Flex Operator

Job Opportunity : On-Demand Transportation Operator

Salary : $20.84 / hour

Location : 1600 McKinley Ave, Columbus, OH

Benefits : Competitive benefits including medical / Rx, vision, dental, supplemental insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, employee discounts, employee bus pass; wellness initiatives, on-site cooking classes, chair massages, on-site health coaches & dietitians, tuition reimbursement, and retirement benefits through OPERS & Ohio Deferred Compensation.

Schedule : Candidates must attend mandatory, paid, three-week training period.

Position Summary

Transports customers safely, courteously, and timely in a company vehicle. Operates as a part of COTA Plus, the on-demand, point-to-point ride service managed through mobile app technology. Provides a reliable, welcoming ride to customers while building a stronger community. Performs other duties in alignment with the COTA Strategic Plan and in support of the organization's vision to Move Every Life Forward.

Essential Job Functions

• Operates a small transit vehicle in compliance with all local, state, and federal laws while transporting customers in assigned zones.
• Safely performs on-demand pick-up and drop-off of customers traveling to and from work, education, recreation, COTA bus lines, etc.
• Creates an overall positive customer experience by ensuring passengers arrive safely and timely to their desired destination while communicating effectively and providing superior customer service.
• Properly follows navigational directions from GPS and manages routes through the use of mobile app technology.
• Complies with all state and local traffic laws while safely operating ADA-compatible company vehicles to provide on-demand public transit service, or first-and-last mile service, to customers within service areas defined by the Authority.
• Safely assists passengers, utilizing wheelchairs or other mobility devices, upon entering and exiting the vehicle; operates wheelchair lift and properly secures wheelchairs, while adhering to ADA guidelines.
• Demonstrates ability to deal with unforeseen circumstances, or delays, peacefully and professionally; uses advanced driving techniques to better improve time management and safety.
• Performs work in accordance with COTA operating rules and regulations.
• Speaks coherently and plainly in order to provide customers with accurate and pertinent information.
• Assures a neat appearance, professional demeanor, customer-friendly attitude and a desire to exceed expectations.
• Conducts safety checks and other various inspections, as required.
• Ensures the vehicle is maintained in excellent condition and cleaned regularly.
• Must be willing to work variable shifts Monday through Sunday between 4 : 30 AM to 9 : 00 PM.

Minimum Education & Experience Required

Requires a High School Diploma or equivalent and one (1) year of experience in a customer service oriented or related field. Must have at least one (1) year of licensed driving experience in the United States; or at least three (3) years if under the age of 23. Must be at least 21 years old and have a valid Ohio Driver's License.

COTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions are based on job needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.