Paratransit Operator

At RTA of Central Maryland, we are seeking a dedicated and responsible Bus Operator - Paratransit to provide reliable and efficient shared ride, door-to-door/curb-to-curb service for seniors and/or those with disabilities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Drive a transit bus or company non-revenue vehicle in a safe, courteous, and reliable manner throughout the contracted service area within a daily assigned time schedule.
• Demonstrate reliability, flexibility, and professionalism with and without direct supervision.
• Perform pre/post trip vehicle inspections as required.
• Possess a functional knowledge of the demographics of the service area, and must read and understand street signs, route sheets and maps.
• Stop at designated points to load and/or unload passengers.
• May assist in the boarding of passengers using wheelchairs or other mobility aids and is required to properly secure wheelchairs and scooters.
• Notify dispatch of deviations, overload, accidents, passenger incidents, medical/behavioral problems, or bus mechanical/electrical trouble.
• Assure that fares are deposited into the fare box and dispense information. Advise passengers of rules and regulations when necessary.
• Timely and accurately complete/submits written reports concerning passengers and all accidents.
• Accurately and efficiently operate on-board computer fare boxes, destination signs, tablets, and/or other electrical and technical instruments.
• Ability to verbally communicate with passengers and dispatchers/road supervisors including use of a 2-way radio and PA system.
• Must be able to work shift hours and days assigned.

Requirements:

• At least one (1) year of previous driving experience.
• High School diploma or GED equivalent.
• Ability to communicate clearly in the English language.
• Must satisfactorily complete all required training.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions:

• Ability to work under stress (possibly high) at times and meet strict timelines.
• The ability to work early morning hours, and other varied hours.
• Must have good depth perception, peripheral vision, distance vision, and color perception as is required to drive a motorized vehicle.
• Possess a sense of hearing, including tone, pitch, and volume when operating transit vehicle, using 2-way radio, and assisting passengers and public.
• Must have good manual dexterity to perform the basic functions of the keypad. Required to reach, grasp, and use multiple objects which include but are not limited to a 2-way radio, door controls, PA microphone, steering wheel, wheelchair lift control, and bus door control.
• Required to sit while operating vehicle approximately 85 - 90% of the workday. The remaining 10- 15% of the day will require the operator to move both in the internal and exterior perimeters of the bus, including a pre-trip and post-trip inspection of the vehicle by walking around and through the vehicle.
• Ability to push/pull tension of at least 50 pounds and the ability to bend and stoop/kneel to assist passengers boarding and securing in wheelchairs/scooters and/or to retrieve equipment. Twist at the knee and waist when operating vehicle, performing vehicle inspections, and securing wheelchairs. Reach forward, backward, upward, and downward while performing duties.
• Subject to wet, cold, and/or hot environmental conditions.
• Subject to heavy traffic, lights (night), with varying road conditions (seasonal).
• Subject to vehicle noise and vibration while operating vehicles.
• Subject to vehicle exhaust fumes and odors, road dusts, and mist.
• This is a bargaining unit position.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

RTA of Central Maryland provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.