Transit Bus Driver Jobs in Salem, OR (NOW HIRING)

About the Role:
Under the administrative direction of Operations Supervisors, the Bus Driver operates buses to provide fixed route transit service to riders.

Duties:

• Based on federal guidelines, perform pre-trip inspections of buses and make necessary adjustments or corrections before moving buses.
• Operate buses following designated routes and schedules, Cherriots established safety standards, and the traffic laws of the State of Oregon.
• Collect and process fares and issue day passes.
• Provide riders and the general public with information regarding the Cherriots transit system courteously and professionally.
• Assist with boarding and disembarking for riders with disabilities and others who need assistance.
• Communicate immediately by bus radio all emergency conditions, accidents, or unusual incidents in an accurate manner.
• Assume control of the scene of a security incident or accident until the arrival of emergency personnel and/or Operations Supervisor.
• Complete required reports and forms accurately, thoroughly, and promptly.
• Act as a positive representative of Cherriots.
• Interact with the general public using courtesy, tact, and good judgment.
• Work cooperatively with others, be respectful of co-workers, and promote teamwork.
• Report to work on time and on a consistent and predictable basis.  Regular and reliable attendance is an essential function of this position.  This role requires employees to be present and engaged during assigned work hours to effectively collaborate with team members and customers and fulfill operational needs.  The ability to consistently adhere to a defined work schedule and be present on-site is crucial to the successful performance of this role's job duties and responsibilities because if the employee is not present, someone else would be required to perform their duties.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

What You Will Need to Be Successful in This Role:

• Working knowledge of customer service techniques.
• Communicate both orally and in writing, with other employees and the general public at the level necessary to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position.
• Safely operate any assigned transit bus or other assigned vehicle on a designated route while maintaining an accurate time schedule.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or GED.
• One (1) year of successful experience working with the general public.
• Candidates with any satisfactory combination of related experience and training that equips them with the required knowledge, abilities, and skills for this position are encouraged to apply.  Cherriots reserves the right to determine the equivalences of education and experience.

Special Requirements:  

• Oregon driver's license is required.  Oregon commercial driver's license (CDL) is preferred. We encourage candidates without a CDL to apply. Upon hire, you must obtain a commercial learner's permit with a passenger endorsement, no air brake restrictions, and a valid medical examiner’s certification (also known as a med card) before your first day of work. When you begin work, we will assist you in obtaining your CDL during our paid training program.
• Clean driving record.
• Successfully pass a drug test (including marijuana), physical exam, and criminal background check.

Physical Requirements

• A person must be able to walk, stand, and sit for extended periods, have the ability to see, hear, and talk effectively, be able to use hands for typing, handling objects, and controlling tools or equipment, and use hands and arms to reach for items.
• Regularly carry items weighing up to two (2) pounds, lift and push/pull items weighing up to fifty (50) pounds.
• The person needs to bend, twist, climb, crawl, and kneel frequently as part of their tasks.
• Frequent changes in body positions are necessary.

Working Conditions

• Duties are performed in areas where they may be exposed to loud noise, severe weather conditions, and fumes: within a bus maintenance shop environment, while riding transit vehicles, or while being outdoors.
• Extensive interaction with the general public and large groups.
• Work varying work schedules.  Cherriots operates service seven days a week from early morning to late evening.  Work schedules are bid three times a year based on seniority.
• Under the Labor Agreement, working hours may extend up to twelve hours per day.

Cherriots is the public transit provider serving Marion and Polk counties. Every day, we connect people to work, school, healthcare, shopping, and the places that matter most through local, regional, and paratransit services. Our employees play a vital role in keeping our community moving by providing safe, reliable transportation that people can depend on.

Cherriots is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a workplace where everyone feels welcome, valued, and respected. We believe a diverse workforce strengthens our organization and encourages individuals from all backgrounds to apply.