Bus Operator

Job Profile Summary
The Bus Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of 25–45-foot buses, carrying 15 to 80 passengers across various locations, both within the United States and, occasionally, outside the state of Virginia. The operator ensures the safety and well-being of passengers and University-owned vehicles throughout all trips. Operators must be fully knowledgeable of and compliant with Federal Motor Carrier Regulations, including hours of service, fitness for duty, and vehicle inspections. In the summer months, the Bus Operator may work with other departments within the Facilities Management Division, such as Maintenance, Custodial, Design & Renovations, and Grounds. Both part-time and full-time employees may be called upon to drive intra- and inter-state, with trips ranging from short two-hour assignments to multi-day journeys. Additionally, operators may be tasked with assisting the dispatch department in training, scheduling, and confirming work orders. Working independently and exercising good judgment and discretion is essential to this job.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1.    Report to work on time and perform assigned duties as directed by the Transit Department management team.
2.    Maintain familiarity with standard operating procedures of the Transit Department and ensure compliance with all operational protocols.
3.    Operate vehicles safely, legally, and in an accident-free manner at all times. Prevent unnecessary wear and tear on buses.
4.    Follow department policies and procedures and instructions from dispatchers and supervisors. Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor.
5.    Communicate professionally and courteously with customers, co-workers, management, and the public. Represent Liberty University positively, ensuring a respectful and professional environment for all.
6.    Ensure the safety and security of passengers and their belongings, including securing equipment when parking and leaving vehicles unattended.
7.    Assist passengers with boarding, alighting, and stowing personal belongings. Load and unload luggage and other items as needed.
8.    Adhere to Liberty University policies, ensuring exemplary representation of the University.
9.    Follow established safety procedures and techniques to complete assigned bus routes and ensure passenger safety.
10.    Conduct basic vehicle maintenance, including checking bus tires, oil, and lights to ensure the vehicle is in good working order and ready for service.
11.    Rely on experience and judgment to accomplish daily tasks and goals effectively and efficiently.
12.    Perform additional duties as required by the Transit Department management.
13.    Stay current with emerging technologies, industry practices, and safety protocols to improve performance.
14.    Wear appropriate PPE, such as protective eyewear, ear protection, hard hats, gloves, slip-resistant boots, respirators/masks, reflective safety vests, and sunscreen as required.
15.    As essential personnel, Bus Operators must be available for emergencies such as school closings, delays, shutdowns, or weather-related incidents. This includes snow removal duties like shoveling and salting. Must be available to work scheduled and unscheduled hours as emergencies arise, especially during major campus events such as Winter Fest, Orientation, Commencement, CFAW, and summer camps.
16.    Strictly adheres to Liberty University policies, representing the University in an exemplary manner.
17.    Works effectively as a team member, embracing and fostering LU’s Christian model and Mission – Training Champions for Christ.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES   
Not applicable for this role.

QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS
Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED required. A minimum of 2 years of commercial driving experience is preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL), Class A or B, with passenger endorsement is required.
• Must be able to lift 100 lbs. waist-high, 40 lbs. overhead, and carry up to 70 lbs. for distances of up to 150 feet.
• Certifications obtained while employed by Liberty University will be covered at the employer’s expense. Reimbursement for certifications may apply if voluntary resignation occurs within 12 months of certification.
• Detail-oriented, with strong organizational and communication skills. Must be capable of performing the duties of a Bus Operator in typical Virginia climate conditions.

ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB
Communication and Comprehension

• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing to convey clear, well-articulated information.
• Experience in driving buses on fixed routes
• Must be able to understand and follow directions and work under stressful situations in a calm manner.
• Must be able to work well with the public and co-workers and present a positive attitude, and a clean and professional appearance.
• Must be courteous, detailed oriented, self-motivated, diligent, trustworthy, possess strong organizational skills, and well-developed communication skills.
• Must be able to lift 50+pounds and perform duties of a Transit Bus operator in typical Virginia climate.
• Desire to work with a team to accomplish goals. Urgency to grow and improve.
• Ability to understand, speak, and write English in order to convey messages and correspond in an articulate and professional manner.
• Possess public communication skills that allow professional representation of Liberty University to a variety of business and community customers and associates.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Computer skills
• Excellent computer skills.

Problem Solving

• Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment in order to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature.

Physical and Sensory Abilities

• Regularly required to travel to local on and off-campus locations.
• Required to sit for extended periods to perform driving duties
• Regularly required to hear and speak in order to effectively communicate orally.
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, and climb stairs to assist passengers with disabilities.
• Handle materials, reach overhead, kneel, or stoop in order to conduct business.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work Environment
The working environment in which one will typically perform the essential functions of this position is a climate-controlled setting. It is low lighted, and the noise level is moderate. Working environment may include facilitation of events outdoors while not driving.

Driving Requirements
If the employee is required to travel in performing the duties and responsibilities of the position, the use of one’s personal vehicle (or LU vehicles) may be required for travel.  Proof of a valid driver’s license, an acceptable DMV record, LU Driving Approval, and liability insurance is required when driving in the performance of the employee’s position.

Time Type

Part time

Location

Onsite

Pay Range

Compensation is determined based on factors such as qualifications, experience, education, skills, and certifications, along with University needs and external market conditions. Market benchmarks may be used, as appropriate, in combination with internal equity to ensure pay is fair and aligned with the broader compensation structure.

The position may also be eligible for comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition assistance.

$16.83 - $24.04

The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe it is our moral and legal obligation to meet the responsibility of ensuring that all management practices regarding employees are conducted in a nondiscriminatory manner. In compliance with Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and other applicable federal and state statutes, all recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting for all job classifications will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including state of employment protected classes. It is, therefore, our policy and intention to evaluate all employees and prospective employees strictly according to the requirements of the job. All personnel related activities such as compensation, benefits, transfers, job classification, assignments, working conditions, educational assistance, terminations, layoffs, and return from layoffs, and all other terms, conditions and privileges of employment will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including all applicable state of employment protected classes. The University is a Christian religious-affiliated organization; and as such, is not subject to religious discrimination requirements. The University’s hiring practices and EEO discrimination practices are in full compliance with both federal and state law. Federal law creates an exception to the “religion” component of the employment discrimination laws for religious organizations (including educational institutions), and permits them to give employment practice preference to members of their own religious beliefs.