Summary

A Transit Coach Operator (TCO) serves as a front-line representative of the University of Michigan Transit System. TCOs are tasked with operating large transit coaches in densely-populated, dynamic environments, including the Ann Arbor academic and medical campuses. TCOs are responsible for providing safe, efficient, and high-quality transit services to the University of Michigan campuses and our community.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/DUTIES

• Safely operate large transit coaches to provide transportation to all riders; Maintain transit schedules when possible.
• Provide courteous, friendly, and professional assistance to transit riders and the general public. Maintain adequate knowledge of the transit system, including service changes.
• Complete any required paperwork, reports, and training as required; Maintain all required passenger and vehicle records.
• Strive to create and maintain a supportive, inclusive work environment.
• Maintain all licenses and certifications that may be required to perform the essential duties of a Transit Coach Operator as defined by University/Departmental policy or a governmental agency.
• Assist all passengers in accordance with departmental policy and ADA guidelines, including assisting passengers using mobility devices with securement of the mobility device and allowing for safe entrance and exit of all transit vehicles.
• Maintains a safety-minded attitude at all times.
• Reports safety, service, security, or maintenance observations to supervision as appropriate.

Mission Statement

Facilities and Operations seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitment to serve the diverse people of Michigan, to sustain the excellence of the university, and to offer our students richly varied disciplines, perspectives and ways of knowing and learning. 

Required Qualifications*

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

Education:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent

Licensure & Certifications:

• Must possess, or be able to obtain, a valid Commercial Drivers License (Group B or higher, with Passenger endorsement and no Air Brake restriction).
• Candidates possessing a valid Commercial Driver's License preferred; Training may be available for candidates who do not currently possess the necessary license at the time of application.
• Must have an acceptable and appropriate driving record; No patterns of unsafe behaviors or safety violations; No major safety violations.
• Must possess, or be able to obtain, and maintain a valid DOT Medical Certificate; Candidates will be required to pass a DOT Medical Exam prior to hire.

Relevant Experience:

• Demonstrated responsible work experience of at least one (1) year dealing directly with the public.
• Minimum 1 year of motor vehicle driving experience; Previous experience operating a transit coach or current possession of a CDL preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Must possess and maintain a valid DOT Medical Certificate; Candidates will be required to pass a DOT Medical Exam prior to hire.
• Must adhere to the required DOT Drug and Alcohol program; Must pass a pre-employment DOT drug screen. Candidates will be subject to rules regarding Random, Post-Accident, and Reasonable Suspicion testing if hired.
• Ability to adhere to all University/Departmental policies and procedures, as well as state and federal regulations that apply to the position.
• Ability to lift and maneuver materials weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Staff must adhere to a dress code while on duty.
• Essential and marginal duties may require maintaining a physical condition necessary for sitting for prolonged periods of time, working irregular/varied hours including nights, or weekends.
• Position performs the majority of their duties in a transit vehicle; Candidates may be exposed to various weather conditions during the course of their duties, including varying temperatures, snow, rain, ice, wind, sun, etc.
• NOTE: Candidates must be able to follow the UM Face Covering Policy for COVID-19, including wearing a mask that covers the mouth and nose, and adhering to social distancing guidelines at ALL times while on the University of Michigan campus.
• Candidates must be able to follow all University, local, state, and federal guidelines.

Other Requirements:

• Ability to read and interpret written/printed materials
• Ability to clearly communicate with passengers and other entities; demonstrate knowledge of the Ann Arbor campus environment and map interpretation skills.
• Ability to perform simple math
• Must be able to pass all required pre-employment screenings, including a background screening, pre-employment drug screening, and pre-employment medical exam.
• Ability to complete all required training
• Ability to work with a diverse workforce and the University Community
• Excellent customer service and communication skills
• Commitment to practicing and promoting safety
• Employees must meet the qualification standards that are job-related and consistent with business necessity and must be able to perform the: “essential functions” of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Desired Qualifications*

Relevant Experience:

• Demonstrated responsible work experience of at least one (1) year dealing directly with the public.

Licensure & Certification

• Must possess, or be able to obtain, a valid Commercial Drivers License (Group B or higher, with Passenger and Air Brake endorsements). 
• Must have an acceptable and appropriate driving record; No patterns of unsafe behaviors or safety violations; No major safety violations.
• Must possess, or be able to obtain,  and maintain a valid DOT Medical Certificate; Candidates will be required to pass a DOT Medical Exam prior to hire.

Work Schedule

Varied work schedules may be available based on candidate availability and department need.  Candidates should be able to work varying shifts, hours, and days, including possible early mornings, late evenings, weekends.

Additional Information

COVID-19 Considerations

We provide all personal protective equipment (PPE) to stay safe and healthy. We value our team’s health and safety, along with that of our riders.  We promote a safety-minded culture.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

U-M COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

COVID-19 vaccinations, including one booster when eligible, are required for all University of Michigan students, faculty and staff across all campuses, including Michigan Medicine.  This includes those working remotely and temporary workers.   More information on this new policy is available on the U-M Health Response website or the UM-Dearborn and UM-Flint websites.