Transit Bus Operator Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Description
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.
Requirements
QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Where applicable, an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of education/experience listed below.
EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION
Must be 21 years of age or older. Must possess a valid Texas driver's license and be eligible to obtain a Commercial Driver's License Permit (CLP); applicants are not required to currently hold a Class B CDL, as this position is designed to obtain licensure through DCTA's CDL licensing program. Must have and maintain a clean driving record. High School Diploma or GED required. Minimum of one (1) year of customer service experience is required. Prior driving experience preferred, but not required.
Applicants must have at least two years of driving history.
Established driving history must be clear of the following:

• No moving violations on driving record within the last thirty-six (36) months.
• No accidents where the applicant has contributed to cause within the 3 years prior to the application date.
• Have appeared in court as required.
• No violations related to drugs/alcohol.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• Ability to successfully obtain and maintain a valid Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with Passenger (P) endorsement for public passenger transport valid within the State of Texas, through successful completion of DCTA's CDL licensing program.
• Ability to gain knowledge of service area and services provided.
• Ability to understand and utilize various technology (i.e. tablets, radios, app-based software, etc.).
• Ability to navigate the service area using maps and/or on-board directional equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with customers at all times.
• Ability to remain calm in emergency situations.
• Ability to read, write and communicate in English.
• Ability to work with the public in a variety of situations while performing several tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to develop and maintain defensive driving skills and operate a vehicle in a safe and efficient manner, as demonstrated during training period.
• Ability to report to work regularly and on time.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with customers, employees, management and the general public, including those from culturally diverse backgrounds, older adults, individuals with disabilities, and/or other vulnerable populations.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES
Physical activity includes, but is not limited to: on a continuous basis, sit on bus for long periods of time; prolonged periods of driving; write or use keyboard to communicate through written means; repeated use of sight to read documents; repetitive hand motions, such as steering; hearing and speech to communicate both on the phone and in person. Involves travel in automobile and walking. Frequently requires use of hands, fingers, repetitive hand/finger motions, and sitting, as well as kneeling, stooping, crouching, standing, walking, reaching with hands and arms, lifting, pushing, and pulling up to 50 lbs. Repeated use of hearing and speech to communicate on telephone, radios, and in person.
LICENSING PROGRAM & PROBATIONARY PERIOD REQUIREMENTS
CDL Bus Operator Trainees are on probationary status for the duration of DCTA's CDL licensing program. Trainees will be able to afford up to three (3) attempts to obtain their Commercial Driver's License Permit (CLP) and up to three (3) attempts to obtain their Class B CDL with Passenger (P) endorsement. Failure to obtain either within the allotted attempts, or within 3 months of the Trainee's start date, will result in termination of employment.
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. This is an extension of the original probationary period served during the licensing program, not a separate probationary period. Failure to successfully complete the extended probationary period may result in termination of employment.