Representative, Field Outreach & Community Relations

TriMet Customer Service Representative

Work directly with customers, TriMet staff and contractors to model and deliver exceptional customer service that increases ridership and builds public approval for TriMet. Perform a variety of customer-focused duties on buses, on MAX light rail vehicles, at bus stops and MAX platforms, and at special event venues aimed at delivering safe, informed and efficient service that builds confidence in TriMet and promotes continued ridership. This role requires being onsite four (4) days per week. This is a limited term position that will end on 06 / 30 / 2027. Ensure a commitment to safety through consistent and professional behaviors in performance of job requirements that demonstrate safety is a fundamental value that guides all aspects of our work. Serve as a good steward of TriMet by regularly utilizing our transit system to maintain a strong and current understanding of customers' experiences and of TriMet's product and service offerings. Forbes Magazine recently ranked TriMet as one of the top five places to work in Oregon! TriMet is ranked the number one Oregon-based employer in the state, as well as the top "Transportation and Logistics" employer in the state.

Essential Functions

1. Serve as a visible, approachable, mobile "face of TriMet" for the purpose of building TriMet's brand and public approval while assisting customers. Use opportunities provided by major destination MAX stations (e.g. PDX, Convention Center or Washington Park) to build ridership and public approval by giving new or occasional customers an exceptional customer experience. Coordinate as needed with external stakeholders such as Port of Portland, Travel Portland, Explore Washington Park and Oregon Convention Center. 2. Perform personal outreach to customers and operators for service changes, fare changes, planned service disruptions, safety campaigns and special projects for the purposes of improving customer understanding and promoting efficient transit operations. Work closely with Service Planners, Communications staff and others to gain a full understanding of the proposals and the appropriate public messaging. Work with appropriate staff and resources to devise the most efficient way to reach the target audience. Explain and be prepared to defend the proposals to customers and operators. Be prepared to meet customer objections and concerns. Gather feedback from customers and employees. Compile that feedback and present to Service Planning and internal stakeholders. 3. Perform advance outreach and service disruption staffing for planned and unplanned disruptions. Have a thorough understanding of the nature of the disruption, the service alternatives and the communication structure for the event be information and messaging resource for other staff. Provide customers with the necessary information and alternatives to help them successfully adjust to the disruption. Effectively coordinate efforts with Field Operations, Transportation and Safety / Security staff to provide customers with a safe experience marked by accurate information and realistic expectations. Support bus operators, rail operators, security staff and field supervisors by relaying or clarifying information that will help them support our customers. Be prepared to effectively work with customers who may be upset or seriously inconvenienced by the event. Use skills and resources to resolve or mitigate complaints and to reduce chances that customers will stop using our services. 4. Educate, advise and train customers regarding TriMet services, including routes and schedules, fare system and special programs. Provide new customers with a patient, informed introduction to our services that promotes continued ridership. Actively promote safe behavior when working with customers. Offer public transportation trip planning options that include TriMet and connecting services. Teach customers how to use TriMet information resources, such as printed maps and schedules, trimet.org, and electronic tools. Teach customers how to use system resources to purchase fares. 5. Work in partnership with TriMet's Operations and Safety and Security staff to identify safety concerns and to promote safe behavior by TriMet customers. Serve as a safety ambassador when working with customers, TriMet staff and contractors. Support Security efforts by serving as "eyes and ears" reporting system security issues. Promote customers' sense of security by being a visible presence on the system. 6. Provide leadership and on-the-job training for employees who provide direct service to customers (such Ride Guides or light duty staff) for purpose of giving them a better understanding of TriMet, our customers and the importance of customer service to our business. Ensure that staff understand : Safety protocols Communication protocols Service plans Service disruption possibilities and potential responses Working with difficult customers Fare sales procedures (if applicable) Relationship of On Street Customer Service resources to Operations and other staff. Assess skills and abilities of staff resources and deploy appropriately. 7. Provide "customer experience" expertise while serving as an internal resource to help TriMet decision-makers and staff better understand the needs of our customers. Share experience and knowledge of customer perspectives with internal partners for the purpose of helping infuse the customer experience into agency initiatives. 8. Coordinate with internal partners to design, perform and document quality control audits of system elements that affect the customer's experience. During all duties, be alert to system or equipment defects and report promptly to the appropriate parties. 9. Work with customers in a way that provides employees with a better understanding of customer needs and a demonstration of effective techniques for serving customers. Use available opportunities to help TriMet bus operators, rail operators, field supervisors, security staff and others better understand service details and information tools. Explain planned, pending or implemented service changes. Clarify details of "bus bridges".

Position Requirements

A minimum of a H.S. Diploma / G.E.D. is required. Three (3) years of related marketing, sales, and community relations experience are required. Knowledge or and / or experience using public transportation is required. Possession of current / valid Class "C" license issued by Oregon or Washington; ability to pass a driving record check meeting TriMet driving record standards.

Selection Criteria

1. Knowledge and interest in community service. 2. Knowledge of and interest in public transportation and its operations. 3. Knowledge of radio and communication protocols. 4. Knowledge of TriMet system elements (routes, schedules, service planning procedures. Skills 1. Superior communications and interpersonal skills. 2. Public speaking, comfortable addressing a large audience. 3. Mediation and complaint resolution. 4. Attention to detail. Abilities 1. Ability to pass a physical examination including lifting up to 50 lbs. 2. Ability to be flexible and to adapt quickly to new situations. 3. Ability and willingness to work days, evenings, weekends and holidays as needed. 4. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in oral and written form. 5. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, management and the general public, including those from culturally diverse backgrounds, the elderly, persons with disabilities and / or other vulnerable populations. Type of Position / Grade / FLSA Union, Non-Exempt, Full-Time. Wage : $21.09 - $26.37 per hour. Wage will be in accordance with the current Working and Wage Agreement. This is a Limited-Term position with an end date of June 30th, 2027. Selection Process Candidates will be selected based at a minimum on the result of : Application Review Driving Record Review - Upon submitting your application, you are required to submit a DMV report from every state (except Oregon) where you have held a driver's license in the past ten (10) years. Refer to online instructions to download and attach documents to your application or fax documents to (503) 962- 3477 or (503) 962-7440. Supplemental Test Panel Interviews