Coach Operator

About the Department

Ben Franklin Transit has been providing transportation services to Benton and Franklin counties for over 30 years. Over these years our services have grown to ensure our community members have safe and reliable transportation services.

Employees at Ben Franklin Transit enjoy working in our spacious office environment and collaborating with their colleagues and superiors in person. Our company culture and values include customer service, collaboration, diversity, fiscal accountability, innovation, sustainability, and safety.  Employees and representatives of BFT are expected to uphold our values and mission. We also provide all employees the following:

NATURE OF POSITION
Operate fixed-route buses in the Benton and Franklin County service area, ensuring safe and timely transport of passengers. Display a professional attitude and provide effective customer relations.
 

Position Duties

• Drive vehicle over specified routes or to specified destinations to transport passengers adhering to established time schedules; comply with traffic regulations ensuring passenger safety.
• Provide courteous and respectful behavior to passengers; respond to questions regarding fares, schedules, routes, and transfer points.
• Pick up and drop off passengers at designated bus stops; collect fares, tickets, and transfers; validate passes.
• Conduct a thorough visual pre-and post-trip inspections on assigned bus and equipment following Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations; report malfunctions, damages, or equipment failures accordingly to management.
• Assist passengers, such as elderly or disabled individuals in boarding or departing bus; ensure they are properly seated; load/unload wheelchair/mobility device and secure appropriately.
• Troubleshoot enroute problems; notify dispatch regarding mechanical issues, potential safety concerns, traffic problems, road hazards, and accidents.
• Promote passenger safety and BFT's Code of Conduct; handle passenger conflicts and disruptive passengers; respond to medical emergencies; notify dispatch when assistance is needed.
• Implement Agency protocols in the event of vehicle or non-vehicle-involved accidents.
• Announce stops using public address system; keep passengers informed of delays.
• Complete paperwork including timesheets, day card, arrival and departure times, occurrence/incident reports, passenger counts, types of fares used, and log books.
• Perform special service assignments, bus bridges, fill services and acts as replacement driver; assist in training new drivers.
• Maintain cleanliness of vehicle.
• Work with and maintain confidential information.
• Demonstrate regular and punctual attendance.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Understand and implement safety standards and practices for operating transit buses and equipment.
• Understand and apply applicable traffic and transportation laws, codes, and regulations.
• Familiar with basic servicing and checking procedures for various engine and vehicle components to perform preventative maintenance and simple emergency repairs.
• Familiar with the geography, transit routes, and landmarks of Benton and Franklin counties; read schedules, paper and/or electronic maps; comprehend directions of travel.
• Operate a two-way radio and public-address systems.
• React quickly and calmly in an emergency and adopt an effective course of action within established guidelines.
• Effectively handle emergency situations and difficult customer interactions that occur while performing duties.
• Preform simple arithmetic.
• General methods of tactful public communication and customer service practices.
• Keep legible and accurate records.
• Learn new technologies, policies, procedures and guidelines established by professional organizations and/or governing agencies.
• Utilize office equipment and other relevant technology (software and systems) to meet business needs.
• Understand, follow, and communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Work as a team member and independently; effectively apply organizational and time management skills; meet deadlines and comply with Agency policies.
• Exercise sound judgment in making decisions.
• Focus on tasks and recall details; handle frequent interruptions.

Minimum Qualifications

 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
High School diploma or G.E.D. equivalent and be 21 years of age plus five years of driving experience. Must possess a valid Washington State driver license.
 
LICENSES, CERTIFICATES & OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Must obtain and maintain the following licenses and certifications for continued employment at BFT:

• Washington State Commercial Driver License (CDL) and corresponding medical certification and endorsements, or ability to obtain within 180-days of employment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Previous transit driving experience is encouraged, but not required.
 

Other Qualifications

• Collaboration:  Shares time and knowledge with others; adjusts priorities as circumstances dictate; follows through on commitments, accepts responsibility for actions, resolves interpersonal conflicts constructively.
• Diversity: Demonstrates an awareness and respect of cultural and individual values.  Treats all people with dignity, courtesy and respect.
• Fiscal Accountability: Actively contributes to the productivity of the agency; demonstrates good stewardship of company time and resources; displays high standards of ethical conduct.
• Customer Service:  Anticipates the needs of internal and external customers; delivers quality work products and services within expected timeframes. Considers and responds appropriately to people in various situations.
• Innovation: Considers new approaches to situations; encourages ideas and improvements.
• Sustainability: Actively encourages environmental benefits and the conservation of natural resources.
• Safety: Adheres to safety related laws, regulations, standards, and practices; performs work in a safe manner; encourages and supports others to be safe while at work.

Ben Franklin Transit is a municipal corporation of the State of Washington providing public transportation services to Benton and Franklin County residents which serves the cities of Kennewick, Pasco, Richland, West Richland, and Prosser. Ben Franklin Transit is committed to providing superior, customer-driven, innovative, and cost-effective transportation services to our customers.