Starter

Basic Function

Under the supervision of the Chief Starter, coordinates the assignments of Bus Operators and revenue vehicles for both scheduled and unscheduled operations.  Communicates schedule and operating information to Full-Time and Part-Time Bus Operators and Service Drivers in a courteous and professional manner.  Assist in operating the Starter office in accordance with the rules, policies and Labor Agreement.  Works closely with the Information Technology department to ensure proper functioning of the PERDIS system. Performs duties in a safe, efficient manner and in compliance with all applicable rules and safety procedures.

Responsibilities and Specific Duties

• Assigns Bus Operators and Service Drivers to vacant runs, extra service, special events and/or emergency response which may arise during pull-out.
• Issues Operator Paddles and any managerial information required to Bus Operators and Service Drivers.
• Ensures all required work hours are entered properly and timely into PERDIS (Personnel Dispatching) for Bus Operators and Service Drivers.  
• Assists in ensuring that payroll is accurate and closed out in a timely manner and analyzes Bus Operators pay for accuracy.
• Creates and manages PERDIS overtime list. 
• Assists in managing the “Show-up” and “Guarantee” hours to meet or exceed goal and objectives.
• Documents and maintains attendance records (sick reports, misses, birthdays, funeral leave, court, anniversaries, personal business days) of Bus Operators and Service Drivers in PERDIS.
• Assists to ensure that the Extraboard is rotated, and all scheduled work is assigned in accordance with the Labor Agreement.
• Responsible for telephone communications with facility employees and other METRO departments related to bus operation information.
• Answers telephone inquiries concerning work assignments, schedules, and general transportation operation information.
• Collects, documents, and enters Lost and Found articles information into the system in a timely manner and secures and prepares the collection bag properly. 
• Coordinates with Maintenance personnel on vehicle assignments and changes.
• Manages and documents the issuance and return of handheld radios or other equipment dispersed to Bus Operators and Service Drivers daily.
• Responsible for miscellaneous facility operations in support of Bus Operators, Service Drivers and the Chief Starter, including filling passenger guide racks, maintaining route maps dispenser, storing returned schedules, stuffing inserts into daily pullout packets, bulletin board postings, monitoring office supply levels and alerting Chief Starter when replacement level has been reached and any other required office functions as required for efficient and effective operations.
• Provides excellent customer service to METRO’s internal and external customers.
• Promotes safety awareness and follows safety procedures to reduce or eliminate accidents.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Education Requirement

High school diploma or GED is required.  Additional college courses preferred.

Years & Experience Required

Minimum four (4) years’ work experience in a transit related field.  Administrative experience is preferred.

Knowledge & Skills Required

Must test and be proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel.  Working knowledge of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.  Working knowledge of the Bus Operator Manual and Employee Performance Code.  Good communications (written/verbal) and decision-making skills.  Good interpersonal skills.

Additional Information

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas has a zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policy for all employees. All internal and external applicants will be required to undergo drug testing before employment and will be subject to further drug and/or alcohol testing throughout their employment.

Further, employees who perform safety-sensitive functions will submit to drug and/or alcohol testing in accordance to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulatory requirements.

We provide equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information or disability.