Bus Driver (Part-Time)

Description of Primary Purpose

Division: Transit

Primary Purpose: Operates a transit bus to provide passengers with safe, courteous, and efficient public transportation services on fixed and seasonal routes. Performs daily inspections, maintains records, and ensures compliance with all safety standards and regulations.

Supervision Received: Works under the direct supervision of the Transit Coordinator.

Starting Salary: $31.50 / hr

**Employment is contingent upon approval by PACE to operate transit vehicles

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate transit vehicles safely and professionally along designated routes. Employ defensive driving techniques, communicate with passengers, make public address announcements, answer transit related inquiries, and adapt to changing traffic or route conditions.
• Complete required reports and documentation including trip sheets, maintenance logs, accident reports, and safety checklists.
• Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections of the transit vehicle, including internal and external visual checks, and testing of safety equipment and controls. Turn in lost-and-found items at end of shift.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

Required Minimum Qualifications: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent. Strong oral and written communication skills are required.

Experience: One to three years of bus operation and transit system experience. Ability to interact with the public in a courteous and professional manner is essential.

Certification or License:

• Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), Class B
• Passenger endorsement and air brake qualification
• Five-year safe driving history certified by the Illinois Secretary of State or equivalent
• Must meet and maintain all U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination requirements, including drug and alcohol screening
• Employment is contingent upon approval by PACE to operate transit vehicles

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Proficiencies:

• Operate a transit bus safely using standard defensive driving techniques
• Follow route schedules while adapting to road hazards, detours, and delays
• Use mobile radios to coordinate passenger connections and receive dispatch instructions
• Complete required paperwork and reports accurately and timely
• Operate wheelchair lift and secure passengers according to protocol
• Maintain a clean and safe bus interior throughout shift
• Maintain professional demeanor and public service orientation under pressure

Supplemental Information

Work Environment: Work is performed in a fixed-route transit bus operating on City streets. The interior noise level is typical of a large vehicle in motion.

Public Works transit routes operate Monday through Saturday starting at 7:00 AM, continuing until approximately 7:30 PM. This part-time position is scheduled within those hours and is limited to approximately 30 hours per week, not to exceed 130 hours per month.

also assist with seasonal evening and weekend bus service for Ravinia Park Festival events from June through September.