The Robben Island Museum seeks Bus Drivers for a three-month contract. Play a vital role in providing safe and memorable transport for visitors to this historic site.
Location: Robben Island Museum
Key Duties and Responsibilities
In this role, you’ll have a diverse set of responsibilities to ensure smooth, safe, and efficient transportation on Robben Island. Your duties will include, but are not limited to:
- Safe and Reliable Transport: Drive safely and responsibly along pre-planned routes to ensure passengers reach their destinations on time. Your routes will include trips to and from the prison, various historic sites, and the residents’ village on the island. You’ll follow strict adherence to National Road Traffic Acts and regulations.
- Comfort and Well-Being of Passengers: Make sure that the heating and ventilation systems are functioning to keep passengers comfortable throughout their journey. You’ll play an active role in creating a pleasant, informative, and safe environment on the bus.
- Vehicle Inspections and Maintenance: Conduct daily pre-trip inspections and complete detailed inspection forms. This includes checking fuel, oil, water, and other mechanical components to ensure the bus is in excellent working condition. Report any maintenance issues or defects to the supervisor or unit manager promptly.
- Passenger Safety and Assistance: Assist passengers with special needs, such as the elderly and disabled, to ensure they can board and disembark the bus comfortably. Ensure that passengers are securely seated before driving and that they are informed of possible delays or adjustments to the schedule.
- Record Keeping and Reporting: Maintain accurate operational records by logging all trips in the provided logbook, ensuring that records are up-to-date and precise. Prepare and submit reports on delays, accidents, and other incidents as necessary.
- Caring for the Bus: Take care of the assigned bus by following maintenance schedules and instructions. Report any issues with the vehicle promptly, and work with the maintenance team to ensure repairs are carried out as needed.
- Communication with Supervisor/Unit Manager: Keep open lines of communication with your supervisor, report any unexpected delays, mechanical problems, or other incidents, and complete additional tasks as directed.
- Sleepover Availability: As part of the job, you must be available to sleep over on the island when required. This ensures you’re ready to work shifts and provide continuous service to visitors and residents.
Minimum Requirements
- Educational Background: Must have completed Grade 10-12.
- Driving Experience: At least 5 years of proven experience driving both light and heavy vehicles.
- Knowledge and Compliance: Familiarity with safety regulations and relevant traffic laws, ensuring you drive in a way that prioritizes the safety of passengers and other road users.
- Licensing Requirements: Possess a valid driver’s license (EC1 or EC) with a valid Professional Driving Permit (PDP), and a clean driving record.
- Personal Conduct: A responsible individual with no history of drunken driving.
Why Join Robben Island Museum?
Working at Robben Island Museum offers you more than just a job – it’s a chance to become part of South Africa’s heritage. Robben Island holds a significant place in history, having been home to many political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela. By joining our team, you become part of an institution dedicated to preserving and sharing South Africa’s cultural and historical heritage with people from all over the world.
As a Bus Driver, you will contribute to the smooth operation of visitor experiences on the island, helping to foster an understanding of the profound history and importance of Robben Island in South Africa’s journey toward freedom. You’ll work in a dynamic, collaborative environment with a supportive team focused on ensuring the safety, comfort, and education of our visitors.
Key Competencies
- Customer Service Skills: A friendly and approachable demeanor, able to communicate effectively with passengers from diverse backgrounds, offering assistance and information when needed.
- Time Management: Ability to keep to the schedule and ensure passengers arrive on time to various stops.
- Safety Awareness: A strong focus on safety, with a commitment to following protocols and taking preventive measures.
- Attention to Detail: Thorough in vehicle inspections, record-keeping, and reporting.
- Adaptability: Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends and public holidays, as well as overnight stays when required.
Application Process
If you meet the above criteria and are excited to be a part of our mission, please apply by sending the following:
- A letter of application
- Your detailed CV
- Certified copies of your ID and qualifications
- Contactable references
Email your application to recruit@robben-island.org.za using the subject line “Bus Driver” by 1 November 2024. Please note that if you do not receive feedback within 30 days of the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.
