City of Palos Heights Parks & Recreation Department Position Title: PACE Bus Driver Department: Parks & Recreation Reports To: Administrative Support Supervisor FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Employment Status: Part-Time Starting Pay: $16.00 per hour
Purpose of Position:
The PACE Bus Driver is responsible for the safe and timely transportation of residents - primarily senior citizens and individuals with disabilities - using the City’s PACE transportation vehicle. This part-time position ensures courteous service while complying with all City, State, and PACE Suburban Bus Division guidelines. This position operates under the direct supervision of the Administrative Support Supervisor.
Essential Job Functions:
- Safely operate a City-owned PACE vehicle on established routes and schedules.
- Provide friendly, respectful, and professional customer service to all passengers.
- Assist passengers on and off the vehicle as needed, including securing wheelchairs and mobility aids.
- Perform daily pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections and promptly report maintenance or safety concerns.
- Maintain accurate trip logs, fuel records, and daily ridership reports as required.
- Ensure the cleanliness and organization of the vehicle at the start and end of each shift.
- Communicate any schedule changes, route delays, or rider issues to the Administrative Support Supervisor.
- Follow all traffic laws, PACE operating guidelines, and department safety procedures.
- Complete and submit all required incident/accident reports promptly.
- Attend mandatory driver training and safety courses as required by PACE and the City.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Driver Standards / Qualifications:
Minimum Requirements:
- Must be at least 21 years of age.
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Must have held a valid driver’s license (with no suspensions) for the five years prior to application.
PACE Safety Requirements (Must Meet All):
- No Class I or II violations.
- No Class III or IV violations in the past two years (one in the past five years may be considered).
- No DUI or drug/alcohol-related driving convictions.
- No current traffic violations or a pattern of past violations.
- Must successfully complete a PACE Driver Training Course.
- Must pass a criminal background check and drug/alcohol screening.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Demonstrated dependability, punctuality, and sound judgment.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Familiarity with Palos Heights streets and surrounding areas preferred.
- Ability to operate ADA-compliant lifts and securement devices.
Physical Demands:
- Ability to sit and drive for extended periods.
- Frequent standing, reaching, and bending.
- Must be able to assist passengers and occasionally lift/move up to 50 pounds.
- Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.
Work Environment:
- Work is primarily conducted inside the vehicle and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Exposure to moderate noise levels and vehicle traffic.
- Schedule is Monday through Friday; no weekend or evening hours required.
- Hours may vary based on ridership demand and City programming.
Safety and Risk Management:
- Attend safety training and follow all departmental safety procedures.
- Promptly report unsafe conditions, incidents, or equipment concerns to your supervisor.
- Complete all incident/accident forms in a timely and accurate manner.
- Maintain good safety awareness and judgment at all times.
Equal Opportunity Statement:
The City of Palos Heights is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.