Transit Operator

It is the policy of the City of Helena to consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religious beliefs, creed, sex, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, political beliefs, genetic information, the presence of non-job-related medical condition or handicap or any other legally protected status unless related to a bona fide occupational requirement. Screening tests for alcohol and illegal drug use may be required before hiring and during your employment with the City of Helena.

The City of Helena is an equal opportunity employer. The City shall, upon request, provide reasonable accommodations to otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities.

Posting start & end date: 01/29/2026 - 12/31/9999

Code: 15002|1
Type: INTERNAL & EXTERNAL
Salary Range: $24.01-$26.47
Job Family: TRANSIT
Job Class: SKILLED LABOR/OPERATORS
Location: HELENA AREA TRANSIT SYSTEM
Group: REGULAR NO

Hours worked per week: 40

Daily Shift: Varies

Work Schedule: ___Su X M X T X W X Th X Fr ___Sat

Job Purpose: This position is under general supervision of the Transit Manager and operates a demand response bus through light to heavy city traffic, for the purpose of carrying passengers in a safe manner and in accordance with city, state, and federal laws, as well as City rules and policies. Collects fares, assists passengers with disabilities as needed while safely performing operation procedures.

Monitors bus, weather conditions, and safety of passengers. The position performs a variety of responsible, secretarial, and financial duties in support of the City’s public transit system. The position is responsible to assist in planning, organizing, and coordinating support activities, and functions related to the City’s public transit system. The position provides general information and assistance to members of the Transit staff and public;

and may have responsibilities as both a Transit Operator and a Dispatcher or may have work responsibilities that fall under only one of these job titles. The responsibilities are at the discretion of the Transit Manager.

85%

• Performs pre-trip and post-trip operational inspections; reports mechanical repair items needed for safe operations; reports passenger emergencies or incidents which affect the safety of passengers; and completes all required documentation for all situations. Reports any mechanical problem immediately.
• Safely and efficiently operate transit vehicles and their appurtenances in a safe, proficient manner including fare boxes, wheelchair lifts, radio, and emergency equipment. Assure the cleanliness of the interior and seating area.
• Comply with all cities, state, and federal traffic rules regulations, laws, and procedures for the safe operation of a transit bus.
• Assist persons with disabilities onto and off the wheelchair lift, operate lift/ramp, and secure wheelchairs as required.
• Actively participate in the reporting of safety issues and concerns that are observed during essential job functions. Participate in staff development and in-service training programs as assigned and attend scheduled safety meetings and safety programs.
• Provide information in a courteous manner to passengers regarding routes, schedules, transfers, and fares.
• Assure passengers pay fare or have deducted from bus pass before providing trip and monitor Fare boxes.
• Effectively utilize manifests, and other information, to follow routes and meet time points. Coordinate detour, accident, and incident information to radio dispatch, and respond to instructions given.
• File necessary reports in case of an accident or incident with assigned vehicle or an injury to passengers and operators. Submit verbal and written reports on accidents or incidents required.

10%

• Serves as a dispatcher for the City’s public transit system utilizing a computerized scheduling system.
• Ensures all services are on time.
• Informs Transit Manager or Transit Coordinator of accidents, receives complaints from customers and passes information to proper personnel.
• Interacts with the public to schedule ride requests, sell bus passes, answer questions, record complaints, and share information.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of demand response services and any changes.
• Answer the phone and respond to customers in a professional manner with accurate information.
• Uses independent judgment and personal initiative when performing as a dispatcher.
• Coordinate with law enforcement as necessary to have passengers removed.
• Support management in the implementation and continuous improvement of the transit system and related activities.
• Document and investigate safety issues or concerns directly observed or reported by transit staff or the public. Conduct and document a preliminary review of reported safety issues or concerns.

5%

• Required to perform manual labor as needed to ensure trash and other debris is cleared from the transit…