Bus Operator I - Full-Time (Non-CDL)

This position does not require a CDL. 

Under general supervision by the Operations Manager, and through work direction given by Operations Supervisors, Dispatch staff and Road Supervisors, the Bus Operator I is responsible for safely operating passenger transporting motor vehicles to provide service for the City of Fargo’s Transit Department. This is the first level of a two-level series. Incumbents are expected to be qualified and able to operate vehicles for microtransit and paratransit services and may be assigned to either of these services based on operational needs.The Bus Operator I serves as a frontline ambassador of the City’s transit system. This role has a direct impact on service reliability and the daily mobility of the local community. The Bus Operator I provides customers with courteous and attentive service including information, assistance with transfers, controlling the environment within the transit vehicle, and enforcement of transit procedures. Depending on assignment, the operator either responds to real-time microtransit requests and dynamically changing routes, or transports approved paratransit passengers along flexible schedules, including door-through-first-door assistance. This position involves the operation of equipment with significant financial value and requires a high level of personal accountability, attention to detail and adherence to safety standards. 
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Operates microtransit vehicles in pre-determined zones;
   1. Picks up and drops off passengers at designated or requested locations;
   2. Navigates dynamically changing routes using in-vehicle tablets and routing software;
   3. Adapts to quickly changing trip assignments, pick-up/drop-off locations or traffic conditions;
   4. Collects fares or validates electronic payments when applicable;
   5. Greets and assists passengers in a professional and courteous manner;
   6. Provides support to riders during boarding and exiting the vehicle, particularly seniors, individuals with disabilities or those with limited mobility;
   7. Assists with outreach and rider engagement by answering questions about the microtransit service and promoting its features, such as accessibility options, app usage, or service hours;
   8. Uses tools such as on-vehicle tablets and radios to receive and manage ride requests from dispatch or microtransit platforms;
   9. Communicates effectively with Dispatch staff regarding strip status, delays or service issues;
   10. Troubleshoots minor app or device issues and reports major issues to Dispatch staff;
   11. Monitors service area boundaries and coordinates with Dispatch staff to manage ride requests that fall outside standard zones, ensuring compliance with service parameters;
   12. Notifies Dispatch staff about delays or service gaps for operational improvement;
   13. Reports passenger complaints, technical issues, or patterns that could impact travel efficiency.
2. Operates paratransit vehicles and provides safe, reliable door through first door transportation for pre-approved passengers;
   1. Operates paratransit vehicles along flexible routes based on daily manifests or Paratransit Dispatcher instructions;
   2. Utilizes GPS and routing software/devices accurately;
   3. Transports elderly passengers and individuals with physical, cognitive, or sensory disabilities in accordance with ADA regulations;
   4. Navigates residential, medical, and commercial areas safely while adjusting to varied pick-up/drop-off locations;
   5. Adjusts routing in response to real-time changes, cancellations, or traffic delays, maintaining communication with Paratransit Dispatchers;
   6. Recognizes signs of medical distress or disorientation and responds appropriately.
   7. Provides physical assistance to passengers entering or exiting the vehicle, including the use of arm support, ramps, or lifts;
   8. Secures passengers using wheelchairs, scooters, or mobility aids using department-approved securement systems;
   9. Ensures passengers are safely seated and secured before moving the vehicle and assists with seat belts when requested.
   10. Accurately completes daily trip manifests, time logs, mileage sheets, and ridership verification;
   11. Documents all no-shows, cancellations, delays, incidents, or service disruptions per department procedures;
   12. Collects fare payments or passes with sensitivity to passenger disabilities.
   13. Provides calm, respectful assistance to individuals with physical, emotional or cognitive limitations;
   14. Responds to passenger questions and concerns with patience and professionalism;
   15. Maintains confidentiality regarding passenger health, personal information and trip details.
3. Operates transit vehicles safely and efficiently.
   1. Drives assigned routes in accordance with schedules and supervisor instruction;
   2. Operates multiple vehicle controls requiring practice and hand-eye coordination to efficiently accomplish the desired task;
   3. Adjusts driving based on traffic, road, and weather conditions;
   4. With limited supervision, uses sound judgment and refers to departmental training in handling unexpected situations while in service;
   5. Manages incidents of public aggression with de-escalation skills and conflict resolution;
   6. Clearly communicates and reports all incidents, accidents, safety concerns, and mechanical issues as required;
   7. Prepares and submits accident and incident reports in a timely manner utilizing proper forms in accordance with established guidelines. 
   8. Develops an awareness of the space surrounding the vehicle and watches for persons or objects that may be injured or damaged by movements of the vehicle.
4. Ensures passenger safety and accessibility.
   1. Adheres to ADA and Title VI regulations by assisting elderly passengers and individuals with disabilities through the use of ramps, lifts and securement devices;
   2. Offers assistance and directions to riders with limited English proficiency;
   3. Monitors passenger behavior and intervenes or reports when necessary to maintain safety for other passengers;
   4. Professionally and calmly responds to passenger inquiries, complaints or conflicts;
   5. In compliance with federal guidelines, determines and provides reasonable accommodations upon request from passengers.
5. Ensures safety and operability of transit vehicles.
   1. Conducts pre-trip and post-trip inspections of vehicles. Inspections include checking brakes, lights, tires, fluid levels, and other critical systems;
   2. Completes digital Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs) and reports any mechanical issues or safety concerns promptly; based on the nature and severity of the need, may recommend that the equipment be shut down and not used until the problem is corrected;
   3. Develops familiarity with proper equipment functions, including normal sounds, and notices equipment performance deficiencies so that they can be corrected in a timely manner.
6. Communicates effectively, professionally, and courteously with co-workers, supervisors and passengers.
   1. Courteously provides basic information, such as schedule, route, and fare information to passengers or members of the general public seeking assistance;
   2. Occasionally provides in-depth explanations of policies and procedures to members of the general public;
   3. Utilizes in-vehicle technology to notify Dispatch staff of equipment failures, schedule delays, update destination signs, and hazardous or dangerous conditions along roads and passenger loading zones;
   4. Promptly notifies Dispatch staff in cases of passenger unruly conduct and/or any threat to passenger or personal safety.
7. Maintains compliance with Transit Department policies and federal, state and local laws.
   1. Follows all applicable traffic laws;
   2. Follows all Transit Department and City of Fargo policies and procedures;
   3. Ensures compliance with drug and alcohol testing policies and participates in random screenings;
   4. Keeps current with training, licensing and recertification requirements.
8. Performs all job duties in compliance with safety guidelines and with an ongoing awareness of safety practices.
   1. Knows and follows department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss;
   2. Wears proper protective equipment when policy requires, or conditions indicate a need exists and utilizes proper body mechanics and ergonomics while performing work;
   3. When potentially unsafe conditions are observed, makes efforts to avoid or correct them if they are controllable and draws them to the attention of the supervisor responsible or safety representative in a timely manner;
   4. Attends monthly mandatory safety meetings to keep up to date on relevant safety procedures.
9. Performs other duties and activities as assigned.

The Bus Operator I must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent (G.E.D.), a valid Driver’s License, have a safe driving record and be at least 21 years of age. Additional training will be provided to ensure compliance with Federal Transit Administration regulations.

Knowledge, skills, ability and other requirements include:

• Skill in English, both written and spoken;
• Skill in providing customer service;
• Ability to gain geographical knowledge of the Fargo, Moorhead, West Fargo, and Dilworth areas;
• Ability to safely drive a transit vehicle in all traffic and weather conditions;
• Demonstrated ability to operate vehicles safely, skillfully and efficiently and knowledge of road laws as applicable to transit vehicles;
• Ability to frequently stand or walk; ability to sit for up to three hours; walk for long distances and on possibly sloped ground and slippery or uneven surfaces; demonstrates normal manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination; ability to lift materials.; ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crawl and crouch; and demonstrates a normal range of hearing and vision;
• Ability to work flexible work schedules;
• Ability to communicate and interact effectively with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, and others, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction;
• Exposure to various amounts of vehicle fumes and noise;
• Exposure to potential public aggression.

This job is performed onboard a transit motor vehicle, with the majority of time spent interacting with passengers and driving varying daily schedules. Physical demands include sitting for extended periods; using fingers to operate vehicle controls and complete paperwork; communicating audibly through radios and utilizing a full range of vision. The position requires assisting passengers with mobility limitations, including pushing and pulling wheelchairs, securing mobility devices, assisting passengers with transfers between mobility devices and vehicle seats, providing physical support while walking, assisting passengers in and out of the vehicle, and providing door-to-door assistance as needed. Additional duties include stooping, crouching, and walking during passenger assistance and vehicle inspections. The incumbent may be exposed to potentially extreme environmental conditions.

Heavy Work: This job is rated for Heavy Work, meaning that the incumbent may exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force regularly or constantly to move objects.

Some requirements in this job description may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. All requirements are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
 
Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and experience required. To perform this job successfully, the worker must possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.
 
This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship. The City Administrator retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time.