Position Summary
The South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA) owns and operates the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF). The Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center (SLHVC) Trolley Driver is responsible for safely and efficiently operating a trolley, ensuring the safe and timely transport of passengers. This involves picking up and discharging passengers at assigned stops and helping passengers, especially those with disabilities, when necessary, thereby enhancing the customer’s overall experience with SDSTA.
Line of Authority
The SLHVC Trolley Driver reports directly to the SLHVC Director.
Functional Responsibilities
- Operates trolley along an assigned route, following the approved schedule, in a safe, timely and courteous manner, picking up and discharging passengers at assigned stops and other safe locations along the route.
- Exhibits a positive, professional and collaborate demeanor with all guests.
- Provides assistance to persons with disabilities while boarding/deboarding trolley.
- May assist in collecting tickets/registrations from riders and maintaining accurate records regarding ticket sales and ridership.
- Immediately reports any incidents or accidents occurring to the vehicle or to any passengers to the supervisor.
- Conducts routine pre-and-post-trip safety inspections of the vehicle.
- Prepares an observation report when shift is finished.
- Performs fueling and according to procedures.
- Maintains the assigned vehicle in a clean and safe manner.
- Delivers tickets/fares to the SLHVC office as needed.
- Performs all other related duties as assigned.
Accountabilities
The SLHVC Trolley Driver has the following accountabilities:
- To the SLHVC Director for performance of duties.
- To the SDSTA staff for providing open communication as appropriate and adequate resources to do their jobs safely, and to create an inclusive culture of collaboration and mutual respect.
- To all guests of the SLHVC to provide a positive, professional and enjoyable experience when visiting and/or riding the trolley.
- To the local community and guests to observe all speed limits and traffic laws and practice defensive driving techniques.
Authorities
The SLHVC Trolley Driver has the following authorities:
- To stop work upon recognition of a condition that presents imminent danger to the health and safety of staff, the public, or the environment.
- To enforce safety practices among staff and guests.
Qualifications
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent.
Experience
- Extensive knowledge of motor vehicle laws and defensive driving.
- Knowledge of vehicle maintenance and the ability to diagnose mechanical problems is preferred.
- Possess prior knowledge of the service area, or have the capacity to learn quickly.
Certifications, Licenses and Registrations
- Must possess a valid Class B South Dakota Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with passenger endorsement, airbrakes preferred.
- Certified in First Aid and CPR or must obtain within 30 days of hire.
Competencies
- Customer Service—Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with riders, employees, supervisors, program participants and the general public, effectively handling complaints and problems.
- Communication—Communicates effectively and clearly with a wide range of audiences in both written and oral form.
- Organization—Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time efficiently and effectively.
Working Requirements
- Proof of a valid driver’s license is required with an acceptable and verifiable driving record of at least three years.
- Comply with SDSTA’s safety program.
- Act in accordance with SDSTA’s core values: Safety Focused, Care for Others, Professionalism and Being a Team Player.
- Must be able to pass a DOT drug screen and DOT physical exam.
- Must pass annual Motor Vehicle Reports (MVR) checks.
- Perform work with prolonged periods of operating the trolley.
- Perform work with prolonged periods of sitting for up to eight (8) hours a day.
- Must be able to board and exit the trolley and assist guests with boarding and exiting the trolley.
- Occasional standing, walking, crouching, kneeling, pulling and pushing.
- Motor coordination, finger and manual dexterity required; eye, hand and foot coordination.
- Capacity to seize, hold, grasp, turn or otherwise work with hands to turn steering wheel and manipulate levers and controls.
- Capacity to use legs and torso to climb steps in trolley, assist passengers when necessary and maintain body equilibrium to prevent falling when working on slippery surfaces in adverse weather conditions.
- Must occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds.
- Work in all types of environmental conditions (heat, humidity, wet, cold).
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts; fumes or airborne particles; outside weather conditions and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
The South Dakota Science & Technology Authority (SDSTA) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer committed to the development of a diverse workforce. Applicants are invited to self-identify as an individual with a disability or as a protected veteran. Forms are available on the website www.sanfordlab.org/careers or upon request from Human Resources.