost items, check for sleeping passengers, and bring route schedules back inside the operator’s lounge.
• Learn and maintain a working knowledge of streets, current bus routes, and stops within the service area, as well as IndyGo’s current fare structure and bus pass programs.
• Learn to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in operating the transit bus. This includes learning how to assist individuals with disabilities with boarding and de-boarding, when requested, and safely securing wheelchairs and mobility devices in a courteous manner, announcing designated stops and other stops as requested, without question, and examining and testing all passenger accessibility equipment during pre-trip inspections.
  

OTHER FUNCTIONS

• Successfully passes the CDL Skills Exam, if applicable.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• None.
  

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

To perform this job successfully, an individual must have the following education and/or experience.

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Valid Operators/Chauffeurs/Commercial Driver’s License. 
• Valid Commercials Driver’s Permit preferred.
• Valid Indiana CDL with Passenger and Airbrake Endorsements Preferred - Please upload Testing History and DOT Physical if you have these documents.
• Strong documented experience in customer service.
  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

• Knowledge of and the ability to use standard defensive driving techniques.
• Ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing, while interacting with customers and IndyGo employees in a courteous, professional manner. This includes providing good customer service by attending to the needs of a diverse customer base in a sensitive manner.
• Above-average decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
• Basic mathematical abilities (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division).
• Ability to tell time and keep a timely schedule.
• Ability to read and understand maps, routes, and timetables, which includes determining directions and following a mapped-out route.
• Ability to work and maintain professional composure while under stress and pressure.
• Ability to work unusual hours, split shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime as required.
• Ability to make appropriate decisions based on standard policies and procedures, make quick, safe decisions with minimal supervision, and adapt to constantly changing operation environments.
  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential physical functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. The company will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, consistent with applicable law.

• Regular on-site attendance is an essential function of this position due to the need for in-person collaboration, operational support, hands-on infrastructure management, and training and development activities. This role is designated as fully onsite and is not eligible for remote work.
• This position is regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Candidates selected for this role must successfully complete all required pre-employment screenings, including drug and alcohol testing, and any legally required post-offer physical testing as a condition of employment. Employees in DOT-regulated positions are also subject to federally mandated random drug and alcohol testing throughout their employment.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work in an environment with dust, fumes, exhaust, various noise levels, various temperatures, and chemicals for an extended length of time and in various outdoor weather conditions as required.
• Must be able to sit for long periods of time within a defined workspace that cannot be modified.
• Must occasionally move and position yourself to conduct inspections and secure wheelchairs.
• Must be comfortable transporting individuals with service animals.

IndyGo is an Equal Opportunity Employer