Employment

NOTICE: Due to COVID-19, applicants are asked to apply online.

Full-Time Fixed-Route Bus Operator

Full package of benefits; health, dental, vision, life, deferred compensation, paid vacation, paid sick, and paid holidays. Starting pay $16.84 per hour, thereafter, the rates are in accordance with a union contract.

Sign-on bonus of $1000 for new fixed-route bus operators. 

POSITION SUMMARY
Qualified applicants will be trained and certified to provide safe, reliable, convenient, and cost effective transit service to Rock Region METRO’s (METRO) valued passengers in central Arkansas.  Although all Bus Operators must have a valid Arkansas Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), a Medical Examiner’s Health Certificate, and a Passenger (P) endorsement, candidates will be considered who will require assistance with their credentialing. 

Once licensed and certified, Full-Time Operators will receive rigorous training in the safe and timely operation of Fixed-Route buses.  In the course of daily operations, this person will be responsible to drive in a safe, courteous, and timely manner while providing customer service in the form of passenger communications including route schedules and times, fare rates and process, and transfer instructions.  They may also assist passengers with special needs, including passengers with disabilities. 

Essential Functions Statements

• Operate a city bus
• Requires sitting for long periods while operating bus.
• Must meet schedule demands of the particular route
• Must assist passengers in wheelchairs by securing wheelchair while on the bus.
• Provide passengers with general information of routes and schedules.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

• Accountability  - Ability to accept responsibility and account for his/her actions.
• Accuracy- Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly.
• Active Listening - Ability to actively attend to, convey, and understand the comments and questions of others.
• Communication, Oral- Ability to communicate effectively with others using the spoken word.
• Conflict Resolution -Ability to deal with others in an antagonistic situation.
• Customer Oriented- Ability to take care of the customers' needs while following company procedures.
• Diversity Oriented - Ability to work effectively with people regardless of their age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or job type.
• Empathetic- Ability to appreciate and be sensitive to the feelings of others.
• Friendly - Ability to exhibit a cheerful demeanor toward others.
• Honesty I Integrity - Ability to be truthful and be seen as credible in the workplace.
• Interpersonal - Ability to get along well with a variety of personalities and individuals.
• Patience - Ability to act calmly under stress and strain, and of not being hasty or impetuous.
• Reliability- The trait of being dependable and trustworthy.
• Working Under Pressure - Ability to complete assigned tasks under stressful situations.
• Time Management - Ability to utilize the available time to organize and complete work within given deadlines.
• Tactful - Ability to show consideration for and maintain good relations with others.
• Responsible -Ability to be held accountable or answerable for one's conduct.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Education: High School Graduate or General Education Degree (GED)
• Experience: Prefer one year of CDL passenger driving experience.
• Certification: Either in possession of a Class "B" CDL and a Passenger (P) endorsement, or, willing and able to work towards such license, certification, and endorsement. 
• Able to and willing to provide safe, reliable, convient, and cost effective customer service. 

Job Demands:
Physical and Mental Requirements:
This position requires working non-traditional and/or odd hours, split-shifts on various days of the week, including holidays. Work is primarily performed out of doors and on-board transit vehicles. While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent must: Regularly hear, sit, reach with hands and arms, and use leg/foot to reach or handle controls. Regularly exert physical effort. Finger and manual dexterity are regularly needed to drive non-power steering vehicles and to operate door and dispense transfers. Frequently talk, walk, and use hands to handle or feel objects or controls. Regularly required to stoop, bend, and twist at the waist, occasionally lift up to 50 pounds, push or pull, and climb stairs. Possess visual acuity including distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Regularly be exposed to fumes, odors, and moderate noise. Have a high degree of memory and concentration. Must be able to work overtime as specified in the CBA.

METRO is firmly committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity and will administer its candidate evaluation and hiring, personnel policies, and conduct employment practices in a manner that results in treatment based upon merit, experience and other work related criteria, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION:

Supervise and coordinate daily activities of METRO's Fixed Route vehicle operators and supervisors. Insures transit operations are operating efficiently and adhering to schedules

Essential Functions:
This information is intended to be descriptive of the key responsibilities of the position. The list of essential functions below does not identify all duties performed by any single incumbent in this position. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The person selected to fill this position must be flexible in the hours of work and will be required to work weekends (the current shift is Monday, Friday, Saturday, & Sunday). Computer and Customer Service Skills are critical to this position as well as knowledge of the streets in the service area (Little Rock/North Little Rock).  

Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Effectively communicate with drivers via radio & phone
• Plan work assignments and equipment allocations to meet transportation & operation needs.
• Maintain or verify records of time, deviations in schedule, equipment problems, customer complaints, and other records pertaining to operations.
• Operate 2-way radio to communicate with Drivers
• Prepare, compile, and submit reports on work activities, operations, production, and work­ related accidents.
• Respond to driver requests for assistance.
• Provide customers with general information

Knowledge and Abilities:
A. Knowledge of:

Traffic laws, ordinances, rules, and driving courtesies involved in transit operations. Principles and practices of customer service. Dispatching principles and practices.

B. Ability to:

Learn METRO’s policies and procedures. Read, write, and make basic mathematic calculations.
Exercise good judgment and problem-solving skills. Understand and follow oral and written instructions spoken or written in English. Provide on-time and dependable service to the public. Learn METRO’s transit routes and schedules. Maintain a friendly and courteous demeanor when interacting with the public, passengers, and fellow employees through tactful, patient, and courteous interactions. 

Minimum Qualifications — Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

A. Required Education:

Graduation from high school or equivalent.

B. Required Prior Experience:

Three (3) years of verifiable dispatching experience and one (1) year of experience working with the general public.

C. Special Requirements, including Licenses and/or Certifications:

Good time management and multi-tasking skills. Basic computer knowledge and skills. (Managing files, folders, shortcuts, and the use of various software applications). Well-versed in Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, and Outlook.)

Must have the ability to pass a pre-employment background investigation, DOT medical examination, and drug screening. CDL with Class B and “P” endorsement preferred, but not required. 

Full package of benefits; health, dental, vision, life, deferred compensation, and paid vacation (12 days), paid sick, and paid holidays. 

Starting Pay - $15.38 to $17.00 an hour depending on experience

A METRO Streetcar Operator operates a streetcar on an overhead electric power supply and travel across the Main Street Bridge over the Arkansas River to connect tourists, visitors, and locals to the cities major art and entertainment venues, restaurants, museums, parks, shops, libraries, and neighborhoods located in the downtowns. Streetcar operators provide information on historic sites, current economic revitalization efforts, community events, future expansion plans, and other news and facts from your vantage point on the heated and cooled streetcars.

This is a full-time position and the person selected to fill this position must be flexible in the hours of work and will be required to work weekends. Customer-friendly attitude is critical to this position.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Operates streetcars in a safe, courteous, and reliable manner on a designated route within a defined time schedule. Directs and assists passengers in a safe and orderly fashion in boarding and deboarding. Provides assistance to people with disabilities and the elderly as required including operating platform wheelchair lifts.
• Operates and communicate a two-way radio system as regulated by the FCC. Notifies central dispatch/and or METRO Streetcar Manager of deviations, overload, accidents or passenger incidents. Notify central dispatch/and or METRO Streetcar Manager of passengers’ medical or behavioral problems and vehicle mechanical or electrical trouble. Complete and submit written reports concerning passenger incidents, accidents and route deviations.
• Responsible for the collection of appropriate fares. Distribute and collect transfers, tickets and coupons. Dispenses information to passengers as requested.
• Advise passengers of rules and regulations when necessary.
• Be able to describe attractions, history and cultured features to tourists in a pleasant manner. Drivers will ALWAYS need the ability to demonstrate a “customer-friendly attitude.”

Qualifications:

• Must be High School Graduate or General Education Degree
• Two to four years related work experience
• Must be able to comprehend written & oral directions, bulletins, routes, fares, etc.
• Excellent public relations skills, clear speaking voice.

Full package of benefits including health, dental, vision, 457(b) retirement, paid vacation & sick days.

Salary Range: Training/Starting $17.00 per hour

METRO is firmly committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity and will administer its candidate evaluation and hiring, personnel policies, and conduct employment practices in a manner that results in treatment based upon merit, experience and other work related criteria, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class.

NOTICE: Due to COVID-19, applicants are asked to apply online.

Full package of benefits; health, dental, vision, life, deferred compensation, paid vacation, paid sick time, paid holidays. Starting pay is $15.05 per hour, thereafter, the rates are in accordance with the union contract.

Sign-on bonus of $1,000 for new paratransit operators. 

Essential Functions
Reasonable Accommodations Statement
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

QUALIFICATIONS
A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Two years of driving experience required, with at least six months experience driving vans, or larger vehicles, in heavy traffic, preferred. A valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL), Class “B” with a Passenger endorsement is required to operate vehicles. Knowledge of the Paratransit requirements defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) preferred.

BASIC FUNCTIONS
• A Paratransit Bus Operator drives specially equipped Paratransit vans and vehicles over routes that may vary daily in order to effectively serve the transportation needs of people with disabilities, who are the Authority's Paratransit patrons.
• Provides curb-to-curb transportation in a courteous and efficient manner. Operate vehicles and perform all duties in accordance with the rules, regulations, and policies and consistent with the safety and welfare of the general public.
• Is responsible for the safe operation of paratransit lifts and equipment and maintaining a reasonable schedule.
• Locate customer addresses through the use of maps, directions, and other aids.
• Pick up passengers at designated locations, discharge passengers at the destination, collect fares, record time and miles, and provide assistance in loading and securing passengers, when necessary.
• This position is also responsible for being a source of information for passengers as well as reporting traffic conditions and mechanical problems to appropriate departments.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must pass a physical examination, including drug/alcohol screen 
• Must have a favorable job history and satisfactory references 
• Employees must have the ability to arrive at work on time to permit maintenance of schedules
• Must have the ability to read map coordinates for pick-ups’ given by dispatch.

Job Demands:
Physical and Mental Requirements:
This position requires working non-traditional and/or odd hours, split-shifts on various days of the week, including holidays. Work is primarily performed out of doors and on-board transit vehicles. While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent must: Regularly hear, sit, reach with hands and arms, and use leg/foot to reach or handle controls. Regularly exert physical effort. Finger and manual dexterity are regularly needed to drive non-power steering vehicles and to operate the door and dispense transfers. Frequently talk, walk, and use hands to handle or feel objects or controls. Regularly required to stoop, bend, and twist at the waist, occasionally lift up to 50 pounds, push or pull, and climb stairs. Possess visual acuity including distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Regularly be exposed to fumes, odors, and moderate noise. Have a high degree of memory and concentration.

Hours of Work: Variable shifts, 8 hours a day, 5 days of the week for 40 hours. Will include weekends. 

METRO is firmly committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity and will administer its candidate evaluation and hiring, personnel policies, and conduct employment practices in a manner that results in treatment based upon merit, experience, and other work-related criteria, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class.

On-Demand Driver - Full Time - No CDL Required

Sign on Bonus of $500 for new On Demand Drivers plus full benefits. 

Company Overview

Rock Region METRO (METRO) is the transit authority for the central Arkansas metropolitan area, and includes METRO Fixed-Route bus service, Links Paratransit service, the Little Rock and North Little Rock Streetcar service; plus, new innovative services such as the On Demand and Micro-transit service.  As METRO grows, we are implementing new innovative and cost-effective services that better connect our passengers with other METRO services.  

Job Summary

The On Demand Driver will be responsible to operate a sedan or Wheelchair Accessible Van (WAV) to pick up and discharge passengers at designated stops or as directed by METRO Dispatch.  In the course of the On Demand Drivers daily activities, they will perform visual vehicle inspections and report any mechanical problems or defects.  When driving a WAV, the Driver will be required to operate wheelchair ramps and secure passengers' wheelchairs to restraining devices for stabilization during the trip.  In addition, the On Demand Driver must demonstrate the ability to collect fares and transfers, issue transfers, and inspect passes for validity.  Further, the Driver will be responsible to provide information to passengers regarding METRO's transit system, and operate 2-Way radios, Mobile Data Terminals (MDT's) or other electronic communication devices to communicate with Dispatch and management to report accidents, emergencies, schedule delays, equipment failure and/or unusual circumstances. 

Essential Functions

• Perform visual vehicle inspections and report any mechanical problems or defects
• Pick up and discharge passengers as directed.
• Collect fares and transfers, issue transfers, and inspect passes for validity.
• Operate 2-Way radios to communicate with Dispatch and management
• Complete written reports on accidents or other unusual incidents in an accurate and timely manner.
• Perform other customer service activities as necessary.
• Operate MDT's or electronic communication devices.
• Provide passengers with general information of routes and schedules..

Physical and Mental Requirements

This position requires the working of non-traditional hours, split-shifts on various days of the week, including weekends and holidays.  Work is primarily performed in and around vehicles, and will require work out-of-doors particularly while assisting passengers with wheelchairs of other special needs.  The successful On Demand Driver must regularly hear, sit, reach with hands and arms, and use leg/feet to reach or handle vehicle controls.  Regularly exert physical effort, and routinely display manual dexterity.  This person sill frequently talk, walk, and use hands to grasp or feel objects or controls.  Further, they will regularly be required to stoop, bend, and twist at the waist, lift up to 50 pounds, push or pull, and climb stairs.  Possess visual acuity including distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.  Regularly be exposed to fumes, odors, and moderate noise.  Have a high degree of memory and concentration.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of traffic laws, ordinances, rules and driving courtesies involved in transit operations, principles and practices of good customer service, safe driving practices.
• Ability to:
• learn METRO's policies and procedures,
• read write and make basic math calculations,
• work varied hours to cover scheduled operations,
• exercise good judgment and problem-solving skills,
• understand and follow oral and written instructions spoken or written in English,
• operate vehicle safely and efficiently,
• provide on-time and dependable service to the public,
• learn about METRO's services,
• maintain a friendly and courteous demeanor when interacting with the public, passengers, and fellow employees through tactful, patient, and courteous interactions,
• keep accurate recorded logs of trip information when required.

.Benefits and Perks

• Hourly full-time rate starting at $12.00 / hour
• No requirement for Commercial Drivers License (CDL)
• No DOT physical required
• No requirement for Passenger (P) Endorsement
• Sponsored Benefits provided including medical, dental, disability, and 457(b) retirement plan.

Minimum Qualifications: 2 years of driving experience

• Graduation from high school or equivalent
• Three years of experience as a driver
• One year working with the general public
• Must have a good driving record as defined by METRO
• Must possess at minimum a valid Class D Driver's License issued by the Arkansas Department of Motor Vehicles
• Must pass post-offer, pre-employment background investigations and a drug screen

METRO has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included.  It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position as described.  It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities.  Additional function and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate.  This document does not represent a contract of employment and METRO reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as METRO may deem appropriate.

Rock Region METRO is an equal opportunity employer, and is firmly committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity, and will administer its personnel policies and conduct its employment practices in a manner that results in treatment based upon merit, experience and other work related criteria, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class.

Starting Pay at $12.00 / Hour

Sign-on Bonus of $500 for new On-Demand drivers. 

Company Overview

Rock Region METRO (METRO) is the transit authority for the central Arkansas metropolitan area, and includes METRO Fixed-Route bus service, Links Paratransit service, the Little Rock and North Little Rock Streetcar service; plus, new innovative services such as the On-Demand and Micro-transit service.  As METRO grows, we are implementing new innovative and cost-effective services that better connect our passengers with other METRO services.  

.Benefits and Perks

• Hourly part-time rate starting at $12.00 / hour
• No requirement for Commercial Drivers License (CDL)
• No requirement for Passenger (P) Endorsement
• Benefits not provided with this Part-Time Driver position

Job Summary

The On Demand Driver will be responsible to operate a sedan or Wheelchair Accessible Van (WAV) to pick up and discharge passengers at designated stops or as directed by METRO Dispatch.  In the course of the On Demand Drivers daily activities, they will perform visual vehicle inspections and report any mechanical problems or defects.  When driving a WAV, the Driver will be required to operate wheelchair ramps and secure passengers' wheelchairs to restraining devices for stabilization during the trip.  In addition, the On Demand Driver must demonstrate the ability to collect fares and transfers, issue transfers, and inspect passes for validity.  Further, the Driver will be responsible to provide information to passengers regarding METRO's transit system, and operate 2-Way radios, Mobile Data Terminals (MDT's) or other electronic communication devices to communicate with Dispatch and management to report accidents, emergencies, schedule delays, equipment failure and/or unusual circumstances. 

Essential Functions

• Perform visual vehicle inspections and report any mechanical problems or defects
• Pick up and discharge passengers as directed.
• Collect fares and transfers, issue transfers, and inspect passes for validity.
• Operate 2-Way radios to communicate with Dispatch and management
• Complete written reports on accidents or other unusual incidents in an accurate and timely manner.
• Perform other customer service activities as necessary.
• Operate MDT's or electronic communication devices.
• Provide passengers with general information of routes and schedules..

Physical and Mental Requirements

This position requires the working of non-traditional hours, split-shifts on various days of the week, including weekends and holidays.  Work is primarily performed in and around vehicles, and will require work out-of-doors particularly while assisting passengers with wheelchairs of other special needs.  The successful On Demand Driver must regularly hear, sit, reach with hands and arms, and use leg/feet to reach or handle vehicle controls.  Regularly exert physical effort, and routinely display manual dexterity.  This person sill frequently talk, walk, and use hands to grasp or feel objects or controls.  Further, they will regularly be required to stoop, bend, and twist at the waist, lift up to 50 pounds, push or pull, and climb stairs.  Possess visual acuity including distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.  Regularly be exposed to fumes, odors, and moderate noise.  Have a high degree of memory and concentration.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of traffic laws, ordinances, rules and driving courtesies involved in transit operations, principles and practices of good customer service, safe driving practices.
• Ability to:
• learn METRO's policies and procedures,
• read write and make basic math calculations,
• work varied hours to cover scheduled operations,
• exercise good judgment and problem-solving skills,
• understand and follow oral and written instructions spoken or written in English,
• operate vehicle safely and efficiently,
• provide on-time and dependable service to the public,
• learn about METRO's services,
• maintain a friendly and courteous demeanor when interacting with the public, passengers, and fellow employees through tactful, patient, and courteous interactions,
• keep accurate recorded logs of trip information when required.

Minimum Qualifications: 2 years of driving experience

• Graduation from high school or equivalent
• Three years of experience as a driver
• One year working with the general public
• Must have a good driving record as defined by METRO
• Must possess at minimum a valid Class D Driver's License issued by the Arkansas Department of Motor Vehicles
• Must pass post-offer, pre-employment background investigations and drug screen

METRO has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included.  It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position as described.  It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities.  Additional function and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate.  This document does not represent a contract of employment and METRO reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as METRO may deem appropriate.

Rock Region METRO is an equal opportunity employer, and is firmly committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity, and will administer its personnel policies and conduct its employment practices in a manner that results in treatment based upon merit, experience and other work related criteria, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class.

NOTICE: Due to COVID-19, applicants are asked to apply online.

Full-Time Fixed-Route Bus Operator

Full package of benefits; health, dental, vision, life, deferred compensation, paid vacation, paid sick, and paid holidays. Starting pay $16.84 per hour, thereafter, the rates are in accordance with a union contract.

Sign-on bonus of $1000 for new fixed-route bus operators. 

POSITION SUMMARY
Qualified applicants will be trained and certified to provide safe, reliable, convenient, and cost effective transit service to Rock Region METRO’s (METRO) valued passengers in central Arkansas.  Although all Bus Operators must have a valid Arkansas Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), a Medical Examiner’s Health Certificate, and a Passenger (P) endorsement, candidates will be considered who will require assistance with their credentialing. 

Once licensed and certified, Full-Time Operators will receive rigorous training in the safe and timely operation of Fixed-Route buses.  In the course of daily operations, this person will be responsible to drive in a safe, courteous, and timely manner while providing customer service in the form of passenger communications including route schedules and times, fare rates and process, and transfer instructions.  They may also assist passengers with special needs, including passengers with disabilities. 

Essential Functions Statements

• Operate a city bus
• Requires sitting for long periods while operating bus.
• Must meet schedule demands of the particular route
• Must assist passengers in wheelchairs by securing wheelchair while on the bus.
• Provide passengers with general information of routes and schedules.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

• Accountability  - Ability to accept responsibility and account for his/her actions.
• Accuracy- Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly.
• Active Listening - Ability to actively attend to, convey, and understand the comments and questions of others.
• Communication, Oral- Ability to communicate effectively with others using the spoken word.
• Conflict Resolution -Ability to deal with others in an antagonistic situation.
• Customer Oriented- Ability to take care of the customers' needs while following company procedures.
• Diversity Oriented - Ability to work effectively with people regardless of their age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or job type.
• Empathetic- Ability to appreciate and be sensitive to the feelings of others.
• Friendly - Ability to exhibit a cheerful demeanor toward others.
• Honesty I Integrity - Ability to be truthful and be seen as credible in the workplace.
• Interpersonal - Ability to get along well with a variety of personalities and individuals.
• Patience - Ability to act calmly under stress and strain, and of not being hasty or impetuous.
• Reliability- The trait of being dependable and trustworthy.
• Working Under Pressure - Ability to complete assigned tasks under stressful situations.
• Time Management - Ability to utilize the available time to organize and complete work within given deadlines.
• Tactful - Ability to show consideration for and maintain good relations with others.
• Responsible -Ability to be held accountable or answerable for one's conduct.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Education: High School Graduate or General Education Degree (GED)
• Experience: Prefer one year of CDL passenger driving experience.
• Certification: Either in possession of a Class "B" CDL and a Passenger (P) endorsement, or, willing and able to work towards such license, certification, and endorsement. 
• Able to and willing to provide safe, reliable, convient, and cost effective customer service. 

Job Demands:
Physical and Mental Requirements:
This position requires working non-traditional and/or odd hours, split-shifts on various days of the week, including holidays. Work is primarily performed out of doors and on-board transit vehicles. While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent must: Regularly hear, sit, reach with hands and arms, and use leg/foot to reach or handle controls. Regularly exert physical effort. Finger and manual dexterity are regularly needed to drive non-power steering vehicles and to operate door and dispense transfers. Frequently talk, walk, and use hands to handle or feel objects or controls. Regularly required to stoop, bend, and twist at the waist, occasionally lift up to 50 pounds, push or pull, and climb stairs. Possess visual acuity including distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Regularly be exposed to fumes, odors, and moderate noise. Have a high degree of memory and concentration. Must be able to work overtime as specified in the CBA.

METRO is firmly committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity and will administer its candidate evaluation and hiring, personnel policies, and conduct employment practices in a manner that results in treatment based upon merit, experience and other work related criteria, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class.

Part-Time Fixed-Route Bus Operator

**Sign on bonus of $1,000 for new fixed route operators. 

POSITION SUMMARY
Qualified applicants will be trained and certified to provide safe, reliable, convenient, and cost-effective transit service to Rock Region METRO’s (METRO) valued passengers in central Arkansas.  Although all Bus Operators must have a valid Arkansas Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), a Medical Examiner’s Health Certificate, and a Passenger (P) endorsement, candidates will be considered who will require assistance with their credentialing.  This Part-Time position will be scheduled to work on routes requiring from twenty (20) to twenty-five (25) hours per week.

Once licensed and certified, Part-Time Operators will receive rigorous training in the safe and timely operation of Fixed-Route buses.  In the course of daily operations, this person will be responsible to drive in a safe, courteous, and timely manner while providing customer service in the form of passenger communications including route schedules and times, fare rates, and process and transfer instructions.  They may also assist passengers with special needs, including passengers with disabilities. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Operate a Fixed Route Bus in a safe and courteous manner
• The position requires operators to sit for long periods of time
• Operators are responsible to meet route schedules
• May be required to assist passengers in wheelchairs
• Provide passengers with general information of routes and schedules

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

• Accountability – Must accept responsibility and accountability for actions and behaviors
• Accuracy - Ability to perform the functions of the job according to policy, law, and schedule
• Active Listening - Ability to listen, ask related questions, and understand questions and comments from passengers and stakeholders
• Conflict Resolution - Ability to deal with others in a hostile or confrontational situation
• Customer Oriented- Ability to take care of the customers' needs while following METRO policies and procedures
• Diversity Oriented - Ability to work effectively with people regardless of their age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or job type
• Empathetic- Ability to appreciate and be sensitive to the feelings of others
• Friendly - Ability to exhibit a positive and cheerful demeanor toward others
• Honesty and Integrity - Ability to be truthful credible in the workplace
• Interpersonal - Ability to get along well with a variety of personalities and individuals
• Maturity - Ability to perform in a calm and mature manner, even during stressful situations
• Reliability- Ability, and willingness to be at work and on-time every day
• Working Under Pressure - Ability to complete assigned tasks under stressful situations
• Time Management - Ability to utilize the available time to organize and complete work within published schedules
• Courteous - Ability to show consideration, respect, and kindness during encounters with others

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Education: High School Graduate or General Education Degree (GED)
• Experience:  Prefer one year of CDL passenger driving experience
• Certification:  Either in possession of a Class "B" CDL and Passenger (P) endorsement or, willing and able to work towards such license, certification, and endorsement
• Able and willing to provide safe, reliable, convenient, and cost-effective customer service

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

This position requires working non-traditional and/or odd hours, split-shifts on various days of the week, including holidays. Work is primarily performed on-board transit vehicles. The Operator must be able to pass the Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam to demonstrate their physical fitness to perform the essential functions of the Bus Operator.  Regular physical exertion is required.  Finger and manual dexterity are regularly needed to drive non-power steering vehicles and to operate door and dispense transfers. The Operator must frequently talk, walk, and use hands to handle or feel objects or controls. They will also be regularly required to stoop, bend, and twist at the waist.  They may be required to lift up to 50 pounds, push or pull, and climb stairs. Also, Operators must visual acuity including distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Operators will regularly be exposed to fumes, odors, and moderate noise. They must have a high degree of memory and concentration. 

For the Part-time Fixed Route Operator position, there will be a starting pay rate of $16.84 per hour.  No overtime premium pay will be associated with this Part-Time position, however, Part-Time Operators may choose to seek a transfer to regular Full-Time positions.  While in a Part-Time position, working less than thirty (30) hours on average per week, no health or welfare benefits will be available.  However, based upon each Part-Time Operator's specific schedule, there may be an opportunity for periodic paid holidays.

METRO has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and the Authority reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the Authority may deem appropriate.

METRO is firmly committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity and will administer its candidate evaluation and hiring, personnel policies, and conduct employment practices in a manner that results in treatment based on merit, experience, and other work-related criteria, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class.