Non-CDL Bus Operator (Paratransit - Variable)

Join the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA), the largest rural transit agency in the U.S., in the stunning Colorado Rockies. Known for innovative and reliable transit, RFTA connects vibrant communities while supporting sustainability and quality of life.

Company Name: Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA)

Title of Position: Non-CDL Bus Operator (Paratransit)

Position Type: Variable, Non-Exempt

Location: Glenwood Springs, Colorado

Pay Range: Hiring/Starting pay range is $20.35 - $25.43/hourly, based on experience.

Benefits: Benefits include (but are not limited to): Paid time off, medical, dental, vision, and hearing insurance with FSA/HSA, short-term disability, long-term disability, life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D), 401(a) and 457(b) retirement plans, EAP, ski pass, etc. For more detail - https://www.rfta.com/employment/benefits/

Position Purpose:

To provide courteous, professional customer service as well as safe, reliable, comfortable transportation to all of RFTA’s paratransit passengers and service partners.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

The following duties and responsibilities are illustrative of the primary functions of this position and are not intended to be all-inclusive.

• Provide courteous and professional customer service at all times. Conducts self in an appropriate manner as a representative of RFTA, working effectively in a diverse work environment, using good judgment and performing duties in a safe manner at all times.
• Safely operate paratransit vehicles on any assigned routes and schedules in all kinds of weather to transport passengers in accordance with all RFTA policies, directives, and procedures, as well as all Federal and Colorado traffic laws and regulations. This includes using proper defensive driving techniques.
• Assist passengers with boarding and disembarking the vehicle, ensuring safe entry and exit, operate safety equipment, including wheelchair lifts and safety restraints, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Assist passengers to or from the door of their pick up or drop off location, when necessary.
• Maintain order on the vehicle, ensuring compliance with RFTA’s passenger code of conduct and ensuring all passengers are seated while the vehicle is in motion.
• In order to stay abreast of dynamically changing passenger schedules, monitor and operate an electronic tablet and two-way radio for communications with dispatchers, supervisors, and other drivers. Plan and follow the most efficient routes to ensure timely arrival at destinations.
• Perform daily RFTA pre-trip and post-trip inspections of assigned vehicle for mechanical problems. This includes conducting an external and internal visual inspection of the vehicle, testing all necessary equipment, including lifts and ramps, safety devices, and vehicle controls for use while in service and utilizing an electronic tablet to communicate inspection results with vehicle maintenance staff.
• Keep the interior of the vehicle clean and presentable at all times. This includes sweeping and emptying trash receptacles at the end of each shift and wiping down surfaces as necessary.
• Perform basic maintenance checks on vehicles as needed, such as checking fluid levels and tire pressure.
• Complete accident and incident reports accurately and legibly as necessary at the end of scheduled shifts.
• Complete vehicle defect reports and repair requests as necessary upon completion of scheduled shifts.
• Develops and maintains knowledge of the transit system routes, schedules and basic operations. Provides customer service information in a courteous, professional manner. This includes operating the automated stop announcements system and/or stating stop and public information announcements over the public address system, and properly answering questions and solving transit-related concerns of passengers.
• Stocks the on-board bus schedule racks with appropriate bus schedules and RFTA approved brochures, issues official information fliers and surveys as required.
• Performs various physical duties to successfully complete job responsibilities. These can include, but are not limited to, boarding and de-boarding transit buses, operating accessibility lifts and ramps, properly securing mobility devices, properly operating all transit bus controls and devices, and loading and unloading passenger baggage when necessary.
• Assists other drivers when necessary. This includes training new drivers on routes, tablet use, local geography and landmarks, vehicle idiosyncrasies, and general knowledge of the work.
• Remains current in role by reading and understanding all memos, handbook and service updates, and participates in training courses.
• Collects donations from passengers.
• Completes other job-related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a diverse workforce
• Ability to work and maintain professional composure while under stress and pressure.
• Ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing, while interacting with customers and RFTA staff 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.
• Ability to use prudent judgment and common sense in making quick, safe decisions with minimal supervision and adapt to constantly changing operating environments.
• Knowledge of and the ability to use standard defensive driving techniques
• Ability to read, write, and speak English.
• Ability to read and understand maps and time tables, which includes determining directions and following a mapped-out route.
• Ability to tell time and keep a timely schedule.
• Ability to work unusual hours, split shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime as required.
• History of satisfactory attendance, which includes the ability to report to work in a punctual manner.

Qualifications:

Education

• High school diploma preferred, but not required.  Must speak, read and write English.  Any combination of education and experience, which would provide the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability to perform the job.

Experience

• Must be at twenty-one (21) years of age.
• Must have five (5) years of licensed driving experience. 
• Any combination of experience which would provide the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability to perform the job is required.
• Some experience operating large vehicles is preferred but not required.
• No more than two (2) minor violations within the past three (3) years. 
• No major violations within the past five (5) years. 

Working Conditions:

Moderate physical activity required by handling objects up to fifty (50) pounds regularly and up to twenty (20) pounds frequently. Operates motorized vehicle for long periods of time. Also encounters hazardous weather and road conditions, equipment failure, passenger complaints, non-English speaking passengers, passengers with cognitive and physical disabilities, and route detours.

Demonstrated physical ability to climb stairs, reach above shoulder level, walk for an extended distance, bend, stoop, lift, push/pull up to 70 pounds without assistance, and sit for an extended length of time. 

Ability to work in an environment with dust, fumes, exhaust, various noise levels, various temperatures, and chemicals for an extended length of time as well as in various outdoor weather conditions as required.

Application Deadline/Closing Date:

No deadline. Posting will remain until all open positions are filled.

How to Apply:

Please apply via the RFTA website. This position, and all current open positions, are located here - https://rfta.wd501.myworkdayjobs.com/rftacareers

Colorado Residents: In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

RFTA is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.