School Bus Operator 30-39 hour (Transit Operator) at City of Charlottesville, VA

About the Department

The City's School Bus Transit Operator, assigned to CAT's Pupil Transportation Division, performs intermediate semiskilled support work in the operation of large passenger buses in public transportation, daily school transportation, school-related events, charter services, and/or other designated routes to transport passengers in a safe, courteous, and timely manner. Work is performed under limited supervision and reports to a Transit Operations Supervisor.

Position Duties

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The essential functions of the job are not limited to those listed in the job description. The City retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

• Operates a transit passenger bus or school bus over designated routes and schedules, ensuring safe and timely transportation for passengers.
• Conducts pre- and post-trip inspections of vehicles and related equipment, reporting defects or mechanical issues as required.
• Prepares and maintains trip records, including fares, passenger behavior, mileage, vehicle defects, and condition reports, in compliance with department requirements.
• Assists passengers with boarding and off-loading, including wheelchair accessibility, and announces bus routes and stops.
• Monitors passenger behavior to ensure safety and maintains a safe and orderly environment aboard the bus.
• When applicable, collects fares, tickets, and passes; ensures proper handling and security of payments and passes.
• Adapts to variables such as adverse weather, traffic, construction, passenger incidents, accidents, schedule changes, and others.
• Provides accurate route and service information to passengers and the public in a courteous and professional manner.
• Communicates with other operators, supervisors, and dispatch via two-way radio or phone to report traffic conditions, vehicle issues, or passenger concerns.
• Operates a City vehicle in the performance of the job duties.

• Follows safety instructions and attends appropriate safety training, including body fluid spill clean-up procedures.

• Complies with all traffic laws and safety regulations, employing defensive driving techniques to minimize risks and prevent accidents.
• Reports accidents or emergencies immediately and completes required reporting information, maintaining composure and ensuring passenger safety during such events.
• Coordinates fueling and basic maintenance of the bus, communicates mechanical concerns, records mileage, and ensures the vehicle is clean and safe throughout each shift in accordance with division requirements.
• Attends required meetings and training sessions as needed to maintain compliance with DOT, FTA, and Virginia State School Bus standards.
• Supports departmental goal to provide dependable, efficient, and safe transportation service.
• May be required to work non-traditional work schedule, including weeknights, weekends, and/or holidays.

• Subject to being called back to work to the City in emergencies or as needed to provide necessary services to the public. Must have the ability to be contacted and respond based on Departmental guidelines.
• Responsible for appropriate use and maintenance of City equipment, tools, and other resources, including work time.
• Regular and reliable attendance.

Other Duties

• Performs additional duties to support operational requirements as apparent or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience: Candidates may qualify by demonstrating the required knowledge and skills outlined for the job through experience(s) other than formal education.

• High School diploma or GED AND one year of experience performing customer service tasks.

• Three years of work experience performing customer service tasks.

• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements listed above.

Preferred:

• Some experience working with children, general public and/or operating a commercial vehicle or similar equipment.
• Possession of a valid Class B Commercial Driver’s License or CDL Learner’s Permit. 

Certifications/Licenses/Other Requirements for all Operators:

• Required to successfully pass a pre-employment background check, pre-employment drug screen (DOT), pre-employment DMV driving record review, and industry-specific post-offer physical exam.
• Possession of a valid appropriate driver’s license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia or ability to obtain one by employment start date and maintain an acceptable driving record in accordance with City criteria.
• Required to possess a Class B Virginia Commercial Driver’s license with Passenger (P) and air brake endorsement within ninety (90) days of employment start date.
• Must have no reckless driving or driving under the influence convictions within five years and less than two moving violations within 12 months of employment start date.
• Satisfactory completion of a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Clearinghouse Query may be required.
• Subject to Federal DOT drug and alcohol testing regulations.

Additional requirements if assigned to the Pupil Division:

• Required possession of a School Bus (S) endorsement within 90 days of employment start date.
• Required to successfully complete the Virginia Department of Education training curriculum.
• Required to successfully pass the EB.001 School Bus Driver Application for Physician Certificate annually.
• Required to successfully pass Tuberculosis (TB) testing.
• May require possession of or ability to acquire CPR and First Aid certifications within three (3) months of start date.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics: 
Job Knowledge

• Thorough knowledge of traffic rules and regulations, including federal, state, and local traffic laws applicable to transit operations.
• General knowledge of Charlottesville’s transit routes and all transit procedures to ensure efficient navigation. 
• Familiarity with dispatch and communication procedures, including the use of two-way radios and other equipment.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards, safety precautions, passenger safety protocols and emergency procedures to handle incidents such as accidents, medical emergencies, or vehicle breakdowns.
• Awareness of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements and proficiency in using accessibility equipment.
• Awareness of the use and operations of related software programs specific to the duties of the position

Reading

• Basic: Understands the meaning of commonly used multi-syllable words and simple paragraphs. Comprehends and applies simple written instructions, signs, and notices, as well as departmental and city policies and guidelines.

Writing

• Basic: Ability to write simple letters, paragraphs and sentences containing subject, verb, and object, and/or a series of numbers, names and addresses in a simple report format.

Math

• Basic: Ability to perform the four basic arithmetic operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Communication Skills

• Basic: Provide standard information to and interacts with others outside direct reporting relationships on procedures or general policies. Interaction requires recognizing different points of view to ensure understanding and appropriate response. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with co-workers, customers, and passengers.

Independence and Decision-Making

• Requires General Direction: Normally performs the job by following general instructions or established standard operating procedures and/or processes. There is some discretion when making decisions among a few easily identifiable choices of the appropriate procedure or policy to apply to duties.

Technical Skills

• Skilled: Comprehensive, practical knowledge of a technical field with use of analytical judgment and decision-making abilities appropriate to the assigned and apparent job responsibilities. Intermediate skill in Microsoft Office applications and/or departmental software.

Fiscal Responsibilities

• No budgetary or fiscal responsibilities but may monitor collection of bus fares if applicable.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• No responsibility for the supervision of others. May provide instructions to School Bus Aide and/or others to effectively provide customer service and assist in the operations of the vehicle.

Other Characteristics

• Time pressures. 
• Takes responsibility for finding answers to questions and responding appropriately.
• Works closely with others as part of a team.
• Excellent time management and customer service skills. 
• Performs multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Works under constant interruptions and requests for service.
• May require dealing with angry, frustrated and/or upset individuals.
• May work a non-traditional work schedule.

Other Qualifications

Physical Demands:

• Medium Work:  Exerts up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and some amount of force constantly to move objects.
• Work requires climbing (ascending/descending steps), lifting, balancing, bending, stooping, kneeling, crawling, crouching, pushing/pulling, reaching, grasping, and repetitive motions. 
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for at least fifty (50) percent of the working time.
• Must be able to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
• Ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Machines, Tools, Equipment, Software and Hardware:

• Typically requires use of standard office equipment and telephone, and related software and hardware; and any other equipment as appropriate or as assigned. Operates large passenger bus, and/or other vehicles.

Work Environment:

• Work is typically performed inside and around the exterior of a passenger bus and or school bus. 
• Work is subject to both inside and outside environmental conditions, vibrations, loud noise, atmospheric conditions, and roadway safety hazards.
• The position work:
  • Near moving mechanical parts.
  • In and around fumes, gases, dust, dirt and/or airborne particles.
  • In extreme temperatures and/or inadequate lighting.
  • In or around toxic chemicals and/or blood-borne pathogens

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