Columbia Area Transit

Transit Driver

Columbia Area Transit (CAT), provides Fixed Route, Deviated Fixed Route, and Dial-A-Ride public transportation services within Hood River County and between the communities of the Columbia River Gorge and Portland.

Hood River County Transportation District provides public transportation in Hood River County and along the I-84 corridor under the name of Columbia Area Transit (CAT).

Hood River County Transportation District, which does business as Columbia Area Transit (CAT), provides Fixed Route, Deviated Fixed Route, and Dial-A-Ride public transportation services within Hood River County and between the communities of the Columbia River Gorge and Portland. This is a small team-oriented transit agency where team members collaborate and work cohesively to grow operations and increase ridership.

CAT drivers provide safe, reliable, courteous, and efficient bus transportation for people in the CAT service area and are committed to safety through consistent and professional work. Safety is a fundamental value that guides all aspects of our work!

Reports to: Field Supervisors and Transit Operations Manager

Representative Duties: The following duties are typical of this classification. Incumbents may not perform all the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

1. Attendance: Regular and consistent attendance.
2. Safety Inspections: Prepare bus for operation by performing pre-trip safety inspection. Monitor the ongoing condition of the vehicle during operation. Complete a post-trip safety inspection at the end of the shift. Ensure buses are clean and have the required signage and documents. Report equipment concerns and maintenance problems appropriately.
3. Operations: Operate a bus on specified route(s) according to established time schedules. Follow District rules and policies, obey traffic laws, and remain knowledgeable regarding any changes. Assist disabled passengers with boarding and exiting the bus. Secure wheelchair clamps or safety belts as may be required.
4. Defensive Driving: Develop and practice defensive driving skills to prevent vehicle or passenger accidents. In the event of an accident or emergency, assist passengers to ensure their safety. Prepare required accident/incident reports.
5. Communicate: Monitor and initiate two-way radio calls, reporting any unusual conditions such as accidents, passenger incidents or traffic problems promptly. Provide verbal and written reports to District supervisors and management regarding route, safety, schedule, fare, and operational problems or concerns.
6. Customer Service: Provide accurate information to customers regarding fares, routes, schedules, and operating rules. Announce major streets, transfer points, and points of interest as required. Maintain courteous and professional demeanor with customers at all times.

Qualifications

1. A minimum of a High School Diploma (G.E.D.) or equivalent is required.
2. Possess or ability to obtain a Class C or B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with applicable endorsements, including any necessary state certifications. CDL's are not required for the position but are preferred. CAT will provide training for the CDL exam. Candidates that have an existing CDL will be given preference (Class B preferred).
3. A safe driving record meeting the established criteria is required:

• Traffic Violations/Accidents: Serious violations, that appear on the driving record, will disqualify an applicant from consideration for a period of ten (10) years. Less serious violations will disqualify an applicant from consideration if they occurred in the last three (3) years.
• Suspensions: A suspended driver's license for longer than three months (90 days) in the past three (3) years will disqualify an applicant from consideration.

Ability to demonstrate/develop strong customer service/interpersonal skills to provide positive interactions with customers, problem-solving and customer assistance.

Ability to work with the public in a variety of situations while performing several tasks simultaneously.

Ability to use independent judgment and make decisions without direct supervision.

Ability to develop and maintain defensive driving skills and operate a transit bus safely and efficiently, as demonstrated during the training period.

Ability to read, write, and communicate in English.

Willingness and ability to work various hours, including early morning and late-night shifts; split shifts; weekends and holidays; and split days off.

Ability to report to work regularly and on time.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, management, and the general public, including those from culturally diverse backgrounds, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and/or other vulnerable populations.

Ability to pass the required post-offer job-related physical and pre-employment drug screen for this position.

Spanish speaking is preferred but not required.

Selection Process

Candidates will be selected based at a minimum on the result of:

1. Application Review /Work Record Review
2. Driving Record Review – Upon submitting your application, you are required to submit a Certified copy of your DMV report from every state where you have held a driver's license in the past three (3) years.
3. Interview
4. Criminal Background Check / Reference Check
5. Pre-Employment Drug Test
6. DOT Medical Examination Certificate

Make sure you describe in detail how your education, training and work experience fit with this role. You are encouraged to attach a resume and cover letter.

If you are a qualified veteran and would like to apply for veterans' preference points, you will need to reflect your status on the application and attach supporting documentation at the time of application submission.

If you need accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act for any part of the application process, contact the Executive Director at 541-386-4202. Note: Staff requires a minimum of two workdays' notice prior to the need for accommodation.

Hood River County Transportation District is an equal opportunity employer, committed to developing an organization that is reflective of and sensitive to the needs of the diverse community we serve, including veterans, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities.

As applied to the workplace, applicants and employees must be qualified to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. Essential functions may include required job functions performed infrequently as well as production standards related to the quality and quantity of work.

If a person with a disability could meet job qualifications with a reasonable modification, Hood River County Transportation District will work with the employee to accommodate the need. If Hood River County Transportation District's accommodation is effective in allowing the employee to perform the essential functions of the job, it need not be the employee's preferred accommodation.