Bus​/Van Driver

Operate transit type vehicles to transport passengers within defined areas of Kingsport.

• Operate any KATS vehicle in a safe and careful manner according to the laws of the State of Tennessee in all types of weather and traffic conditions to pick up and deliver passengers.
• Report for duty at the designated times as assigned, in full regulation uniform and in possession of all necessary equipment.
• Assist passengers onto and debarking from vehicle and enforce adherence to city safety methods and policies.
• Operate a wheelchair lift and assist passengers with all required safety securements while showing sensitivity to their specific needs.
• Collect fares and punch transfer tickets. Complete daily log sheets of route times, passenger counts, and fare types to provide statistical information on route usage.
• Maintain communication with the dispatcher using 2-way radios.
• Maintain scheduled route and trips as directed by dispatcher.
• Announce time and transfer points over bus intercom, as required by ADA.
• Ensure safety of bus and passengers while on route.
• Communicate accidents and unusual occurrences; complete incident and accident report forms as necessary.
• Have full knowledge of routes, schedules, and fares and provide this information to passengers in a courteous and professional manner upon request.
• Greet all passengers upon entry and exit.
• Perform physical and visual vehicle inspections daily, reporting any defects.
• Clean interior and exterior; decorate vehicle according to type of festivity for identification of city and event(s).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Knowledge or ability to learn the streets, locations, and addresses found within the City of Kingsport.
• Must be customer-oriented, friendly, and professional to provide excellent face-to-face customer service.
• Must have excellent driving skills.
• Must be able to maintain medical requirements of the CDL (Commercial Driver’s License).
• Must be able to operate on-board vehicle technologies.
• Must be able to communicate positively with the general public and coworkers in a fast-paced changing environment.
• Must possess quick decision-making skills at all times.
• Knowledge of the various bus/van schedules and routes provided to the public by the city.
• Knowledge of applicable policies, procedures, and regulations of the City of Kingsport.
• Skill in performing routine preventative maintenance of the vehicle.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective and friendly working relationships with team members, the public, and other city department personnel.
• Must be a positive City ambassador while being able to enforce policies/rules.
• Skill in performing basic arithmetic calculations.
• Must be able to communicate with passengers and write reports of activities.
• Ability to use and understand the workings of all onboard technology.

High school graduate or high school equivalent; experience equivalent to commercial driving or similar preferred. Applicant must possess a valid Tennessee/Virginia Commercial Driver’s License, Class C or higher, with passenger (P) endorsements; OR must be able to obtain within 90 days of employment.