Student Bus Operator

San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS); San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 37,374 - 50,461; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer paid holidays

Free transit pass

Employer paid uniforms

Job summary

A public transit agency in San Diego is looking for a Student Bus Operator to join their team. This full-time position offers a starting pay of $27.13 per hour, training for Class B licensing, and comprehensive benefits including healthcare and a retirement plan. The role requires a commitment to safety, excellent customer service skills, and flexibility with hours. If you are passionate about serving the community, apply today!

Qualifications

• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• A valid California driver's license is required.
• Candidates must have at least three years of driving experience.

Responsibilities

• Ensure safe operation of a public transit bus over assigned routes.
• Collect fares and issue transfers.
• Drive assigned bus over specified route to transport passengers.

Skills

Customer service skills

Ability to follow safety procedures

Strong organizational skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Overview

Join to apply for the Student Bus Operator role at San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS).

Join San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) as one of our newest Bus Drivers! We’re excited to announce that we’re now accepting applications for our upcoming Bus Driver training class starting Monday, September 8, 2025! Apply today and you will receive additional information on next steps. We interview monthly at our Downtown administrative office (1255 Imperial Avenue, Suite 900 San Diego, CA 92101).

Upcoming Hiring Event Dates & Times:

• Thursday, 9/4/2025 - 10am – 11am
• Tuesday, 9/9/2025 – 1pm – 2pm

This is an integral position serving the community of San Diego. No experience? Quite alright! We will pay YOU to become a trained Class B Licensed Bus Driver. Bus Drivers are represented by Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), Local 1309. This is a full-time position starting at $27.13 per hour with competitive benefits including, but not limited to, healthcare, dental, and vision for you and your family, vacation and sick time, retirement plans, and wellness programs.

Here are some additional perks & benefits!

• Full-time - open availability required. 40 hours per week guaranteed with 2 consecutive days off
• Employer paid holidays (up to 12 per year)
• Employer paid DMV licensing
• FREE transit pass for you and your family
• Employer paid bereavement leave and jury duty
• Employer paid uniforms
• and much more!

Responsibilities

What is a Bus Driver responsible for?

Bus Drivers are responsible for the safe operation of a public transit bus over an assigned route according to schedule. It is necessary for the operator to maintain a pleasant, courteous and helpful attitude toward the public at all times. Other duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: drives with due regard to the safety and comfort of passengers and to the maintenance of time schedules; collects fares and issues transfers; answers questions regarding route and time schedules; must write reports concerning daily duties; be willing to work flexible hours; and other related duties as assigned.

Essential job functions include, but are not limited to, following:

• Arrives at the main bus lot or designated location (on route) ready and able to drive assigned bus over specified route to transport passengers according to pre-set time schedule.
• Receives all paperwork from dispatcher including route and schedule information
• Performs bus inspection: exterior, checks for leaks, damage, tires, lights, doors, wipers, etc.; checks back engine compartment; notes weight requirements for opening/closing engine hatch.
• Assists dependent passengers (wheelchair bound) by operating the wheelchair lift and securing restraints as needed
• Ensures bikes are properly stowed on bus racks
• Uses public address system to announce stops and schedule information
• Returns bus to bus yard and hands over pertinent information to the next driver; performs pre-departure inspection; cleans up debris
• Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications

What we\'re looking for in a candidate:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of or ability to learn MTS policies and regulations; ability to read, understand and apply policies, regulations and union labor contracts; ability to write clear and concise letters, memoranda and reports; ability to communicate effectively; ability to coordinate actions and delegate responsibilities; ability to establish and maintain priorities to meet deadlines; strong organizational skills; ability to multi-task and follow a schedule; ability to exercise prudent judgment in normal and emergency situations; ability to sit for long periods; excellent customer service skills; ability to get along with others; solid work ethic and punctuality; knowledge of safety procedures; flexible schedule including days, nights, weekends and holidays

Physical Requirements

• The successful candidate must be 21 years of age or older and able to fulfill the physical demands of the job such as walking, stooping, sitting, bending, reaching for overhead files and occasional lifting (up to 50 pounds)
• Must be able to operate a motor vehicle and perform tasks involving manual dexterity, such as use of a computer and keyboard
• Work may require more than 8 hours per day or an irregular work week to perform essential duties
• Must have good eyesight and the ability to maintain constant alertness under tedious circumstances
• Duties will be performed primarily in a bus driver\'s seat and in an office environment

Experience/Education/Certificates/License(s)

• Must possess a high school diploma or GED
• A valid California driver\'s license is required at time of application
• Candidates must have at least three (3) years of driving experience
• A copy of the K-4 DMV record (three-year report) must accompany application
• The successful candidate must possess or have the ability to obtain and maintain a valid California Class B license
• No applicant will be considered whose traffic record reflects irresponsibility or disregard of traffic rules and laws
• Candidates should demonstrate stable employment, punctuality, good attendance records and a favorable attitude toward public service
• Candidates must demonstrate ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

General Information

Must satisfactorily pass all applicable examinations including, but not limited to, a pre-employment physical, drug screen and background check.

Hourly Pay Rate: $27.13 to $36.63

Starting wage is $27.13 per hour. Upon successful completion of the required training program, the hourly rate for a Bus Driver is increased annually. The top rate for a Bus Driver is currently $36.63 per hour. All hourly rates are subject to negotiation with the ATU, Local 1309 and are therefore subject to change.

Disclaimer: The above-described job elements are intended to indicate the general nature and levels of work being performed by employees assigned to the job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities and skills required of employees so classified. Management retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

EEO is The Law - Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Disabled

MTS is an Equal Opportunity Employer with an ongoing commitment to treat all people, including customers, co-workers and the public at large, with dignity and respect. As a public transportation agency, MTS is committed to providing an inclusive workplace that reflects the diverse communities in which we work and live.

MTS supports and promotes an environment that is free of discrimination and harassment. MTS recruits, hires, trains and promotes individuals without regard to race, color, sex, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, gender, marital status, medical condition, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation and military status, veteran status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.

MTS encourages veterans, military spouses and people from different backgrounds to apply for open positions for which they are interested. Additionally, MTS employees are encouraged to refer qualified candidates from all backgrounds and age groups. At MTS, we are committed to a fair and equitable workplace where everyone is a respected and valued member of the team.