Part-time Paratransit Driver

Are you looking to make a difference in the lives of people in the Duluth-Superior area? Are you a safe driver and dedicated to providing outstanding customer service? The Duluth Transit Authority is hiring a part-time driver for our paratransit department-STRIDE (Special Transit RIDE). STRIDE is dial-a-ride transportation service for qualified individuals with disabilities in the Twin Ports. It operates in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The pay rate is $27.00/hour and increases to $28.00 per hour on 1/1/27. This is a part-time position that does not offer health insurance benefits, and you can work up to 30 hours per week (preferred). Must be available to work a minimum of 20 hours per week and work 1-2 evening shifts per week. This is a Teamsters Local 346 Union dues-paying position.

We operate the STRIDE service 7 days a week, and shifts can start as early as 4:45am and end as late as 1:00am. Our driver's schedules are based on passenger requests for rides and are not set schedules. Therefore, your total hours per week can vary. We have shifts that can be anywhere from 8 to 10 hours long, once you are trained. You could work three 8-hour shifts, or two or three 10-hour shifts. Our work week starts on Sunday and ends on Saturday. The one-week schedule is posted Friday evening by 5pm for the following week (Sunday through Saturday). You would be scheduled to work 2-3 days and have 4-5 days off each week.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Operates DTA paratransit (STRIDE) buses in a manner that exemplifies standard company defensive driving principles and practices, is safety conscious and follows all company safety policies and procedures. Operates the bus in a manner that gives customers a smooth and comfortable ride. Adheres to all traffic regulations. Adjusts personal driving habits to accommodate changing conditions, (i.e., weather conditions, detours, route changes, etc.).
• Performs pre-trip safety and preventative maintenance inspection and reports the condition of the bus. Performs periodic inspections of the bus while in service and reports any noted defects and/or damage. Completes the bus defect card in a complete, concise, understandable and legible manner. Monitors the mechanical performance of the bus and reports problems in a timely manner. Has a complete working knowledge of the operational characteristics of all models of paratransit (STRIDE) buses operated by DTA.
• Provides customers with reliable and professional service. Maintains a comfortable environment on the bus.
• Has a complete understanding of the DTA paratransit (STRIDE) fare structure and collects all applicable fares. Inspects all ride tickets presented for currency and proper use. Notifies dispatcher of problems regarding fare collections.
• Keeps dispatcher informed of all operational changes including, but not limited to, delays, mechanical problems, accidents, traffic congestion, passenger problems and other operational items.
• Completes in a timely, correct and legible manner all required reporting forms to include day cards, survey forms, defect cards, accident and incident reports, and other forms that may be required.
• Follows all procedures as identified in the Paratransit Bus Operator Manual, Station Rules, Union Contract and memoranda.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must have a valid Class D Drivers License in good standing.
• Must be at least 21 years of age or older.
• Must have the ability to safely and efficiently operate and maneuver DTA paratransit (STRIDE) buses in an urban environment under all types of traffic and weather conditions.
• Must have the ability to read and interpret maps.
• Must have excellent verbal communications skills. Must be able to verbally communicate service information in a clear, concise and understandable manner. Must have the ability to effectively deal with customers of diverse ages, services, needs and expectations.
• Must have a basic understanding of mechanical functions of the buses and the ability to identify mechanical malfunctions.
• Must successfully complete the DTA New Paratransit Bus Operator Training Program. (This is a paid training program)
• Must pass a pre-employment DOT drug screen and pass random drug and alcohol screenings.
• Must pass a pre-employment DOT physical.
• Must pass a motor vehicle check, which no more than one moving violation in the past 12 months.
• Must be able to work at least one evening per week until midnight or 12:30 am.
• Must be able to work occasional weekends.
• Must be able to work at least 20 hours per week.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• This is a physically demanding job at times, and you must be able to get up and down frequently, bend over and both push and pull wheelchairs up and down ramps.
• Must be able to stand intermittently, sit in a confined space for an extended period of time, walk intermittently, push and pull up to 250 lbs., bend, kneel, stoop, extend arms to reach bus controls and equipment, twist and turn waist, shoulders and neck, climb stairs and move both legs to reach brake and accelerator pedals and turn signal controls.
• The physical requirement listed in this section include, but are not necessarily limited to, the motor/physical abilities and skills required of this position in order to successfully undertake the essential duties and responsibilities of this position. In accordance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodation may be made to empower individuals with disabilities to undertake the essential duties and responsibilities of the position.

Benefits:

• High part-time wage
• Access to MN Deferred Compensation Plan
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Life insurance
• Paid training
• Referral program
• Uniform shirts provided

DTA is An Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace