Description

• Applicants must be available to work within the service hours, including weekends
• Ready to drive your community forward? If you enjoy driving, working with people, and making a difference every day, consider joining the Link Transit team!
  Monday–Friday: 4:25 am – 9:55 pm
  Saturday: 6:25 am – 8:00 pm
  Sunday: 6:30 am – 8:45 pm
  

• Link is an EOE and has Drug Free/Marijuana Free/Tobacco Free workplace policies. For more information on Link’s EEO policy, go to www.linktransit.com.

Examples of Duties

Transit Operations and Safety

• Operate transit vehicles safely and according to assigned routes, schedules, and service requirements.
• Provide fixed-route, demand-response, and route-deviated transportation services as assigned.
• Complete required pre-trip inspections and report vehicle defects, equipment malfunctions, or other safety concerns.
• Monitor radio and other communication systems and report accidents, passenger incidents, traffic conditions, service disruptions, and other unusual circumstances.
• Follow established safety procedures, transit policies, and applicable operating regulations.
• Secure wheelchairs and other mobility devices in accordance with established safety procedures.
• Assist passengers with boarding and exiting vehicles, including those who require additional assistance.
• Install and remove tire chains when required for winter operations.

Passenger Assistance and Customer Service

• Operate transit vehicles safely and according to assigned routes, schedules, and service requirements.
• Provide courteous, professional service and maintain positive relationships with passengers and the public.
• Answer questions regarding routes, schedules, fares, transfers, street locations, public facilities, and points of interest.
• Announce streets, stops, and transfer points as required.
• Explain and enforce transit policies and procedures in a professional and tactful manner.
• Respond to passenger concerns and complaints calmly and courteously.
• Provide door-to-door or stop-to-stop assistance as required by assigned service and established procedures.
• Maintain care of lost and found property and complete required documentation.

Demand-Response Service

• Coordinate passenger pickups and drop-offs with Demand Response Dispatch using established communication procedures.
• Adapt to changes in schedules, trip assignments, and passenger needs throughout the workday.
• Follow applicable procedures for providing safe and accessible demand-response transportation.

Documentation and Communication

• Complete required records and reports accurately, including manifests, lost and found documentation, and accident, incident, and vehicle defect reports.
• Communicate effectively with dispatch, supervisors, coworkers, and passengers to support safe and reliable service.

Additional Responsibilities

Typical Qualifications

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• A satisfactory driving record and employment history.
• Customer service experience is preferred.
• Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position may be considered.

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must possess a valid Washington State driver's license and maintain an acceptable driving record.
• Must obtain a Washington State Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with passenger endorsement and without an air brake restriction within the established probationary period.
• Must be willing and able to operate and become proficient in all assigned fleet vehicles.

• Customer service and interpersonal communication principles.
• Safe driving practices and passenger transportation procedures.
• Oral and written communication methods.
• Transit operations, including fixed-route and demand-response services, or the ability to learn them.

• Safely operate a transit vehicle while following established routes, schedules, and operating procedures.
• Learn and communicate transit routes, schedules, service policies, and locations throughout Link Transit's service area.
• Read maps, follow directions, and adapt to changing routes, assignments, and service conditions.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with passengers, dispatch, supervisors, and coworkers.
• Understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Maintain accurate records and complete required reports.
• Assist passengers with varying mobility and accessibility needs while demonstrating patience, respect, and sensitivity.
• Secure mobility devices and follow established passenger safety procedures.
• Address passenger concerns, resolve routine complaints, and maintain order in a courteous and professional manner.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the public.
• Read, write, speak, and understand English sufficiently to perform essential job functions, including communicating safety information and following operating instructions.

Supplemental Information

ADDITIONAL EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Submit a completed supplemental questionnaire, background disclosure form, and three-year driving record as required during the application process.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the public.
• Meet Link Transit's driving record standards. During the preceding three years, the record must meet the following criteria:
  • No more than one moving violation.
  • No driving-under-the-influence violations involving drugs or alcohol.
  • No felony convictions incurred while operating a commercial vehicle.
  • No at-fault accidents.
• Maintain an acceptable driving record throughout employment. Driving records may be reviewed periodically.
• Successfully complete the required pre-employment physical examination and drug screening.
• Meet all applicable requirements for participation in the FTA Drug and Alcohol Testing Program, including pre-employment and ongoing random testing. 
• Be willing to work assigned day, evening, weekday, weekend, and holiday shifts as needed.
• Comply with Link Transit's uniform and professional appearance standards while on duty.
• Be legally authorized to work in the United States and provide required documentation.

Work is performed primarily outdoors and in a transit vehicle. The position involves prolonged periods of sitting and exposure to changing weather, traffic, vehicle exhaust, equipment noise, and other roadway conditions. Employees may encounter passengers or members of the public who are verbally or physically confrontational. Work schedules may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and changing service assignments.

The essential functions of this position require the ability to:

• Maintain the visual ability necessary to safely operate a transit vehicle, including vision correctable to 20/20 as required by applicable standards.
• Hear and understand information communicated in person and over radio systems and speak clearly to provide instructions and passenger information.
• Sit for extended periods, including up to eight hours while operating a transit vehicle.
• Apply the physical force necessary to operate vehicle controls, including braking and steering, and adjust mirrors to maintain the required field of vision.
• Bend, stoop, crouch, and kneel as needed to inspect vehicles, assist passengers, and install or remove tire chains.
• Lift at least 35 pounds and assist with mobility devices and passenger-related equipment in accordance with established procedures.
• Assist passengers with mobility needs, including negotiating a step when required and when safe to do so.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.