Transit Operator

Recruitment Information: Position is open until filled. Qualified individuals please submit your application, cover letter, resume, and three professional references (such as managers, supervisors, leads) – this must be completed to be considered. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Applications will be reviewed as they come in.

• As a first step in the recruitment process, after application review, candidates will be invited to a "Day in the Life of a Bus Driver" introductory session.
• Final candidates will then be invited to an oral interview.

Do you have a strong desire to provide excellent customer service?

River Cities Transit is recruiting for fixed-route Transit Operators. As a Transit Operator you will be responsible for providing excellent customer service while efficiently and safely transporting passengers to their proper destinations in a courteous, safe and timely manner. As you create, develop, and maintain relationships with passengers and fellow employees, you will promote a positive partnership through your service to Longview, Kelso and the surrounding community.

• A team player
• Respectful
• Accountable
• Neighborly
• Service-oriented
• Innovative
• Safety-minded

• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Excellent customer service skills
• At least 5 years driving experience with a valid driver's license
• Strong work ethic and desire to serve others
• Ability to work split shifts, holidays, weekends, and evenings
• Ability to pass an FTA drug screen and a DOT physical
• Ability to safely operate a large vehicle under varying traffic conditions.

• COMPETITIVE SALARY AND GREAT BENEFITS!
• Paid training to obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
• Training wage of $23.05/hour
• Wage range of $25.60/hour - $31.35/hour
• Opportunity for annual pay step increases
• Guaranteed minimum of 27 hours per week
• Two days off per week (may not be consecutive)
• Paid uniform allowance
• Benefits begin after successfully completing the training period and include (pro-rated based on regularly scheduled hours of work):
  • Two Robust medical plans with affordable monthly premiums
  • Three Dental plans with affordable monthly premiums
  • Vision care plan
  • WA State Public Employee's Retirement System (PERS) defined benefit plan
  • Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) employer contributions
  • Basic life and long-term disability insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Competitive vacation & sick leave
  • Voluntary participation in tax-deferred medical, dependent 125, and 457 deferred compensation plans.

Safety sensitive positions will be subject to the random drug and alcohol policy per the Department of Transportation federal regulations. A pre-employment physical, drug screen: including marijuana, and background check, including fingerprint check, will be conducted.

The Transit Operator is responsible for the operation of fixed route public transit vehicles for the City of Longview.

All Transit Operators begin as Transit Operator Trainees. Trainees must successfully complete classroom and fixed route driver training. The duration of training depends on the qualifications and skills of the Trainee. During the training period, Trainees do not have regularly scheduled or guaranteed hours, but are expected to be available Monday through Saturday for training. Trainees do not receive any benefits other than those required by law.

Upon successful completion of training, Trainees are automatically re-classified as Transit Operators and begin to receive benefits based on work schedules.

Transit Operators bid for shifts based on seniority at least twice per year. Transit Operators are guaranteed a minimum of 27 hours of work per week and two scheduled days off per week (which may not be consecutive days). New Transit Operators typically receive the Extra Board Operator shift, a semi on-call shift relied upon to drive routes in the absence of other Transit Operators.

Extra Board Operator work hours are not specified in advance since the assignment fills shifts on-call as needed. Known work for Extra Board Operators is assigned at 4:00 pm the day before the work: additional work may be assigned at any time. Transit Operators bid for work at least two times per year and as you gain seniority, you will have increased options for better and full-time shifts.

• Operate public transit buses on specified routes and time schedules.
• Collect passenger fares, issue and collect transfers, and provide fare and schedule information to passengers.
• Provide information to passengers on buses or at transit facilities and stops, concerning transit routes, city street locations, points of interest, time schedules, public buildings, and business locations.
• Properly use two-way radios with dispatch and other staff.
• Provide basic first aid care when conditions warrant.
• Promote passenger safety by ensuring compliance with code of customer conduct.
• Assist passengers with disabilities and secure passengers using wheelchairs.
• Ability to be at the scheduled assigned locations on time, in…