Lead Transit Driver

Salary: $24.81 - $26.31 Hourly
Location : Santa Fe, NM
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 23-00054
Department: Operations/Drivers
Opening Date: 06/30/2025
Position Description
Under direction, performs advanced, Commercial Driver's (CDL) License duties in the operations of public transportation through North Central Regional Transit District; operates transport and passenger vehicles as needed to travel assigned fixed and "demand" service route; assists with field training duties as assigned; and performs related work as required.

• Performs various lead operator duties; as assigned, provides field training and mentors new Transit Drivers while they are shadowing during introductory and probationary periods; as assigned, conducts field performance exams; tests and evaluates new hires regarding processes, procedures, routines, and operating policies and practices.
• Assists with Dispatch and opening or closing coverage during periods of staff shortages.
• Operates assigned passenger vehicles while employing defensive driving techniques; maintains professional courtesy while under stress; makes public address announcements; properly answers questions; resolves transit-related concerns of passengers; exercises prudent judgment under a variety of constantly changing operating conditions.
• Conducts self in an appropriate manner as a representative of the RTD, working effectively in a diverse work environment; uses prudent judgment at all times; performs duties in a safe manner; ensures professional quality of services to all external and internal customers.
• Operates transit vehicles in revenue and non-revenue service while in strict compliance with RTD policies, directives, and procedures and all federal and New Mexico traffic laws and regulations; uses proper defensive driving techniques.
• Performs RTD pre- and post-trip inspections of transit vehicles for mechanical problems prior to beginning scheduled runs; conducts external/internal visual inspection of the transit vehicle and pre-testing of necessary equipment, operating/safety devices, and transit vehicle controls for use while in service; conducts an internal visual inspection at the end of the schedule service day to collect and turn-in lost items.
• Completes accident and incident reports accurately and legibly as necessary at the end of scheduled shift resulting from traffic accidents, customer issues, or complaints.
• Provides customer service information in a courteous, professional manner; operates the automated stop announcements system and /or states stop and public information announcements over the public address systems; properly answers questions and solves transit-related concerns of passengers.
• Complies with American with Disabilities Act (ADA) in operating the transit vehicle; provides accessibility for disabled passengers to board and de-board by properly operating the accessibility lift and safely securing such passengers in a courteous manner; announces designated stops; pre-tests all passenger accessibility lifts and equipment during pre-trip inspections.
• Communicates with Dispatch for the purpose of providing information on fares, transfers, ticket refunds, routes, and other District transit policies and rules concerning conduct, service, and policy changes.
• Informs Dispatch of passenger lift pick-up and drop-off locations, and when hydraulic passenger lift fails to operate properly or regarding missed pickups of passengers.
• Observes and responds to emergency situations involving passengers, the public, or buses for the purpose of maintaining public/passenger safety and proper bus operation.
• Ensures staff observes and complies with all District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.

Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Education:

• Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade required.

Experience:

• Three (3) years of driving experience including one (1) year of experience performing above or related duties.

01
This position requires a State of New Mexico Commercial Driver's License with a (P) endorsement. Do you currently posses this license?

• Yes
• No

02
How many years of CDL licensed driving experience do you have?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1 to 3 years
• 3 to 5 years
• 5 to 7 years
• More than 7 years

03
This position may require shift work. Are you available to work a schedule that involves split shifts?

• Yes
• No

Required Question