Metro Transit Bus Operator Full-Time

There are pay rate increases until employees reach the top of the pay range per ATU contract.

We provide paid commercial learner permit inperson classroom training upon hire.

Starting hourly wage rate is $28.84/hour. After one year of employment your hourly wage rate will increase per the ATU contract.

$5000 Hiring Bonusfor current CDL holders with Passenger endorsement and no Air Brakes restriction

• $2500 after probation completion approximately 6 months after training is completed)
• $2500 at one year anniversary of hire

$3000 Hiring Bonus for all other licensed drivers

• $1500 after probation completion (approximately 6 months after training is completed)
• $1500 at one year anniversary of hire

Metro Transit is a division of the Metropolitan Council the regional government for the sevencounty Twin Cities metropolitan area. More information about the Metropolitan Council is on our website.

Metro Transit is a leading transportation resource for the Twin Cities offering an integrated network of buses light rail and commuter trains microtransit as well as resources for those who carpool vanpool walk or bike. In 2023 we provided nearly 45 million rides across the Twin Cities region. Metro Transits vision and mission is to connect people strengthen communities and improve lives by delivering highquality public transportation.

Metro Transit is currently hiring Bus Operators to carry out the mission vision and values of the organization. These individuals are human service oriented; enjoy interacting with and serving the public; have strong interpersonal and customer service skills; and are careeroriented individuals.

We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

NOTE:The candidates permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin.

• Provide exceptional service to customers by greeting passengers answering questions about fares and responding to general inquiries and concerns.
• Perform pretrip bus inspections inside and outside the bus.
• Safely operate the bus according to predetermined routes and schedules.
• Ensure the safe boarding and timely transportation of riders including unsupervised minors and vulnerable individuals.
• Complete forms and paperwork such as operating and accident/incident reports.
• Call out street names while driving per ADA requirements.
• Perform other related duties as needed or assigned.

FullTime Bus Operators The work week schedule could start on any day between Saturday through Friday working 5 days with 2 days off. The shifts are 8 hours a day 5 days a week or 10 hours a day 4 days a week depending upon the work schedule assigned. FullTime Bus Operators could have a schedule that will require driving during the weekend and late evenings and holidays.

Work History Requirement:

Three 3 years of verifiable fulltime work experience within the past seven 7 years

OR

Three 3 years of verifiable parttime work experience that is equal to three 3 years of fulltime experience within the past seven 7 years.

License Requirements: Must have a current valid drivers license (class A B. C or D) with 5 years of driving experience within the past 5 years.

Driving Record:

• No more than two 2 moving violations within the past three 3 years.
• No suspensions withing the past three 3 years.
• No revocations or withdrawals of license within the past three 3 years.

Candidates will be automatically disqualified if they have any of the following driving related convictions within the past ten 10 years:

• DWI/DUI
• Careless or Reckless Driving
• Inattentive Driving (using handheld devices talking or texting on your phone eating and drinking talking to people in your vehicle fiddling with the stereo entertainment or navigation system anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving.
• Open Bottle
• Leaving the scene of an accident
• Committing a felony while operating a motor vehicle
• Refusing to comply with implied consent
• Violating state or local law (other than parking violations) arising in connection with a fatal accident

Language Literacy Requirement:

Ability to understand write and speak English to communicate with customers write reports and understand training materials.

What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications):

Valid Commercial Drivers License (CDL) with the passenger endorsement and no restriction to airbrakes.

Experience reading paper maps and routes.

Experience utilizing a transit or transportation system as a rider or driver or operator.

Experience working with challenging customers with the skill of maintaining a calm demeanor in stressful situations.

Desire to serve the public with compassion and empathy by providing resources.

What knowledge skills and abilities you should have after training:

Knowledge of transit operating policies and procedures.

Knowledge of deescalation strategies to help maintain a calm and safe environment on the bus.

Ability to operate a bus according to safety rules and regulations.

Ability to read and follow paper maps and routes.

Ability to serve customers by providing exceptional service with compassion and empathy.

What you can expect from us:

• Employee safety is a priority at Metro Transit and we ensure that all bus drivers/operators are properly equipped with the necessary safety and protective equipment.
• We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• We encourage our employees to develop their skills through onsite training opportunities.
• We offer opportunities for career advancement.
• We provide a competitive salary and excellent medical dental and retirement benefits. Bus Operators are eligible for benefits 30 days after their hire date. To learn more about benefits please click here Metro Transit Benefits.

More about why you should join us!

Union/Grade: Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1005 (ATU) / Grade 45
FLSA Status: NonExempt
Safety Sensitive: Yes. Subject to random DOT drug tests.

What your work environment would be:
Employees work both inside and outside in varied weather and environmental conditions. Onethird to twothirds of the time work is done near moving parts or equipment vibrations and around toxic or caustic chemicals fumes or airborne particles. The typical noise level for this position is loud.

Physical Requirements:
Employees will be regularly required to sit for long periods stand/walk occasionally clearly communicate inperson and using a twoway radio hear normal conversations inperson and over a twoway radio reach with hands/arms frequently below chest height bend stretch and secure wheelchairs with a 4point lap/shoulder belt. Occasionally needing to reach overhead and lift/carry/push/pull up to 25 pounds. Employees must have adequate close vision distance vision color vision peripheral vision depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

What steps the recruitment process involves:

1. We will review your application for minimum qualifications.
2. Work Record Evaluation (internal ATU employees only)
3. We will conduct a structured panel interview.
4. We will conduct a background check verifying any employment in a safety sensitive position with a DOT transportation regulated employer within the last two years driving record and criminal history. If you have a criminal conviction you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor convictions on a casebycase basis based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.
5. We will extend a conditional job offer once you have successfully completed the steps above. You will then be scheduled for a preemployment DOT physical exam and drug test which you must pass.

Once youve been offered a position and do not have a CLP or CDL with the necessary endorsements:

If you do not have a Commercial Drivers License or need to add one or more of the following three endorsements (General Knowledge Air Brakes and Passenger) to your current Commercial Drivers License you may be hired into our Week Zero program where you study for and take your Commercial Learners permit test during your first week of employment. If you choose to participate in this program our Workforce Development Team will give you study materials to prepare for the test and will bring you to the MN Department of Vehicle Services to take the test on Wednesday Thursday and Friday of your first week and your second Monday of employment. If you obtain your Commercial Learners Permit you will move on to Bus Operator Training. If you do not we will end your employment with Metro Transit.

Training Schedule FullTime Bus Operators Training is fully paid and is typically up to 8 hours each day Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM4:00 PM at a fulltime schedule. Training will take approximately 6 weeks. Once you have successfully completed training you will be assigned to a bus garage. Work locations and schedules are assigned based upon fulltime bus operator seniority and the needs of each garage.