Prowers Area Transit Part Time Driver

Job Title: Prowers Area Transit Part Time Driver

Salary range: $16-18 per hour

Department: Prowers Area Transit

Hours: Part-Time, Non-Exempt

Job Description:

PROWERS AREA TRANSIT

Part-Time Transit Driver (Friday–Sunday)
Demand Response Transit System

Department: Prowers Area Transit (PATS)

Reports To: Operations Manager and/or Transit Director

Work Schedule

Approximately 30 hours per week, consisting of three (3) 10-hour shifts on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. 

Compensation

$16.00–$18.00 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience.

Position Summary

The Part-Time Transit Driver is responsible for the safe, courteous, and efficient operation of Prowers Area Transit vehicles while providing On-Demand Transit transportation services to the general public.

This position serves a diverse population, including senior citizens, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and members of the general public. The Transit Driver is expected to operate all assigned vehicles safely, provide exceptional customer service, maintain accurate records, perform daily vehicle inspections, and comply with all applicable federal, state, county, and agency regulations.

The employee represents Prowers County in daily interactions with the public and is expected to maintain the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and safety.

Mission Statement

The mission of Prowers Area Transit is to provide safe, reliable, accessible, and affordable public transportation that connects individuals to employment, education, healthcare, community services, and other essential destinations while enhancing the quality of life throughout Prowers County.

Essential Functions

The duties listed below are representative of the work performed by this position. They are not intended to be an all-inclusive list.

Vehicle Operations

  • Safely operate transit vehicles in accordance with all traffic laws and agency policies.

  • Transport passengers to scheduled destinations in a safe and timely manner.

  • Operate vehicles in various weather and road conditions.

  • Perform defensive driving techniques at all times.

  • Follow assigned routes and schedules while maintaining flexibility to meet On-Demand Transit service needs.

  • Immediately report accidents, incidents, unsafe conditions, and mechanical issues.

Passenger Services

  • Provide courteous, respectful, and professional customer service.

  • Assist passengers entering and exiting vehicles when appropriate.

  • Safely operate wheelchair lifts and secure mobility devices.

  • Assist At-Risk- Adults while maintaining passenger dignity and independence.

  • Maintain confidentiality regarding passenger information in accordance with applicable laws and agency policies.

Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance

  • Conduct pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections.

  • Complete required inspection reports accurately and thoroughly.

  • Monitor vehicle condition, fluid levels, tires, lights, wheelchair equipment, and safety devices.

  • Report maintenance needs promptly.

  • Maintain the cleanliness of assigned vehicles.

Documentation

  • Complete daily manifests and required operational reports.

  • Maintain accurate mileage, fuel, inspection, and maintenance records.

  • Submit required paperwork in a timely manner.

Safety Responsibilities

  • Comply with all Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), County, and PATS safety requirements.

  • Wear required safety equipment when applicable.

  • Participate in required safety meetings and training.

  • Follow all emergency response procedures.

Additional Duties

The employee may also be required to:

  • Assist dispatch personnel during periods of high call volume.

  • Substitute for other transit drivers when needed.

  • Assist with driver orientation and training.

  • Assist with fleet maintenance coordination.

  • Help maintain a clean and organized bus barn, including common work areas.

  • Perform other related duties as assigned by management.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

High school diploma or GED preferred.

Experience

Preferred qualifications include:

  • Experience operating passenger vehicles or commercial vehicles.

  • Customer service experience.

  • Experience working with At-Risk- Adults.

  • Previous public transportation experience is desirable but not required.

Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Skills

Preferred: Bilingual (Spanish) Speaker

Required Qualifications

Applicants must possess:

  • A valid Colorado Driver License.

  • A driving record acceptable to Prowers Area Transit and its insurance carrier.

  • The ability to successfully complete a criminal background investigation.

  • The ability to successfully complete pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, return-to-duty, and follow-up drug and alcohol testing as required by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).

  • The ability to obtain and maintain all required certifications following employment.

A Commercial Driver License (CDL) is not required for this position.

Required Training

The following training will be provided by Prowers Area Transit:

  • Passenger Assistance Safety and Sensitivity (PASS)

  • CPR and First Aid

  • Defensive Driving

  • Wheelchair Lift Operation

  • Passenger Securement

  • Drug and Alcohol Awareness

  • Bloodborne Pathogen Awareness

  • Agency Policies and Procedures

  • Emergency Evacuation Procedures

Employees must successfully complete all required training within designated timeframes.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Successful candidates must demonstrate the ability to:

  • Exercise sound judgment under pressure.

  • Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

  • Provide exceptional customer service.

  • Maintain professionalism with passengers, coworkers, and the public.

  • Work independently with minimal supervision.

  • Follow written and verbal instructions.

  • Maintain accurate records.

  • Operate mobile tablets and communication devices.

  • Learn scheduling and dispatch procedures.

  • Handle stressful situations calmly and professionally.

  • Maintain confidentiality.

Physical Requirements

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

The employee must be able to:

  • Sit for extended periods while operating transit vehicles.

  • Frequently enter and exit transit vehicles.

  • Bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb, reach, and twist.

  • Push and pull occupied wheelchairs using proper techniques.

  • Lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

  • Assist passengers with mobility limitations.

  • Operate steering, braking, acceleration, wheelchair lift controls, communication equipment, and other transit vehicle controls.

  • Possess sufficient vision and hearing to safely operate transit vehicles and communicate effectively.

Working Conditions

Work is performed primarily in transit vehicles and may involve exposure to:

  • Heat and cold

  • Rain, snow, ice, and wind

  • Traffic hazards

  • Dust and road debris

  • Frequent passenger interaction

  • Extended periods of sitting and driving

Work schedules may vary depending upon operational demands.

Working Relationships

The Transit Driver works closely with:

  • Operations Manager

  • Dispatch Personnel

  • Other Transit Drivers

  • Maintenance Vendors

  • Passengers

  • Community Partners

  • County Employees

Professional communication and teamwork are expected at all times.

Standards of Conduct

Employees are expected to:

  • Demonstrate honesty, integrity, and professionalism.

  • Treat every passenger with dignity and respect.

  • Maintain confidentiality.

  • Follow all county policies and procedures.

  • Maintain a neat and professional appearance.

  • Report unsafe conditions immediately.

  • Promote a positive public image of Prowers Area Transit.

Employment Conditions

Employment is contingent upon successfully completing all required background checks, drug and alcohol testing, driving record verification, and any additional requirements established by Prowers Area Transit.

Nothing contained in this job description shall be construed as creating an employment contract.

Prowers Area Transit reserves the right to modify, assign, or remove job duties as operational needs require.

Employment with Prowers Area Transit is at-will and may be terminated by either the employee or the employer at any time, with or without cause or notice, as permitted by law.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Prowers Area Transit is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Employee Acknowledgment

I acknowledge that I have received, read, and understand this job description. I understand that it describes the general duties and responsibilities of my position but is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties that may be assigned.

I understand that I am responsible for complying with all Prowers Area Transit policies, procedures, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.