Motor Vehicle Operator, Elderly and Handicapped Persons

Overview

The Motor Vehicle Operator is responsible for providing transportation to residents within Middlesex County. Employees will be required to transport passengers to and from their destinations, observe and report the client's condition in certain situations, and maintain a positive, friendly, courteous, and professional manner with everyone they deal with. Daily vehicle cleanliness is also mandatory.

Responsibilities:

• Drivers will report to the Division Manager and/ or the Driver Supervisor.
• Assists senior citizens and handicapped passengers in and out of vehicles when necessary.
• Operate a hydraulic lift mechanism to assist passengers confined to wheelchairs, on and off the vehicle, and assist them into and out of seats if necessary.
• Assists passengers boarding or deboarding the vehicle by lifting heavy, cumbersome packages when needed.
• Drives a bus and/or other transportation vehicle on established route to transport the elderly, handicapped, mentally challenged, and public citizens to and from their origins and destinations.
• Operates transportation vehicles in a safe and professional manner.
• Provide curb-to-curb services for all passengers.
• Follow all safety/ job instructions per the direction of the Division Manager, Driver Supervisor, Fleet Coordinator, and/or Dispatcher.
• Checks the vehicle for operating safety.
• Inspects vehicle at start and end of each trip for cleanliness and general condition.
• Checks, cleans, and performs minor vehicle servicing. (i.e., filling oil, windshield washer fluid, etc., when necessary)
• Prepares and maintains daily reports, including vehicle maintenance and daily trip reports.
• Communicates with Dispatch for any changes to their daily schedule.
• Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording device information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• This position is classified as “Safety Sensitive” under the Federal Transit Administration (Title 49, CFR parts 653-655), and is subject to Drug & Alcohol Regulations & Testing (Title 49 CFR part 40).
• Please note: The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below, and address business needs and changing business practices.

Requirements:

• Knowledge of safety precautions and procedures in dealing with the elderly and physically and mentally challenged persons.
• Ability to know and learn the geography of the jurisdiction.
• Ability to understand the needs and special problems of the elderly and physically and mentally challenged and to deal with the same in a compassionate, sympathetic, and calm manner.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Appointee must possess a valid CDL-B or higher New Jersey Driver's License with a Passenger endorsement, and preferably with no passenger or weight limit restrictions. 

  Note: Licenses with restrictions may be considered pending the Authorizing Authorities' discretion.

Quantitative Dimensions:

• Must be able to push and pull up to 75 pounds. 
• Must be able to lift and carry: lift up to 50 pounds occasionally, carry up to 37 pounds occasionally, and lift up to 20 pounds frequently.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 4 shopping bags, each weighing up to 15lbs each, while transporting shoppers.

Physical Strength Rating Assessment as per DOT: (Medium)

• Definition of Medium Work: (occasional lift up to 50 pounds, pull up to 64 pounds, and push up to 64 pounds)
• For a Motor Vehicle Operator to safely perform all required duties in an efficient manner, they must also be able to occasionally lift loads (maximum weight of 50 pounds), manipulate wheelchairs with occupants up/down ramps (up to 64 pounds), and be able to fasten wheelchairs with occupants to the floor (below knee level).  Manual operation of the wheelchair lift may be required (downward vertical push up to 47 pounds).

Work Environment:

• Works outdoors in good and inclement weather – 100% of the time.
• The position requires working in varying temperatures, from extreme heat to extreme cold.
• The incumbent may be exposed to bodily fluids. Bodily fluid clean-up kits and training provided.
• Work hazards encountered are traffic and mechanical (wheelchair lifts and securement systems).
• The incumbent may work on different terrain, including slippery, sloping, unstable, and uneven.

The anticipated starting base pay for this position is:

• $50,953 per year, depending on experience and qualifications.

Build your future while helping shape the future of your community. At Middlesex County, we’re committed to supporting our employees with competitive benefits and a workplace that values well-being and balance. Middlesex County is proud to provide the resources, support, and flexibility employees need to thrive both professionally and personally. 

Learn more about our benefits: Benefits  

Join Middlesex County

Are you looking for a career that fits your interests and allows you to help your community? Middlesex County has opportunities for people with talent and drive! Our 2,000+ employees work together to provide the services and support that make Middlesex County one of the healthiest, safest, and sustainable places to live work and play. We’re preparing for the future today with our Destination 2040 plan to help local businesses and residents grow and adapt to a continuously changing world.

You can build your own future while helping to build the future of your community. With competitive benefits, including a pension plan, on-site wellness coaches, and health and dental insurance, Middlesex County offers the support employees need. The County also promotes a healthy work-life balance with generous vacation, sick, and holiday leave. 

Middlesex County is the most diverse county in New Jersey, and our employees reflect the dynamic energy of the County. We have locations throughout the County, from our downtown New Brunswick offices to our healthcare facilities to our parks system. No matter your interests and skills, there’s a place for you in Middlesex County. Build your career and your community – apply for a position with Middlesex County today.

For more information, visit middlesexcountynj.gov and find us on Facebook and Instagram.   

Middlesex County is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.