Part time City Bus Operator

Athens-Clarke County Transit Department operates as a public transportation provider dedicated to serving the residents and visitors of Athens, Georgia. The department plays a crucial role in facilitating mobility throughout the community by offering reliable transit services via various modes including mainline buses and specialized vans. Its mission is to provide safe, efficient, and accessible transportation options to meet the diverse needs of the public, including elderly and disabled individuals, promoting inclusivity and convenience for all users. Operating within the Transit Operations and Maintenance Facility located on Pound Street in Athens, GA, the department ensures the upkeep and readiness of its fleet and the smooth delivery of transit services.

This job opening is for a Part-Time Vehicle Operator position within the Athens-Clarke County Transit Department. The role offers a competitive hourly wage of $20.56 and is classified as part-time with no benefits, allowing for up to 28 hours of work per week. This position reports directly to the Route Supervisor and falls under FLSA non-exempt status, specifically assigned to pay grade 112. Safety sensitivity is an important aspect of the role since it involves operating commercial vehicles, and incumbents are subject to random drug testing in compliance with county drug and alcohol ordinances.

The Vehicle Operator will be responsible for safely operating either mainline buses or specialized vans dedicated to paratransit and demand response transportation. The operator’s primary duties include picking up and dropping off passengers along prescribed routes, collecting fares, and providing excellent customer service to meet the expectations and needs of the public. A flexible work schedule is required, with the possibility of weekend work and duties that may occasionally fall on religious holidays. Regular and punctual attendance is essential to this emergency-designated role, which mandates attendance even under adverse conditions such as inclement weather or other emergencies.

Candidates are expected to hold at least a high school diploma or equivalent, with a preference for applicants who have at least one year of experience operating a bus or specialized van, especially those with experience working alongside elderly or disabled individuals. A valid driver's license is mandatory, with a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) including a Passenger Endorsement being a strict requirement. The role also requires the ability to conduct thorough pre-trip and post-trip inspections of the vehicle to ensure safety and operational readiness, including checks of brakes, tires, lights, and wheelchair lifts.

The operator will also maintain communication with the dispatch team and supervisors via two-way radio systems, promptly reporting any incidents, detours, or accidents per established protocols. Additional duties include assisting with training new operators, operating wheelchairs lifts properly and securely, entering ridership surveys, assisting with facility operations as needed, and completing necessary reports and trip records. Operators must be skilled in customer interaction, maintain a clean and professional appearance, and demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of transit policies, safety regulations, and operational procedures.

This role demands physical capability such as walking, standing, bending, lifting up to 50 pounds occasionally, along with the ability to use body coordination to operate various vehicle equipment and safety devices. Strong communication skills, safe driving expertise, and the ability to work cooperatively with others in a sometimes high-stress environment are essential. The Athens-Clarke County Transit Department values equal employment opportunity and encourages qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply, ensuring reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities.