Transit Driver - Ruth / Zenia Area - One day per week

Under general supervision, to operate a transit bus on a fixed route within Trinity County; to transport passengers to various destinations within the County; to perform safety checks and maintain various reports/driving logs of bus and daily activities; and to do related work as required.

(The following is used as a partial description and is not restrictive as to duties required.)

Conducts pre-trip safety check of the vehicle, ensuring proper operating condition of safety features such as brakes, lights, tires, and emergency equipment; checks various fluid levels for possible motor oil or coolant leaks; performs a general check for mechanical deficiencies; maintains a driver’s log with accurate records of daily bus mileage, number of passengers carried, cash or ticket payments, and amount of monies collected; completes vehicle condition reports and describes possible maintenance problems; drives a prescribed route between the various towns,  adhering to the published time schedules, as well as weather conditions and passenger safety permit; obeys traffic laws; picks-up and delivers passengers along a route, stopping at designated locations and non-designated locations for ADA certified passengers; answers passengers’ questions regarding operations, fares, policies, and schedules; may issue tickets; loads, secures, and unloads wheelchair passengers and their belongings, using wheelchair lifts; fuels the bus with gas, diesel, or propane, as warranted by engine type; performs  cleaning of the bus, inside and outside; operates a County radio in case of emergency. 

Knowledge of:

• Routine vehicle maintenance requirements including hydraulic controls, hydraulic and hydrolic brake systems, and electronic ignition systems.
• Safe driving practices.
• Traffic laws of the State of California 
• Principles and methods of preventive maintenance.
• Safe work practices and procedures.
• Good public relations techniques. 
• Record keeping methods and procedures.
• Mathematics.

Ability to:

• Visually inspect gas, propane and diesel-powered equipment and assess problems with and determine mechanical defects affecting safe operation of electrical, hydraulic, hydrolic, and mechanical systems.
• Safely drive a transit size bus in a variety of weather conditions and locations.
• Follow a prescribed bus route in a safe and timely manner.
• Read and write at the level required for successful job performance.
• Follow radio procedures and transmit information in a clear and concise manner.
• Apply technical knowledge of mechanical and electrical trades work.
• Follow written and oral instructions.
• Maintain accurate records and reports.
• Make mathematical calculations quickly and accurately.
• Deal tactfully and courteously with the public and other staff when explaining the functions and policies of the County Transit Program.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.

Training and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience, which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities, is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

• Some previous experience performing vehicle operation duties.

Special Requirements:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate California Driver’s License with appropriate passenger endorsement and VTT Certificate.
• Incumbents must completed requisite training and obtain required driver’s license endorsements at the time of hiring, as well as Department of Motor Vehicles certification to remain employed in this classification.
• Possession of a current and clear Department of Motor Vehicles printout.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Sits for extended periods; frequently stand, walk, stoop, kneel, and crouch; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; ability to lift and move objects weighing up to 50 lbs.; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; operate a transit bus and related wheelchairs lift equipment; use a radio and telephone.

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work is performed in a driving environment; some work is performed outdoors in varying temperatures; exposure to hazardous materials, smoke, gasses, and fumes; exposure to hazards such as moving machine parts and electrical current; continuous contact with the public and other staff.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is a journey level Transit Driver classification. Incumbents operate a bus along an established route, transporting passengers to various locations. This classification is distinguished from the Driver classification by the size of the vehicles operated, number of passengers transported, and the requirement for a Commercial Driver’s License with appropriate endorsements. Work is performed on various shifts during the day and evening.

REPORTS TO
Transit Coordinator.

CLASSIFICATIONS SUPERVISED
None.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER
In addition to our everyday duties, we have an added responsibility to help in a declared disaster. Under California law, all public employees are Disaster Service Workers and may be called upon in the event of a disaster. The roles and responsibilities for Disaster Service Workers are authorized by the California Emergency Services Act and are defined in the California Government Code 3100-3102; Labor Code 3211.92(b).