Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Accomplishments
Certification
References
Timeline
Generic

Paul Sowards

Vancouver,WA

Summary

Skilled Light Rail Operator with background in managing transportation services for urban transit systems. Experience includes scheduling, route planning, and ensuring passenger safety during commutes. Strengths include high-level operational knowledge, problem-solving skills, and adherence to safety protocols. Demonstrated impact by maintaining on-time performance and contributing to customer satisfaction in previous roles.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Light Rail Operator

Trimet
Portland, OR
12.2018 - Current
  • Performed daily pre-trip inspections of light rail vehicles to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.
  • Operated light rail vehicle in a safe and efficient manner, adhering to all rules and regulations.
  • Provided customer service assistance to passengers regarding route information or other inquiries as needed.
  • Maintained communication with dispatchers via radio or telephone to report any delays or incidents on the line.
  • Responded to emergency situations such as medical emergencies, fires, hazardous material spills or mechanical breakdowns according to established protocols.
  • Reported any defects or issues related to the light rail vehicle's performance or equipment immediately.
  • Communicated effectively with fellow operators regarding operational matters during shift changes or transfers of routes at terminals.
  • Followed standard operating procedures for starting up and shutting down the light rail vehicle at designated stations along the route.
  • Ensured that all signals were followed correctly while operating the light rail vehicle between stations.
  • Monitored track conditions along assigned routes for potential hazards.
  • Checked doors before departing from each station to ensure they were closed properly.
  • Adhered strictly to speed limits when driving the light rail vehicle.
  • Observed traffic laws and operated in accordance with local ordinances.
  • Performed train inspections, tests and procedures, completed associated paperwork and identified and documented train equipment defects.

Light Rail Controller

Trimet
Portland, OR
08.2009 - 12.2018
  • Monitored radio frequencies to ensure proper communication between personnel in the field and dispatch office.
  • Coordinated with other dispatchers to ensure efficient delivery schedules were met.
  • Performed administrative duties such as filing paperwork, updating databases, and preparing documents for review by management staff.
  • Interacted with local law enforcement agencies when responding to incidents in progress.
  • Received and dispatched calls for emergency services.
  • Created daily reports detailing response times, call volumes, and other pertinent information.
  • Participated in team meetings discussing changes in procedures or processes.
  • Utilized various software systems to facilitate movement, planning and scheduling.
  • Reported delays, accidents or other traffic and transportation situations.
  • Trained employees on triaging and dispatching procedures to properly handle daily calls.

Steet Car Operator

Trimet
Portland, Oregon
02.2009 - 08.2009
  • Conducted regular inspections of machinery to identify any potential issues or malfunctions.
  • Provided training assistance to new operators on proper machine operation techniques.
  • Reported failures, malfunctions or wear issues on equipment to supervisor.
  • Learned and followed safety and emergency procedures.

Bus Operator

Trimet
Portland, OR
03.2007 - 08.2008
  • Performed pre-trip inspections on vehicles, ensuring that all safety equipment was in proper working order.
  • Provided safe and reliable transportation for passengers to their destinations.
  • Assisted disabled passengers with boarding and exiting the bus at designated stops.
  • Adhered to set schedules while operating buses safely along assigned routes.
  • Reported any mechanical issues or passenger disturbances to supervisors immediately.
  • Communicated route information to passengers during trips as needed.
  • Responded quickly and calmly to emergency situations such as medical emergencies or accidents involving the bus.
  • Monitored traffic conditions along assigned routes and adjusted speed accordingly.
  • Answered customer inquiries regarding transit services, schedules, directions and transfers when necessary.
  • Followed established protocols for dealing with disruptive passengers or other incidents aboard buses.
  • Observed local laws and regulations governing public transportation operations throughout shifts.
  • Stopped buses at designated locations according to schedule and allowed sufficient time for loading and unloading passengers.

Mini Run Bus Operator

Tirmizi Campbell
Portland, OR
06.2005 - 03.2007
  • Performed pre-trip inspections on vehicles, ensuring that all safety equipment was in proper working order.
  • Provided safe and reliable transportation for passengers to their destinations.
  • Assisted disabled passengers with boarding and exiting the bus at designated stops.
  • Adhered to set schedules while operating buses safely along assigned routes.
  • Reported any mechanical issues or passenger disturbances to supervisors immediately.
  • Communicated route information to passengers during trips as needed.
  • Responded quickly and calmly to emergency situations such as medical emergencies or accidents involving the bus.
  • Monitored traffic conditions along assigned routes and adjusted speed accordingly.
  • Answered customer inquiries regarding transit services, schedules, directions and transfers when necessary.
  • Followed established protocols for dealing with disruptive passengers or other incidents aboard buses.
  • Observed local laws and regulations governing public transportation operations throughout shifts.

Education

High School Diploma -

Columbia River High School
Vancouver, WA
06-1992

Nursing

Clark Community College
Vancouver, WA

Skills

  • Emergency Response
  • Mechanical Troubleshooting
  • Safe driving skills
  • Passenger Safety
  • Public Transit Operations
  • Equipment Inspection

Affiliations

  • I am a licensed Real Estate Agent in the state of Oregon & Washington.

Accomplishments

  • I was highlighted in Trimet's Septmeber 2018 "ExpressLine" for my Rail Controller skills and performance.
  • I have consistently received 5 star reviews on Zillow as a Real Estate Agent in the areas of: local knowledge, process expertise, responsiveness and negotiation skills.

Certification

  • Licensed REALTOR®

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Light Rail Operator

Trimet
12.2018 - Current

Light Rail Controller

Trimet
08.2009 - 12.2018

Steet Car Operator

Trimet
02.2009 - 08.2009

Bus Operator

Trimet
03.2007 - 08.2008

Mini Run Bus Operator

Tirmizi Campbell
06.2005 - 03.2007

High School Diploma -

Columbia River High School

Nursing

Clark Community College
Paul Sowards