Metro Transit Bus Operator Full-Time

Job Opportunity at Metro Transit

Metropolitan Council is 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 career-oriented individuals.

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 Transit's vision and mission is to connect people, strengthen communities, and improve lives by delivering high-quality public transportation.

We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. The candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin.

What you would do in this job

Provide exceptional service to customers by greeting passengers, answering questions about fares, and responding to general inquiries and concerns.

Perform pre-trip bus inspections inside and outside the bus.

Safely operate the bus according to pre-determined 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.

Full-Time 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. Full-Time Bus Operators could have a schedule that will require driving during the weekend and late evenings and holidays.

What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications)

Work History Requirement : Three (3) years of verifiable, full-time work experience within the past seven (7) years OR Three (3) years of verifiable, part-time work experience that is equal to three (3) years of full-time experience within the past seven (7) years.

License Requirements : Must have a current valid driver's 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 hand-held 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 Driver's 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 :

What you can expect from us :

Additional information

Union / Grade : Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1005 (ATU) / Grade 45 FLSA Status : Non-Exempt 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. One-third to two-thirds 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 in-person and using a two-way radio, hear normal conversations in-person and over a two-way radio, reach with hands / arms frequently below chest height, bend, stretch and secure wheelchairs with a 4-point 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 :

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

If you do not have a Commercial Driver's License or need to add one or more of the following three endorsements (General Knowledge, Air Brakes and Passenger) to your current Commercial Driver's License, you may be hired into our "Week Zero" program where you study for and take your Commercial Learner's 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 take you to the MN Department of Vehicle Services to take the test on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, the first week of employment. If you obtain your Commercial Learner's Permit, you will move on to Bus Operator Training. If you do not, we will end your employment with Metro Transit.

Training Schedule Full-Time Bus Operators - Training is fully paid and is typically up to 8 hours each day Monday through Friday from 8 : 00 AM-4 : 00 PM, at a full-time 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 full-time bus operator seniority and the needs of each garage.

If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test, physical and a background check which verifies DOT transportation related employment and criminal history. If you have a criminal conviction