CLASS SPECIFICATION

BUS OPERATOR INSTRUCTOR

DEFINITION OF CLASS:
This work involves instructing and training bus operators in the proper operation of public transit buses to be of service to and transport passengers, proper use of new and updated equipment, conduct remedial training when required and provides train the trainer instruction when needed for ancillary training. Employee contacts are with other employees in the same organizational unit, the purpose of which is to pass on and receive work related information. The work does not require professional knowledge in the field of education or a mastery of a trade or craft. Employees in this class are concerned with administering a training and development program to train new bus operators in driving skills and safe, professional bus operation and maintaining skill and knowledge levels.
An employee in this class must have a practical knowledge of the methods, equipment and techniques of instruction and an expert, detailed knowledge of the subject being taught (Bus Operations). The work covers the direct delivery of instructions or training services including classroom instruction, curriculum and course development, test development and other similar staff work; tracks operator skills, trains deficient drivers, and prepare drivers to pass the commercial drivers license test. Employees in this class must be able to operate all of the various types of public transit buses operated by the County. Of particular importance is instructing operators on necessary customer service skills and techniques which bus operators are expected to extend to all passengers. The complexity of this class of work is characterized by employees having to teach others through on-the-job training how to safely perform several tasks, some simultaneously - i.e., safely operate a transit vehicle at different speeds under varying traffic conditions and meet arrival and departure time requirements; assist passengers onto and off the transit vehicle; transition from one route to another, fare box rates, and transfer protocols; operation of vehicle wheel chair lifts and related equipment; and answering passenger questions about destinations, transfers, other public and privately operated transit systems, etc. Training typically includes demonstration of proper techniques and methods of the work and evaluation of the trainees' progress under a formal training program designed to update, extend, or improve driver skills. Physical demands include work performed both indoors and outdoors while training bus operators. Employees are subject to exposure to extreme heat and cold and other seasonal conditions. This class of work presents considerable risks due to working around buses providing instructions to trainees which increase the possibility of accidental injury.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: (Illustrative Only)
Supervises and evaluates trainees' progress in the training program. Makes recommendations to continue trainees in program or removes trainees from the program who fail to operate transit vehicles in a safe manner or fail to achieve satisfactory progress in the training program.
Evaluates and determines corrective action for operators with documented service problems.
Counsels and recommends disciplinary action for trainees and bus operators when required to ensure a safe and productive work environment.
Provides employee performance evaluation recommendations for trainees and bus operators.
Resolves bus operator trainee personnel matters such as discipline related to operational policies and procedures, attendance, resignation and/or termination.
Trains new bus operators on driving skills and techniques while instructing them on rules, regulations, policies and procedures applicable to the position. Provides retraining for experience and deficient operators.
Develops training curriculum for classroom instruction and on-the-job training for bus operators. Specifically teaches the following: how to safely operate a transit vehicle to pick up, transport, and discharge passengers while adhering to transit vehicle route schedule and Federal and State motor vehicle laws; techniques for providing customer service and courteous interaction with passengers by responding to inquiries about schedules, routes, fares, connections to other routes and services, ridership promotions, and transit service policies; proper operation of vehicle doors, wheelchair lifts and securing mechanisms, and related equipment to allow passengers to enter and leave bus safely; how to use equipment to maintain communication by radio or text messaging with supervisory employees to report transit vehicle breakdowns, accidents, interruptions in service, or other information vital to maintaining efficient transit operations; how to inspect the general condition and status of the vehicle before and after the daily run; and, report unsafe vehicle conditions or damage.
May be required to provide bus transportation services to residents who have been directed to evacuate areas of the County;
Provides transportation for first responders in certain events which may include natural disasters, man made disasters, or acts of terrorism.
Performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience: Two years experience as a transit Bus Operator with a Maryland State Class "B" Commercial Driver's License or its equivalent with both air brake and passenger endorsements and a current safe driving record as determined by the Department/Agency to which the position is assigned and one year of experience in a training environment.
Education: Completion of high school or High School Certificate of completion recognized in the State of Maryland.
Equivalency: None.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of public sector bus operations.
Knowledge of County, State and Federal regulations and procedures.
Ability to develop curriculum and deliver training information to bus operators, including developing knowledge measurement assessments such as test and evaluation tools. Skill in operating a transit bus.
Skill in oral communication to teach bus operators in a classroom or on-the-job training setting.
Ability to operate both full-size and smaller size transit vehicles (i.e. 29-40 feet in length), which requires, but is not limited to, the physical ability to twist and turn upper body, reach, bend, move hands and arms to operate hand controls, and move feet and legs to operate foot controls.
Other:
Applicants must be 21 years of age as of first day of employment in this position with Montgomery County Government.

LICENSE:
Class "B" Commercial Driver's License with passenger endorsement and air brakes, and a valid DOT card issued by applicant's state of residence

PROBATIONARY PERIOD:
The probationary period must be twelve (12) months for a full-time or part-time employee appointed to a merit system position and six (6) months for a promoted employee, during which time performance will be carefully evaluated. Continuation in this class will be contingent upon successful completion of the probationary period.

MEDICAL PROTOCOL: Core Exam with Drug/Alcohol Screen

Class Established: December 2007
Revised: September 2011
December 2011