Bus Operator, Full Time

Connect Transit is celebrating 50 years of service as the primary public transit system for the Bloomington-Normal area this year, providing quality transportation to residents, allowing them to live spontaneously. Our mission is to provide safe, reliable transportation and access to opportunity to strengthen and enrich individual lives, our community, the economy, and the environment. All of our employees are vital in supporting this mission, read on to see how you can be part of it too!

Job Description:

As a Connect Transit Bus Operator you will provide exceptional customer service while transporting our customers to and from their destinations on preassigned routes, in a safe, professional, courteous, and timely manner. You will be providing this service while driving a bus, mini-bus, or van that we’ve fully trained you on so you’re confident in all aspects of operation of the vehicle, and the route you are driving.

Wages:

• First year: $47,340 at $22.76 an hour
• 10%+ increases yearly until third year

What We Offer:

• Paid on the job training at first year rate, including paying for your CDL permit and license.
• Medical insurance: Connect Transit will pay 90% of employee premium and 65% of dependent premiums.
• Dental, vision, life insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Paid birthday
• Retirement plans, employer contribution of 5%
• Tuition reimbursement available
• Uniform allowance
• Opportunities for advancement
• Free bus pass for employees and immediate family members
• A team atmosphere with Trainers, Supervisors, and coworkers who want to see you succeed in your job

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Safely drive your assigned Fixed Route bus or Mobility Route vehicle with prescheduled pick-up and drop-off locations for customers
• Assist customers of varying abilities with boarding and exiting the vehicle
• Maintain route schedule
• Provide excellent customer service for our customers under varying conditions
• Perform daily vehicle inspections, report malfunctions and/or irregularities as needed
• Use a two-way radio or other assigned communications device to communicate with Dispatchers or Maintenance
• Collect fares from customers
• Complete required yearly trainings (Diversity/Inclusion in the Workplace, Equal Opportunity, etc.)
• Other duties as assigned

Job Requirements:

• Minimum age of 21
• Valid Illinois Driver’s License
• High School diploma or GED
• Ability to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License with Air Brake and Passenger endorsements (we will train you and pay for license)
• Acceptable driving record (No serious traffic or license violations within the last five years)
• Pass background check
• Pass Department of Transportation Physical and pre-employment drug test, and willingness to comply with federal drug and alcohol testing requirements
• Ability to work independently, yet take verbal and written direction
• Ability to work when needed, including nights, weekends, early mornings, and split shifts
• Ability to interact with customers of varying abilities in a friendly, patient manner
• Ability to crouch, kneel, and bend to complete vehicle inspections and assist customers
• Ability to assist passengers in mobility devices and their mobility devices board or exit the vehicle using a ramp (push/pull heavy weight)

* Connect Transit provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

*EEO/Minorities/Females/Vet/Disability.