Transit Operator

Overview

This role involves operating passenger buses or streetcars along designated or demand-responsive routes to safely transport passengers to their destinations in a courteous and timely fashion.

Minimum Qualifications and Requirements

Candidates must have completed at least the tenth grade and have two years experience driving medium commercial vehicles, passenger buses, or streetcars, or have completed a city-approved transit operator training program. Applicants must be 21 years old at the time of application, pass a background check, and successfully complete physical exams as mandated by federal regulations. A valid Texas Class "B" Commercial Driver's License with passenger endorsement or equivalent is required at application. Streetcar operators must obtain rail certification within 60 days of hire. Safety-sensitive positions require compliance with drug and alcohol testing under federal guidelines.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate passenger coaches or streetcars safely along assigned routes during shifts.
• Conduct pre-trip safety and maintenance inspections of vehicles and notify of any issues.
• Manage fare collection, issue transfers, and complete necessary documentation such as passenger or transfer counts.
• Assist passengers physically boarding and exiting, including securing mobility devices like wheelchairs or scooters.
• Load and unload baggage for airport shuttle routes as needed.
• Operate streetcars within maintenance yards and along mainline tracks per schedules.
• Provide customer service, handle passenger inquiries, and manage unruly behavior appropriately.
• Report accidents, mechanical problems, hazards, or injuries according to protocol.
• Maintain vehicle cleanliness and adhere to all safety procedures at all times.
• Monitor and report unsafe working conditions related to tracks or vehicle operations.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong understanding of transit coach and streetcar operations and related safety rules.
• Familiarity with local geography and organizational policies including accessibility standards.
• Excellent customer service and public relations skills.
• Ability to perform basic arithmetic and follow written and verbal directions.
• Sensitivity to the transportation needs of passengers with disabilities.
• Effective communication and professional interaction with the public, supervisors, and coworkers.
• Strict adherence to safety practices for operator and passenger protection.

Work Conditions and Additional Information

• Flexibility to work weekends, holidays, and mandatory overtime as needed.
• Exposure to severe weather conditions and occasional risk of infectious disease.
• Capability to lift heavy baggage over 50 pounds and assist passengers physically with boarding and securing equipment.
• Positions require eligibility for insurance and sometimes security clearance for airport duties.

Employee Benefits

The City of El Paso offers comprehensive benefits including life and health insurance with optional dental, vision, and short-term disability. Employees can participate in Health Savings or Flexible Spending Accounts. An Employee Assistance Program provides mental health support. Wellness programs promote healthy living through education, screenings, fitness activities, and coaching. Tuition assistance is available for further education and professional development after probation completion.

Leave and Holidays

Part-time employees working at least 20 hours per week accrue vacation leave prorated based on hours worked and length of service. Sick leave accrual follows Civil Service Commission rules. Accident leave is provided as per ordinance. Pregnancy leave is treated as temporary disability with provisions for use of sick and annual leave and requires medical documentation.

Legal holidays include New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Holiday, Cesar Chavez Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, Christmas Day, employee birthdays, and any designated by the City Council or as shifted for weekends.