Bus Driver

Description

Job Title: Bus Driver

Reports to: Director of Asset Management

Employee Status: Part-time Hourly – non-exempt

Job Summary:

Provides safe transportation to Sarasota Housing Authority’s participants. This may include transporting participants, shopping, art galleries, parks, field trips and various locations within the area.

This position also performs light maintenance on vehicle, fueling the vehicle, and documenting passenger logs.

Education/Certification Requirements:

High School Diploma, an acceptable equivalency diploma or willing to obtain GED. Possession of CDL is preferred but not required. Applicants must possess a valid Florida Driver’s License. Meet established personnel requirements.

Experience Requirements:

The person should have at least one year of experience operating a public transportation vehicle designed for multiple passengers.

Qualifications:

This position requires a valid Florida driver’s license as well as eligibility for coverage under Housing Authority fleet auto insurance, ability to pass a drug test, and must be a valid U.S. Citizen.

Must possess a valid Florida driver’s license, be able to safely operate a 14-passenger bus and be eligible for coverage under the Authority’s fleet automobile insurance. Must be able to safely lift and carry up to 50 pounds, read, write, and speak English, and successfully complete background check

Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of traffic laws, defensive driving techniques, passenger transportation safety procedures, and precautions necessary to prevent accidents.
• Ability to operate a bus safely and efficiently, follow assigned routes and schedules, and adjust to traffic, weather, road conditions, and service disruptions without compromising safety.
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions; complete vehicle inspections; recognize and report mechanical or safety concerns; and maintain accurate trip, mileage, and incident records.
• Ability to communicate clearly and respectfully with participants, Sarasota Housing Authority (SHA) staff, and the public; provide courteous service to passengers with diverse needs; and respond calmly to conflicts and emergencies.
• Ability to assist passengers with safe boarding and exiting; operate passenger lifts, ramps, and mobility-device securement equipment according to training and manufacturer instructions; and use emergency manual lift procedures when necessary.

Requirements

Duties/Responsibilities of Position:

• Transport participants safely to and from designated pick-up and drop-off locations along assigned routes and on authorized trips.
• Operate the bus in compliance with applicable traffic laws, SHA transportation procedures, and safe driving practices; follow assigned schedules without compromising safety.
• Assist participants with safe boarding and exiting, monitor passenger safety during travel, and ensure passengers and mobility devices are secured as required before moving the vehicle.
• Explain passenger safety rules and emergency procedures clearly and respectfully; address unsafe behavior and report concerns to the supervisor.
• Perform pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections, check for passengers and belongings after each trip, and keep the bus interior clean and free of hazards.
• Promptly report delays, route disruptions, accidents, injuries, and other incidents to the supervisor; follow emergency procedures and contact emergency services when needed.
• Maintain accurate trip, mileage, passenger, inspection, and incident records and submit required reports in a timely manner.
• Report vehicle defects and safety concerns promptly; do not operate a vehicle with a condition that makes it unsafe, and follow instructions for repair or replacement.
• Coordinate scheduled vehicle maintenance with designated SHA staff and monitor fuel and other operating needs to support safe, reliable service.
• Operate passenger lifts, ramps, and mobility-device securement equipment according to training and manufacturer instructions, including emergency manual lift procedures when necessary.
• Provide courteous, respectful service, protect participant privacy, and communicate transportation needs and service concerns to appropriate SHA staff.
• Perform other related duties as assigned that support safe transportation and participant service.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license and required driving credentials, remain eligible for SHA fleet insurance coverage, and promptly report changes affecting driving eligibility.
• Comply with required drug and alcohol testing, including random testing, and applicable fitness-for-duty and safety requirements.

Demands/Environment:

Work is somewhat sedentary but will also require regular travel to and around properties and pick up and drop off locations. Must be able to sit or stand for long periods. Person may be exposed to repetitive motion, vision strain, noise, verbal abuse and be subject to political unrest on a regular basis.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. It identifies the primary responsibilities and requirements of the position. Employees may not perform every duty listed and may be assigned other job-related duties and responsibilities consistent with operational needs.