Metro Transit Bus Operator-Full Time

Metrocouncil; Minnesota; On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking dedicated Bus Operators to join their team. This role is crucial for providing exceptional public service and ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. As a Bus Operator, you'll engage with the community, operate vehicles on predetermined routes, and maintain a high standard of safety and service. With a competitive starting wage and opportunities for career advancement, this position offers the chance to make a meaningful difference while enjoying a supportive work environment. If you have a passion for service and a commitment to safety, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

Paid Training

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Retirement Benefits

Hiring Bonus

Career Advancement Opportunities

Qualifications

• Must have a valid driver's license with 5 years of experience.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English.

Responsibilities

• Provide exceptional service to customers and ensure safe transportation.
• Perform pre-trip inspections and operate the bus safely.

Skills

Customer Service Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Driving Skills

Ability to Handle Stressful Situations

Language Literacy (English)

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Tools

Two-way Radio

Job description

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

We provide paid commercial learner permit in-person 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 Bonus for 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 seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. 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 career-oriented individuals.

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

NOTE: The candidate's 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 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.

All new hires start at $28.84 per hour and all shifts and job information will be governed by ATU seniority and the union agreement. Overnight shifts are eligible for differential pay.

Shift differential:

• 5% of the hourly rate of pay for all hours worked in a shift scheduled between 8:00 PM to 11:59 PM
• 7% of the hourly rate of pay for all hours worked in a shift scheduled between 12:00 AM to 7:00 AM

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 within 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:

• Knowledge of transit operating policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of de-escalation 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 on-site 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.

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:

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.
5. We will extend a conditional job offer once you have successfully completed the steps above. You will then be scheduled for a pre-employment DOT physical exam and drug test which you must pass.

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 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 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, you do not automatically fail.

If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (if moving from a non-safety sensitive position to a safety sensitive position) and criminal background check if the job you're applying for is safety sensitive, a driving record check and a physical. IMPORTANT: If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration. The Council does not provide VISA sponsorship. Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.

The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. If you have a disability that requires an accommodation during the selection process, please email [e-mail].