Full Time Bus Operator

JOB SUMMARY

This position is located in the Norman Operations Division of the Central Oklahoma Transportation and Parking Authority (COTPA) and is under the direction of a Route Supervisor.

General Description of Work : Responsible for safe and efficient operation of a bus in the transport of passengers, exercising sound judgment with respect to emergencies, which may arise. Performs skilled work of a routine nature in the operation of various types of buses. Receives assignments and instructions in specific written and/or oral form. Salary of $22.67 per hour starting pay.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• This job description excludes marginal functions that are incidental to performing the job.
• Operates various buses in a safe, efficient manner for main line service, special events, charters, and paratransit service.
• Greets passengers, monitors fare collection, and helps explain fare structure to the passenger.
• Complies with route schedules notifying the Operations office when traffic/weather conditions hinder schedule adherence.
• Communicates verbally in English, so as to be understood, both in person and by two-way radio.
• Has the ability to communicate verbally utilizing tact and diplomacy in dealing with the public.
• Uses radio to contact Operations office to report problems encountered in route such as bad road conditions, detours, passenger problems, and emergencies.
• Adheres to all standards of proper dress and grooming.
• Inspects bus, before beginning run, for safety and cleanliness. Reports any discrepancies to the Operations office, a supervisor, or reports problem(s) on the Operator's Daily Report.
• Fills out reports such as the Daily Operator's Report, surveys and Accident and Incident reports completely and legibly.
• Possesses and maintains at least a valid Commercial Driver's License (class B) with a Passenger (P) endorsement learners permit by the first day of employment and has the full valid license no later than 60 days from the date of employment.
• Reads and comprehends at a level sufficient to understand and comply with route schedules and manifests.
• Possesses the mathematical ability to count money quickly to determine if proper fare has been paid.
• Possesses the mathematical ability to add and subtract schedule times to determine how long it takes to get from one point on the schedule to another.

JOB PREFERENCES

• Valid Oklahoma CDL Class A or B with Airbrakes and Passenger endorsements.
• 1 year Customer Service experience.
• 1 year Transit driving experience.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Possesses a valid Oklahoma Department of Transportation physical examination certification.
• Must be able to use both hands and both feet concurrently.
• Must be able to safely reach all controls without assistance and be able to see in all directions while seated in driver's seat.
• Must have sufficient strength and dexterity to operate a variety of switches and levers.
• Must be ambulatory in order to reach parked vehicle in garage yard from Operation's office.
• Have the ability, on a routine basis, to bend, stoop, twist, reach, climb less than 6 stairs, and occasionally lift objects weighing less than 10 pounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work involves being around moving machinery and exposure to dust, fumes, gases, noises, and extremes in temperature/humidity.
• Work hours may involve early mornings, late nights, weekends and/or split shifts.
• Must be able to sit for periods up to 1 1/2 hours with only a very short break.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

This is a summary of the duties and responsibilities commonly found within this classification. It is not meant to be all-inclusive; thus, other related activities or tasks may be assigned.

NOTE: This job classification has been designated as a safety sensitive job classification in accordance with the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana and Patient Protection Act, 63 O.S., § 427.1 et seq., (OSCN 2019), effective August 29, 2019. This means employees in this job classification can be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination if they test positive for marijuana components or metabolites, even if they possess a medical marijuana license.

EEO Statement

EMBARK’s goal is to be a workforce that reflects our rich and diverse Community at every job levels. EMBARK embraces diversity and inclusion and encourages our staff members to bring their whole self to work every day. EMBARK is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All employment decisions at EMBARK are based on business needs, job requirements, individual qualifications and availability, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by federal, State or City laws.

VETERANS PREFERENCE

A five-point preference will be awarded on the initial scored selection process for honorably discharged veterans of the United States Armed Forces not currently employed full time by EMBARK. Qualified applicants must submit a copy of their DD Form 214 indicating discharge type/character of service in person, mail, or fax at 405-316-1641.

NOTE: Successful applicant will be required to pass a Department of Transportation physical examination that will include a drug screen. Employee will be subject to mandatory drug and alcohol testing in accordance with Federal Transit Administration Regulations and COTPA's Substance Abuse Policy.

Drug-Free Workplace: As a Drug-Free Workplace, the EMBARK seeks to create a work environment free from the adverse effects of drug abuse and alcohol misuse for the protection of workforce, community, and customers.

Drug Screen and Pre-Employment Physical: If you are hired for a position at EMBARK, you are required to pass a drug test (in accordance with Federal Regulation) and a physical examination, with regards to the nature of the position. EMBARK has a policy that prohibits the illegal use, manufacture, distribution, sale, dispensation or possession of narcotics, drugs, or controlled substances, and will require random urine and drug and alcohol tests of its employees as an enforcement measure in providing for a drug-free workplace. You will be excluded from consideration for employment with EMBARK if the results of your urine drug test indicate evidence of marijuana, cocaine, opiates, phencyclidine (PCP) and/or amphetamines.

NOTE TO FORMER EMPLOYEES: To participate in any selection process, former employees must be eligible for rehire. If you are unsure of your rehire status, please contact the EMBARK Human Resource Department at (405) 297-1641. If your rehire status has been coded "Not Eligible," "Eligible 3," or "Conditional," you will need to request a review of your rehire status.

NOTE: EMBARK will conduct a background investigation/verification. Applicants will be provided contact information for any third-party reporting agencies used to collect background information in connection with conditional offers of employment.

For more than 50 years, EMBARK has offered safe, reliable transportation for the citizens and visitors of Oklahoma City. Beginning with just 18 buses in 1966, we’ve grown to into a robust transit system that includes streetcars, river cruises, parking garages and more.

As an industry leader in public transportation and more importantly, as the place where you choose to work, you need to know the keys to be successful during your career with EMBARK.

EMBARK’s vision is to provide “world class transportation accessible to all, and all want to access it.”

With a clear picture of our destination through our Vision and Mission, our Core 4 Values — be safe, be there, be open and be kind act as our compass. Living into our values guides our decisions and ensure we stay on course.

In all that we do, we focus on three key audiences - our employees, our customers and our board - to create a great place to work, enhance the status, use and understanding of our services, and preserve confidence in what we do with key stakeholders.

No matter what position you are applying for, our team members help is essential to the success of EMBARK. Each team member is integral to the success of our organization and we couldn’t do it without you.

Whether we’re creating an inclusive and empowering work environment, improving our customers’ experiences or cultivating strong relationships with key stakeholders, our Vision, Mission, and Values will help guide you to decide if EMBARK is the right organization for you.