Transit Assistant

Salary: $20.80 - $25.28 Hourly
Location : Santa Maria, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: FY 25-00026
Department: Public Works
Division: P/W SMAT Administration
Opening Date: 10/15/2024
Closing Date: 10/27/2024 5:00 PM Pacific
OPPORTUNITY
The City of Santa Maria is accepting applications for the position of Transit Assistant.
* Bilingual (Spanish) candidates are highly desired*
WHO WE ARE The City of Santa Maria is a full-service city with a Council/Manager form of government with over 700 employees and serves approximately 108,000 constituents. The City is located on the beautiful central coast of California and covers over 23 square miles. The community is a harmonious balance of coastal and agricultural lands while promoting business. Santa Maria has been recognized nationally as an All-America City by the National Civic League and offers reasonably priced housing, community festivals, quality schools, cultural arts, a local airport, wineries, and higher education institutions and is near locally accessible beaches.
THE POSITION
Under the general supervision of an assigned supervisor, the Transit Assistant serves as the primary public-facing representative for Santa Maria Regional Transit (SMRT) for the promotion of all its services to the community. This role requires excellent customer service skills, strong communication (written and verbal), time management, and organizational skills, as well as possessing the creative and technical marketing abilities to develop effective materials necessary to educate and engage with the community by shining a positive light on the City's vital public transit service.
IDEAL CANDIDATE STATEMENT The Transit Assistant serves as the first point of contact for the public and provides transit information and assistance. They will have strong interpersonal skills and can engage with individuals of varying backgrounds, as well as possess the professionalism to work with both internal and external transit stakeholders. They are creative thinkers and can develop new approaches to promoting the use of public transit. Lastly, the ideal candidate will be bilingual in Spanish and English.
REQUIRED SUBMITTALS

1. Online Application
2. Up-to-date Resume (Submit through online application)

Full Job Description : Transit Assistant
DUTIES
These duties are a representative example; position assignments may vary depending on the business needs of the department and organization.
This position:

• Performs on-time performance checks, driver/passenger ride quality, and other applicable field checks.
• Summarizes and presents survey data, operating and performance reports, rider alerts, and customer information.
• Maintains and organizes program records and ensures they are easily accessible.
• Makes applicable arrangements to represent SMRT at community events, engages with the public, and provides pertinent transit information to the public and City staff.
• Receives fare media (bus pass) orders, collects payments, and assists with the reconciliation process with the Finance Department.
• Purchases and restocks existing transit passes and publication materials.
• Develops ideas for new promotional materials and campaigns that follow the program budget.
• Monitors contractor performance and compliance.
• Develops and prepares digital and printed transit materials.
• Assists with updating and maintaining the transit website and social media pages, and coordinates updates with City staff.
• Orders office supplies and materials.
• Upholds the values of the organization and has strong customer service orientation.
• Performs other related projects and duties as assigned.
• Demonstrates regular, reliable and punctual attendance.

Individual Contributor:
Incumbents should have a solid foundation of the following Individual Contributor core competencies identified by the organization to be essential and listed in order of importance.

• Team Player - Effective performers are team oriented, share resources, respond to requests, and support a spirit of cooperative effort.
• Customer Orientation - Effective performers are in touch with community needs and review the organization through the eyes of Santa Maria residents. They go out of their way to anticipate needs.
• Integrity - Effective performers think and act ethically and honestly, take responsibility for their actions and foster a work environment where integrity is rewarded.
• Communicativeness - Effective performers recognize the essential value of continuous information exchange and the competitive advantage it brings. They actively seek information from a variety of sources and disseminate it in a variety of ways. They use modern technologies to access and circulate information, even across great distances. They take responsibility for ensuring that their people have the current and accurate information needed for success.
• Initiative - Effective performers are proactive and take action without being prompted. They do not wait to be told what to do or when to do it. They see a need, take responsibility, and act on it. They make things happen.
• Composure - Effective performers maintain emotional control, even under ambiguous or stressful circumstances, and demonstrate emotions appropriate to the situation.
• Functional/Technical Expertise - Effective performers are knowledgeable and skilled in a functional specialty (e.g., finance, public works, planning, information technology, human resources, etc.), and remain current in their area of expertise.
• Problem Solving & Decision Making - Effective performers identify problems, solve them, act decisively, and show good judgment.
• Learning Agility - Effective performers continuously seek new knowledge, are curious, learn quickly, and use new information effectively.
• Drive/Energy - Effective performers have a high level of energy and are ambitious and passionate about their role. They have stamina and endurance to maintain a fast pace.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Ideally, one year of administrative experience, preferably in the Public Works or Transit field; and
• Graduation from high school or GED equivalent.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.
• Additional college-level coursework in Planning, Public Administration, statistics, accounting, or related field is desired.
• Current technical/professional knowledge of complex principles, methods, standards, and techniques associated with the scope of work of a recognized profession, such as:
  • Analysis and statistical research.
  • Marketing skills.
  • Effective verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Microsoft Office Suite (or equivalent).
  • Use computers and other office equipment effectively.

SELECTION PROCESS
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Possession of a valid and appropriate Driver License. Must have and maintain a satisfactory driving record and meet City liability requirements to drive for City business.
• Requires completion of a background investigation to the satisfaction of the City.
• The incumbent must meet the physical requirements of the job class and have mobility, balance, coordination, vision, hearing and dexterity levels appropriate to the duties to be performed.
• The incumbent must have the ability to carry materials up to 40 pounds.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

• May require completion of a pre-employment physical to the satisfaction of the City.
• Reasonable accommodation(s) for an individual with a qualified disability will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Applicants who meet the employment standards will be considered for an interview with the hiring department. Those applicants invited to an interview will be notified electronically at the email address provided by each candidate through the application process. Therefore, it is the applicant's responsibility to provide an accurate email address and to allow their inbox to receive emails regarding this recruitment (please check spam/junk mail folder).
If you are experiencing any technical (computer-related) difficulties or need help with attaching documents to your application, call the NEOGOV helpline for assistance at 1-855-524-5627.
The following benefits vary by bargaining unit. For full benefit information please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding or compensation resolution available at
Retirement
The City of Santa Maria is a member of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). Your benefit factor is determined by the retirement formula, age, service credit and final compensation. Based upon your bargaining unit and hire date the benefit factor will vary.
Health Insurance
Medical Insurance is provided to employees and eligible dependents through the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). There are four Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO's) and three Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO's) to choose from. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.
The City has a medical insurance benefit program which provides either payment towards the premium for the employee and eligible dependents, or cash payment if you and your dependent(s) already have health benefits. Evidence of major medical health insurance coverage is required for those employees who receive the cash payment. See Memorandum of Understanding for eligibility requirements.
Dental Insurance
Dental Insurance is provided to employees and eligible dependents through The Standard covering 100% of Preventive; 90% of Basic; and 60% of Major with a minimal deductible. The plan includes a Max Builder option rewarding insured employees and their dependents who use only a portion of their annual dental benefit maximum. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.
Vision Insurance
Vision Insurance is available to employees and eligible dependents. Coverage is through VSP and covers an annual Well Vision exam and an allowance towards prescription glasses. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.
Life Insurance and AD&D Coverage
All employees working a minimum of thirty two (32) hours per week are eligible for Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage. Supplemental life, spousal and dependent child options are also available. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.
Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
All employees working a minimum of thirty two (32) hours per week, excluding Sworn Police and Fire shall participate in the short-term and long-term disability plan with coverage up to 66 2/3% of salary. Sworn Police and Fire are covered through their respective bargaining unit.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
The City offers a flexible spending account option for Dependent Care and Health Care Expenses. With these plans, employees can choose to place a portion of their earnings into a personal reimbursement account on a pre-tax basis. Doing so lowers employees' taxable income for the year and allows them to pay for their qualified dependent care and eligible health care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
Employee Assistance Program
The City provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through AETNA for all full and part time employees and their eligible dependents. The confidential EAP program can refer employees to professional counselors and services that can help resolve emotional health, family and work-life issues, or provide help with childcare and eldercare assistance, financial and legal services, identity theft recovery services and daily living services.
Wellness Program
Offered to help employees gain knowledge, skills and motivation to improve the quality of their lives and well-being. The City's Wellness Program includes ergonomic evaluations, flu shots, and Wellness Workshops during lunch and after work. Access to the Paul Nelson Aquatics Center for employee and immediate family members. Access to the Weight room at the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center for employee and immediate family members. Access to employee discounts and special offers on travel, entertainment, shopping, dining and services.
Mentorship Program
This professional development program of mentoring and job shadowing provides mentees with an opportunity to be mentored by experienced staff with the objective of developing specific skills and knowledge that will enhance the participants' leadership skills and promote professional growth.
Succession Planning
The academies are offered to all employees including those that are not yet in a supervisory role, but are interested in becoming leaders within the organization as well as our executive management team who have an interest in honing their skills and helping to prepare our future leaders. In addition to multiple leadership academies, the City offers quarterly Speaker Series, a corporate Toastmasters club available for City employees, site tours of various departments, and more.
Deferred Compensation
Employees may participate in the City's 457 Deferred Compensation Plan sponsored by either Empower or CalPERS Supplemental Income. The plan enables employees to save salary and earn interest on a tax-deferred basis. A City match is available based upon representation.
The City also provides an IRS approved 401(a) plan sponsored by Empower for managers represented by Non-Represented Full-Time Management & Confidential (NMAC).
Post Employment Health Plan (PEHP)
Based upon your bargaining unit the City may participate in a PEHP plan that will provide reimbursement for out-of-pocket cost of qualified medical expenses such as prescription drugs, doctor co-pays, eyeglasses and cover the reimbursement of medical insurance premiums upon separation or retirement.
Holidays
The City offers seven (7) paid holidays per year. In addition, based upon your bargaining unit a bank of floating holiday hours is available to be used at the employee's discretion.
Vacation
The City initially offers two weeks of paid vacation per calendar year for all full time employees. Accrual rates increase thereafter based upon your bargaining unit.
Sick Leave
Sick leave shall accrue a rate of eight hours for each month of continuous service, or approximately two weeks per year for all full time employees. Employees may use up to half of their annually accrued sick leave for family illness and up to five days (40 hours) per calendar year for bereavement leave.
Management Leave
Management level employees may receive a prorated amount of management leave time each new calendar year.
Educational Incentive Program
In addition to regular pay when education is in addition to the regular requirements of the job specifications and is work related.
Tuition Reimbursement
Based on your bargaining unit, you may be reimbursed for tuition and book costs of approved job related courses. The maximum amount of tuition reimbursement in any calendar year will vary based upon your bargaining unit.
Auto Allowance
Management level employees may receive auto allowance based upon the need of the position.
Telephone/PDA Stipend
Management level employees may receive a telephone and/or PDA stipend based upon the need of the position.
Bilingual Pay
Bilingual pay is provided to employees who are required by their department head to use both English and Spanish in communicating with the public while performing the duties of his/her position and who demonstrate appropriate skills in both speaking and understanding the Spanish language shall receive compensation. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.
01
Do you have experience with customer service? If so, how many total years of experience do you have providing customer service?

• Less than 1 year
• 1-2 years
• 3-5 years
• More than 5 years

02
Do you have experience with marketing and promoting programs/services? If yes, explain your experience.
Required Question