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Job Description
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF WORK
Responsible for safe, courteous, and efficient operation of Paratransit vehicles in the transport of customers, exercising sound judgement with respect to emergencies that may arise. Performs skilled work of a routine nature in the operation of various types of motor vehicles and sophisticated equipment. Receives assignments in specific written and/or oral instructions.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Responsible for operating a vehicle equipped with lift mechanism and communication equipment in a safe, efficient manner. Inspects vehicle and equipment before, during, and after operation. Reports all defects and completes all sections on appropriate forms. Receives assignments verbally from Supervisors, in written form, or by Mobile Data Terminal (MDT). Accurately records all stops made and any changes from the scheduled passenger count (no-shows, add-ons, etc.). Responsible for picking up and dropping off passengers on time and in a safe manner. Responsible for assisting passengers in a pleasant and courteous manner. Responsible for safely loading, securing, transporting, and unloading all passengers. Responsible for greeting passengers and collecting appropriate fares. Assists passengers in wheelchairs, mobility devices, etc., whenever possible and provides door-to-door service for approved passengers and approved mobility assistance within the limits of established policy. Responsible for documenting and reporting accidents or community service incidents (such as malfunctioning traffic signals, detours, dead animals, etc.) to the Dispatcher on duty. Operators should also notify the Dispatcher of any problems, such as traffic jams, which may interfere with VIA service. Responsible for the evacuation of passengers in an emergency. Responsible for complying with the "Memorandum of Working Conditions for Hourly-Paid Employees," "Employee Manual," and "Operator's Rules and Procedures Manual." Responsible for accurately preparing various written forms such as logs, accident/incident van cards, etc. Fills out accident/incident reports in a clean, concise manner. Performs other related work as required. This job description excludes marginal functions that are incidental to performing the job. Other duties may exist.
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
High School education or GED preferred. Must have a minimum of three (3) years' operating a motor vehicle and two (2) years of public contact or customer service experience.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Must have a valid Texas Driver's License prior to hire date and a good driving record. Must be customer service-oriented and sensitive to the needs of passengers with disabilities. Must have the ability to read and interpret information from various electronic devices, on-board equipment, and/or computer systems. Must be able to complete forms and reports electronically. Must have good knowledge of the basic layout of San Antonio and Bexar County and be able to read maps and follow route directions. Must be conscientious, capable, honest, and efficient. Must have the ability to safely operate large lift-equipped vehicles. Must be able to speak clearly and effectively communicate verbally, both in-person and by VIA communication equipment. Must be knowledgeable of traffic laws, ordinances, and regulations involved in vehicle operation. Must have sufficient mathematical skills to perform basic calculations. Must be able to calmly and efficiently respond to a tense situation such as an emergency. Must be at least 21 years of age. Must comply with VIA's Drug and Alcohol policy. Must be able to read and write in English. Bilingual skills are a plus. Must have the ability to read and understand semi-complex materials such as maps, logs, instruction manuals, and Mobile Data Terminal. Must be able to comply with strict attendance requirements and maintain reliable attendance. Must be able to safely transport and deliver passengers to designated destinations, including authorized entry and operation within military installations and other secured federal facilities, in compliance with all applicable access, identification, security, and operational requirements.
Safety Accountability Statement:
Employees must consider safety in all tasks performed, as well as demonstrate safe judgment and decisions that not only maintain their own safety; but that of fellow employees and customers. Demonstrate a professional commitment to assure compliance with all organizational policies, practices, and programs related to safety, health, and system security. Employees have a responsibility to identify and report hazards, as well as potentially unsafe conditions, to your immediate supervisor or Safety Department. Employees are responsible, a nd required , to stop a job/task to prevent an unsafe incident or act from occurring. This acknowledges the threat of potential injury, property damage and the opportunity for better judgment to be used. Must comply with and support all applicable VIA EEO Policies and Procedures.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Visual acuity (corrected) Pre-employment - must be 20/25 single eye, 20/20 both eyes; 70 degrees field of vision, red/yellow/green color vision. Standards apply to both day and night vision. Retention (Return to Work/Fitness for Duty/Military Leave) - must be 20/40 single eye, 20/40 both eyes; 70 degrees field of vision, red/yellow/green color vision as stated in 49 CFR 391.41. Must be able to sit for long periods at a time. Must have sufficient hearing to be aware of traffic, warning signals, passenger request, etc. Must be able to safely reach all controls and have good visibility in all directions while seated in driver's seat. Must have sufficient strength and dexterity to assist passengers in wheelchairs to board and alight, and to assist them in an emergency evacuation. Physical ability required to be mobile, bend, stoop, stand, reach, and frequently push and pull wheelchairs and passengers weighing in excess of 200 pounds on incline level up to 10 degrees, occasionally up to 400 pounds on level surface, and assist them when transferring between their wheelchairs and the seats in the van. Physical ability to twist, squat, kneel, climb stairs, walk, and sit. Requires simultaneous use of both arms and both feet, simple grasping and fine manipulation as well as hard grasping and medium dexterity, and forearm rotational movements.
WORK ENVIRONMENTS
Work involves long hours of sitting and standing. Operators must work alternately in and out of their vehicles in all types of weather conditions. Days off are subject to be canceled. Operating in heavy traffic conditions and attending to the special needs of passengers may create a stressful environment. Work requires exposure to noise, dust, and extremes in temperature/humidity. Occasionally subjected to unprotected heights and being around moving machinery. Work hours may involve early morning, late nights, weekends, holidays, and/or split shifts. VIA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, providing equal opportunity to all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, or disability.
