Transit Operator

Who We Are:

The Salem Area Mass Transit District, known as Cherriots, is a great public transit system. We work hard every day to give our customers the best experience possible. We provide local, regional, and paratransit services in Marion and Polk counties. But we do more than just transportation. We help people get to jobs, shopping, and schools. We help businesses find more workers. We ensure that people can enjoy recreational, social, faith-based, and other activities without needing a car.

About the Role:

Under the general supervision of Operations Supervisors, operates buses to provide fixed route transit service to riders.

How You Will Make an Impact:

• Perform pre-trip inspections of buses and make necessary adjustments or corrections before moving buses.
• Operate buses following designated routes and schedules, the District established safety standards, and traffic laws of the State of Oregon.
• Collect and process fares and issue day passes.
• Provide riders and the general public with information regarding the District’s transit system courteously and professionally.
• Assist with boarding and disembarking for riders with disabilities and others who need assistance.
• Communicate immediately by bus radio all emergency conditions, accidents, or unusual incidents in an accurate manner.
• Assume control of the scene of a security incident or accident until the arrival of emergency personnel and/or Operations Supervisor.
• Complete required reports and forms accurately, thoroughly, and promptly
• Act as a positive representative of the District.
• Interact with the general public using courtesy, tact, and good judgment.
• Work cooperatively with others, be respectful of co-workers, and promote teamwork.
• Report to work on time and on a regular and predictable basis.

What You Will Need to Be Successful in This Role:

• Working knowledge of customer service techniques.
• Ability to communicate both orally and in writing, with other employees and the general public at the level necessary to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position.
• Ability to safely operate any assigned transit bus or other assigned vehicle on a designated route while maintaining an accurate time schedule.

Special Requirements:

• Ability to meet the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations physical qualifications for commercial drivers.
• Ability to obtain a valid Oregon Class B driver’s permit along with passenger and air brake endorsements before the date of hire and obtain a valid Oregon Class B commercial driver’s license within three (3) weeks after the hire date.
• All licensing fees and passing required licensing and endorsement examinations are the total responsibility of the applicant.
• A person who has a commercial driver’s license issued by another state must obtain an Oregon Class B commercial driver’s license within 30 days of being domiciled in Oregon or within three (3) weeks after the date of hire, whichever comes first.
• Driving record that demonstrates adherence to safety in the operation of motor vehicles and adherence to traffic laws and regulations.
• Must have no criminal conviction which may, in the sole judgment of the District, constitute a threat to property or the safety of others.
• Must successfully pass a drug screen.
• Ability to work varying work schedules. The District operates service seven days a week from early morning to late evening. Work schedules are bid quarterly on the basis of seniority.

Required Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or GED.
• One year of successful experience working with the general public.

OR

• Any satisfactory equivalent combination of related experience and training that provides the required knowledge, abilities, skills, and other special requirements listed above.

Working Conditions:

• Some exposure to inclement weather conditions.
• Subject to varying shift schedules.
• There is also extensive interaction with the general public and large groups.

Employee Benefits at Cherriots

• Medical, Vision, Prescription, and Dental Insurance premiums paid in full for employees and their family
• HRA VEBA
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Holidays
• Vacation Leave
• Sick Leave
• Universal Bus Pass
• Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Family Bus Pass
• Employee Retirement Plans
• Voluntary Supplemental Life Insurance
• Deferred Compensation Plan

Equal Opportunity Employer

As an equal opportunity employer, we strive to have a workforce that reflects the community we serve. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees who need them because of a disability or practice or in observance of their religion, absent undue hardship.