Bus Operator Trainee Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

PURPOSE OF JOB

The CDL Bus Operator Trainee position is designed for individuals who do not currently hold a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and who will participate in DCTA's CDL licensing program in order to obtain the license and skills required to become a CDL Bus Operator. Trainees must attend and successfully complete required classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training, obtain a Texas Class B CDL with Passenger (P), and successfully complete a probationary/training period as outlined below, in order to continue employment with DCTA as a CDL Bus Operator.

Upon receipt of the CDL, completion of training, and release to revenue service, the Trainee's probationary period will be extended an additional ninety (90) days, consistent with Article 5, Section 5 of the Bus Operator Work Rules - Hours and Conditions of Employment, which provides that DCTA may "extend (up to 90 additional days) the probationary period" to evaluate an operator's "ability, competency, fitness and other qualifications." This is an extension of the original probationary period, not a separate probationary period.

Upon successful completion of the licensing program, Trainees will transition into the CDL Bus Operator role and be expected to provide safe, reliable, courteous, and efficient transportation service for customers. Ensure a commitment to safety through consistent and professional behaviors in performance of job requirements. Demonstrate safety and customer service as fundamental values that guide all aspects of our work. Applicants must be available to work 7 days per week, including holidays and all shifts, and all hours when DCTA operates service. The position will function under the general supervision of the Director of Bus Operations and/or the Operations Manager and under the direct supervision of the Operations Supervisor(s).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following duties are standard for this position. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification.

TRAINING PROGRAM DUTIES (CDL Bus Operator Trainee)

• Attend and successfully complete all required classroom coursework and behind-the-wheel training as scheduled by DCTA's CDL licensing program.
• Obtain a Commercial Driver's License Permit (CLP), within up to three (3) attempts, as required to begin behind-the-wheel training, in accordance with Texas DPS and FTA requirements. Failure to obtain a CLP within three (3) attempts will result in termination of employment.
• Operate Agency vehicles under the direct supervision of a certified CDL trainer/instructor during all training driving activities.
• Successfully pass all required knowledge and skills examinations administered by Texas DPS to obtain a Class B CDL with Passenger (P) endorsement, within up to three (3) attempts, within six (6) to eight (8) weeks of hire. Failure to obtain the CDL within three (3) attempts, or within the required timeframe, will result in termination of employment.
• Comply with all FTA/DOT drug and alcohol testing requirements applicable to CDL permit holders and operators-in-training.
• Attend all scheduled training sessions punctually and maintain satisfactory progress as determined by DCTA trainers/instructors.
• Notify supervisor/trainer immediately of any inability to complete required training milestones.

CDL BUS OPERATOR DUTIES (Upon Successful Completion of Licensing Program)

• Operate Agency transit and support vehicles in both revenue and non-revenue service. Develop and practice defensive driving skills to prevent vehicle or customer accidents. In the event of an accident or emergency, assist customers to ensure their safety.
• Maintain an established schedule along a designated route. Be available to operate Agency buses on pre-assigned shifts.
• Be responsible for the safety of passengers. Perform routine safety inspections and associated documentation on assigned vehicle at assigned intervals, and immediately report all mechanical defects.
• Collect proper fares as outlined by Agency policy.
• Maintain courteous and professional demeanor with customers at all times.
• Provide accurate information to customers regarding fares, services, schedules and operating rules.
• Successfully perform scheduled service by picking up all customers on time and safely delivering them to their destinations within the designated timeframe, and when necessary, collecting the appropriate fare.
• Assist customers with boarding and exiting the vehicle, and secure wheelchair clamps or safety belts as required.
• Announce major streets, transfer points, and points of interest as required.
• Communicate effectively with dispatch to ensure safe and timely arrival and departure times.
• Complete all necessary documentation timely and accurately as assigned, including: records and logs throughout the course of the day (i.e. odometer readings, times, and passenger information), and clear and concise incident reports as needed.
• Provide verbal and written reports to supervisors and management regarding services, safety, schedule, fare, and operational issues or concerns. Collect patronage, ridership, and revenue data as assigned.
• Ensure that the vehicle is cleaned as needed during service.
• Perform job duties, and respond to situations, in a respectful and professional manner.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None.