Valley Transit pays 90% of “employee-only” premiums for medical, dental, life, and long-term disability through the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB). Qualifying dependents may be enrolled at the employee’s expense. Valley Transit provides a $24,000 Basic Life insurance policy is provided through the Washington Counties Insurance Fund. Employer and employee contributions are made to the State of Washington Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). Employees have the option to enroll in the State of Washington Department of Retirement Systems’ deferred Compensation program. Valley Transit grants annual paid vacation to regular part-time employees, which is calculated on a prorated basis of .04615 per paid hour, which increases with continuous employment. All Employees are eligible to accrue Washington Paid Sick Leave at a rate of 1 hour for every 40 hours worked. In addition, part-time employees will accrue Valley Transit Paid Sick Leave at a rate of .02115 per eligible paid hour. Part-time employees accrue Holiday leave on a prorated basis. Part-time employees earn 0.02308 hours of holiday leave for each paid hour and are entitled to four (4) paid Floating Holidays each calendar year. Valley Transit provides limited reimbursement for the purchase of job-related clothing and supplies, depending on the job classification. Vision reimbursement of up to $300.00 as per contract period.

NATURE OF POSITION: This is skilled work in the operation of passenger buses, trolleys, and vans for Valley Transit. Work involves responsibility for the safe and efficient operation of passenger vehicles. Operators are representatives of the transit system and are required to exercise a high degree of caution and courtesy. Work is generally performed independently, reporting to the Road Supervisors. Transit operators perform shift work. Individuals selected may be assigned on any day of the week. Shifts include early morning, late night, holidays, community special events, and emergencies.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants are required to have at least six (6) years of general driving experience legally operating a motor vehicle. In order to be considered for hire, applicants must be able to consistently report to work on short notice. Satisfactory completion of a pre-employment drug/alcohol screen and criminal background check is a condition of employment for this position.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Work is performed 60% or more inside of a vehicle. The operator is exposed to noise, vibration, engine fumes and inclement weather when assisting passengers outside of the vehicle. The operator may be required to remain seated behind the steering wheel for up to three (3) hours at a time. Under normal conditions, several three to five-minute breaks can be taken during a shift. Extra Board operators bid on a available work for the following week by seniority. Shifts that become available during the week are assigned on a seniority basis. Extra Board operators are expected to answer a call from work within fifteen (15 minutes).

Part-Time Extra Board operators are guaranteed a minimum of sixty (60) hours for each pay period (every 2 weeks), provided they bid on runs for at least five (5) days per week, sign up for availability on at lease five (5) days per week, call in at the assigned time daily, and respond to a call from work within fifteen (15) minutes. Refer to the ATU Collective Bargaining Agreement for further details.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCEDURE: Applicants whose experience most closely meets the requirements of the position will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will consist of a phone interview, oral panel interview, reference inquiries, and a criminal background check. Paper application packages can be requested from and mailed or emailed to:

VALLEY TRANSIT

1401 West Rose Street

Walla Walla, WA 99362

Email to vicki@valleytransit.com

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: Valley Transit will provide reasonable accommodation to disabled applicants if requested. Please notify the Human Resources office at least 5 days prior to the need.

NOTE: The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

Valley Transit complies with Title VI, ADA, and other applicable Federal Civil Rights Laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, religion, Veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex in employment or the provisions of service. Equal Opportunity Employer.

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Job Description

Department: Operations

Employee Group: Represented

Reports To: Road Supervisor

FLSA Status: Nonexempt hourly employee

At Valley Transit our Mission is to provide high quality and efficient public transportation services that are responsive to the needs of our entire community; promoting quality of life and a healthy economy

Position Summary:

This is skilled work in the operation of passenger buses, trolleys, and vans for Valley Transit.

Work involves responsibility for the safe and efficient operation of passenger vehicles. Operators are representatives of the transit system and are required to exercise a high degree of caution and courtesy. Work is generally performed independently, reporting to the Road Supervisors.

Transit operators perform shift work. Individuals selected may be assigned on any day of the week. Shifts include early morning, late night, holidays, community special events and emergencies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

· Dependable attendance and on-time performance

· Safe and efficient operation of passenger buses, vans, and other agency vehicles

· Compliance with all Federal, State, local and Valley Transit rules, regulations, and policies

· Effective communication with the public, positively representing the agency and providing accommodations for individuals with disabilities as required

· Adherence to instructions from the Road Supervisors and Dispatcher

· Collaborate and cooperate with other staff to ensure efficient operations

· Assists mobility-impaired passengers to and from their destination

· Maneuvers wheelchairs on and off vehicles and over terrain

· Daily vehicle inspection and reporting of any mechanical defects prior to operation

· Operate Mobile Data Terminal and accurately complete required reports

· Maintenance of bus cleanliness, as needed, on route

· Schedule adherence, fare collection, transfer issuance, provide accurate information regarding routes, schedules, transfer points, and stops

· Promotion of good passenger relations

· Performance of related work as required

· Perform all safety and health responsibilities for Workgroup Members as detailed in the Public Transit Agency Safety Plan (PTASP)

The omission of specific statements of duties above does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Requirements:

At least 6 years of general driving experience legally operating a motor vehicle. Driving records should demonstrate safe and responsible operation of a motor vehicle.

Persons selected for the position must obtain, within 21 days of employment, a Class “B”, State of Washington or Oregon Commercial driver’s license, with endorsement “P” and with airbrake restriction (K) removed.

Possess good public relations skills, be highly motivated, dependable, friendly, and have work experience where these skills are utilized.

No convictions of any law involving physical molestation, abuse, injury, neglect, or any other crime of moral turpitude.

The successful applicant will be required to complete pre-employment tests, including a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical, drug and alcohol screening. All persons selected for this position must successfully complete new operator training program. This position will be subject to a 12-month probation period for new employees.

Transit vehicle operators are subject to further drug and alcohol testing throughout their employment. New employees must provide proof of ability to work in the United States per the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

Education:

High school diploma or general education degree (GED)

Language Skills:

A transit operator must have:

§ the ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating instructions and procedure manuals

§ the ability to write accident and incident reports

§ the ability to effectively communicate in English with passengers, employees and supervisors

§ ability to communicate effectively over a two-way radio system with other bus/van operators, supervisors, and dispatch

Reasoning Ability:

The successful operator will have the ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where limited standardization exists. The ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form is required.

Essential Functions of the Position:

The operator must be physically able to perform the duties of the position on an irregular work schedule. Dependable attendance and on-time performance are required. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands and fingers; handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is regularly required to stand and walk. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and heavier objects in emergencies such as evacuating a vehicle. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Operators must be able to reach vehicle controls, adjust driver’s seat, adjust destination signs, operate wheelchair lift and secure tie-down straps on wheelchairs in company vehicles in the proper manner. Must be able to maneuver passengers in wheelchairs on and off vehicles and over curbs and other low objects. Spoken communication via two-way radio is required. Must be able to work independently, as well as use good judgment in emergency situations. This position requires dealing with the public and other employees in a positive manner that generates goodwill for Valley Transit and teamwork among employees.

Must be able to perform the duties of this safety-sensitive position without imposing an undue risk of harm to the health and safety of self, other employees, or the public. As such, the employee will be subject to random drug and alcohol testing. All employees must abide by Agency policies, rules, and regulations. If a job offer is extended, employment will be conditioned upon successful completion of a pre-employment physical including a drug and alcohol test.

Work Environment:

Work is performed 60% or more inside a vehicle. The operator is exposed to noise, vibration, engine fumes and inclement weather when assisting passengers outside the vehicle. The operator may be required to remain seated behind the steering wheel for up to three hours at a time. Under normal conditions, several three to five-minute breaks can be taken during a shift. Extra Board operators bid on available work for the following week by seniority. Shifts that become available during the week are assigned on a seniority basis. Extra Board operators are expected to answer a call for work within 15 minutes.

Part-Time Extra Board operators are guaranteed a minimum of sixty (60) hours for each pay period (every 2 weeks), provided they bid on runs for at least five (5) days per week, sign up for availability on at lease five (5) days per week, call in at the assigned time daily, and respond to a call from work within fifteen (15) minutes. Refer to the ATU Collective Bargaining Agreement for further details.

Wages and Benefits:

Employees working in this job classification are represented by the Amalgamated Transit Union and are subject to agency shop rules. The salary range for this position is $24.64 to $31.90 per hour.

Valley Transit provides:

· Employer pays 90% of “employee-only” premiums for medical, dental, life and long-term disability through the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB). Qualifying dependents may be enrolled at the employee’s expense.

· A $24,000 Basic Life insurance policy is provided through the Washington Counties Insurance Fund. Pet insurance is also available through Washington Counties Insurance Fund. Employer and employee contributions are made to the State of Washington Public Employees Retirement System (PERS).

· Employees have the option to enroll in the State of Washington Department of Retirement System’s deferred Compensation program. Employees also have the option to enroll in additional benefits which include Employee-Paid Long-Term Disability, Employee-Paid Flexible Benefits through American Family Life Assurance Company (AFLAC) and additional Employee-Paid Life Insurance coverage through MetLife.

· Pro-rated vacation (available for use after six months of continuous service), starting at .04614 per paid hour and increases with continuous employment.

· All employees are eligible to accrue Washington Paid Sick Leave at a rate of 1 hour for every 40 hours worked, in addition, employees will accrue Valley Transit Paid Sick Leave at a rate of .02115 per eligible paid hour.

· Pro-rated holiday and floating holidays. Accrual rates for both increase with continuous employment.

Valley Transit provides limited reimbursement for the purchase of job-related clothing and supplies depending on the job classification.

This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.