Transit Driver - The Cowlitz Indian Tribe

POSITION TITLE: Transit Driver
DEPARTMENT: Transit
LOCATION: Longview, WA
REPORTS TO: Transit Operations Manager
FLSA STATUS: Nonexempt, fulltime
WAGE RANGE: $19.07 - $21.93 per hour

Closing Date: September 30, 2024

***If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered preference in hiring, please upload documentation with your resume and cover letter. Acceptable documentation includes Tribal Enrollment card, a letter from your Tribe stating your enrollment, or BIA 4432 and/or DD214.***

Position Summary:

Provides safe and timely transportation of Cowlitz tribal members and the general public within the Cowlitz Indian reservation, our service area of South Lewis County and Cowlitz County. Honors and represents the mission, vision, values of CIT and the Transit department.

***If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered preference in hiring, please upload documentation with your resume and cover letter. Acceptable documentation includes Tribal Enrollment card, a letter from your Tribe stating your enrollment, or BIA 4432 and/or DD214.***

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Ensures passenger safety; obeys all appropriate federal, state, local, and tribal laws and rules.
• Operates transit vehicle and equipment, including cellular communication and navigation equipment, handicap lift, and wheelchair and tie downs.
• Maintains daily trip logs.
• Performs daily inspection of transit vehicle, including gas, oil, and water, before departure.
• Performs basic vehicle maintenance; details and sanitizes interior of vehicle; washes and details exterior of vehicle.
• Assists passengers with baggage and boarding and exiting vehicle.
• Regulates heating, lighting, and ventilation for passenger comfort.
• Operates transit vehicles on specified routes and time schedules; ensures clients arrive on time to appointments.
• Responds to emergency situations including traffic accidents, medical emergencies of passengers, and community disaster evacuation plans.
• Provides transportation to and from Cowlitz tribal events.
• Ensures proper care in the use and maintenance of equipment and supplies.
• Provides excellent customer service to internal and external customers of the operations.
• Maintains and enhances professional skills and techniques through participation in educational workshops, classes, and trainings.
• Trains new drivers as requested.
• Maintains confidential information.
• Adheres to safety procedures and utilizes safety apparel as appropriate.
• Contributes to a team effort and accomplishes related results as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of traditional form of government and tribal customs and traditions.
• Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and rules pertaining to traffic safety.
• Knowledge of the Cowlitz Indian Reservation including all roads, highways, streets, and locations.
• Knowledge of CIT transportation procedures and policies.
• Skill in operating navigation equipment.
• Skill in treating internal and external customers with tact, courtesy, and respect.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to operate and maintain transit vehicle and equipment in all weather conditions safely and effectively.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to follow verbal or written instructions.
• Ability to remain calm in adverse situations.
• Ability to meet strict timelines.
• Ability to analyze situations and adopt appropriate courses of action.
• Ability to make solid decisions and exercise independent judgment.
• Ability to interact and maintain good working relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma/GED.
• Must be 18 years of age.
• 5 year Driving Abstract record required.
• Obtain and maintain Defensive Driving, PASS, Child Safety Securement, First Aid, CPR and AED certifications with three months of hire.
• Must possess a valid Washington State driver’s license appropriate for the type of vehicle to be operated. Minimum requirement: Valid C Driver’s license.
• Must be able to successfully pass a background screening / investigation according to the established requirements below.

Tribal preference in accordance with Cowlitz Indian Tribe Code and CIT Employee Policies and Procedures Handbook shall apply to all positions. All positions are required to adhere to CIT’s established safety policies regarding vaccine requirements and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Background Investigation Requirements:

• Pre-employment drug screen.
• Reference checks, education and employment verification.
• Federal, state, and/or tribal criminal history and sanction checks including fingerprint verification.
• Has not been found guilty of, charged with, received a deferred sentence, received a conditional discharge of, or entered a plea of not contest to, or entered a plea of guilty to any one felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence, sexual assault, molestation, exploitation or sexual contact; prostitution; or crimes committed against person(s) or children.
• Required to pass DOT physical examination.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently is required to sit for extended periods of time. The employee frequently is required to use hands and fingers, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee occasionally is required to walk, stand, stoop, bend, kneel, and climb. Normal visual acuity and ability to talk and hear is required by this job. The employee frequently will lift and/or carry objects up to 50 pounds.

Work Environment:

Work is generally performed in an interior setting and in an outdoor environment or vehicle. Exposure to dirt, dust, fumes, infectious disease, and potentially dangerous situations will occur. Situations will occur where protective clothing, equipment, devices, and materials are needed. Noise level is usually moderate to excessive. Evening and/or weekend work will be required. Work schedule can be flexible.

***If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered preference in hiring, please upload documentation with your resume and cover letter. Acceptable documentation includes Tribal Enrollment card, a letter from your Tribe stating your enrollment, or BIA 4432 and/or DD214.***