Training and Safety Instructor

WMATA; Hyattsville, Northern (MD, KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

WMATA is seeking dedicated Training and Safety Instructors to develop the next generation of Metrobus Operators. You will deliver high-quality instruction, reinforce safety standards, and support learner growth in classroom and on-street environments.

The role emphasizes leadership, coaching, and hands-on training using modern tools to ensure operators deliver safe, reliable service across the WMATA region.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication and classroom instruction experience.
• Ability to learn and apply new information quickly.
• Team collaboration and professional conduct in a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Designs and delivers technical bus transportation and safety training in classroom and in-vehicle settings.
• Evaluates trainee performance and provides coaching and progress feedback.
• Schedules trainings and coordinates resources and facilities.
• Administers tests and records progress in the learning management system.
• Instructs on new routes, fare structures, and equipment.
• Ensures compliance with safety standards and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Communication skills

Safety training

Coaching

Job description

Marketing Statement:

Helping people grow is one of the most meaningful parts of any career. Teaching, guiding, and supporting others as they build confidence and work toward their goals is at the heart of what we do. If you are inspired by developing people and strengthening a culture of safety, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's Office of Bus Transportation Training has an opportunity designed for you.

We are seeking dedicated Training and Safety Instructors who are passionate about teaching and committed to developing the next generation of Metrobus Operators. In this role, you will use your expertise to deliver high-quality instruction, reinforce safety standards, and support the personal and professional growth of every learner who enters your classroom. You will strengthen the skills you already have while expanding your leadership, coaching, and technical abilities through hands‑on training and real‑world application.

The ideal candidate brings a positive attitude and a genuine desire to help others succeed. Strong communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to learn and apply new information are essential. You will collaborate closely with a team that values professionalism, teamwork, and continuous improvement. You will also leverage modern training tools and technology to create an engaging learning environment that prepares Operators to deliver safe, reliable service across the Washington Metropolitan Area.

The Training and Safety Instructor is a responsible the delivery of technical bus transportation and equipment training and for instructing and evaluating the performance of Bus employees and students. The employee instructs student operators and mechanics in both classroom and practical (on‑street) environments through all phases of the Bus Training Program. In addition to the technical operator training, the Training and Safety Instructor trains division personnel on new, modified or existing bus routes, bus fare structure, various fare media and zones, as well as the operation of various systems/subsystems (e.g. electronic registering Farebox, wheelchair lift, destination signs, voice annunciator systems).

Principal Job Duties

• Assesses training needs through surveys, interviews, or consultations. Communicates frequently with supervisors to assess training needs and confirm scheduled trainings. Assists Supervisors in progress or exit (termination) interviews during the training program.
• Attends meetings or seminars to obtain information for use in training programs or to inform management of training program status.
• Schedules training sessions based on availability of classrooms, equipment, or instructors.
• Develops and prepares training courses and lesson plans and conducts both classroom and in‑vehicle bus operation instruction.
• Conducts technical, compliance, and mandatory training courses. Designs and administers obstacle courses to trainees. Observes, evaluates and instructs drivers on obstacle course.
• Coordinates and conducts Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training and testing. Requalifies operators in refresher and remedial (accident) training.
• Instructs and qualifies operators on new routes, route changes and new, modified, or emergency equipment.
• Calculates and administers trainee grades on assessments. Posts trainees’ grades through ELM. Evaluates student progress in all operator training programs, to include the initial Bus Operator and Bus Maintenance Training Programs for No Passenger training, Refresher and Remedial training.
• Conducts student/employee evaluations according to performance standards. Recommends progress actions for student operators and mechanics to include dismissal or disqualification. Delivers progress coaching.
• Evaluates operating lines for hazardous conditions. Evaluates students’ progress under the Line Platform Instructors for Passenger training phase.
• Conducts mandatory and compliance training for various Bus Transportation business partners (e.g., BOCC Specialists, Street Operations personnel).
• Mentors employees post‑training and monitors their work to address potential issues. Reviews driver performance for adherence to standards.
• Prepares weekly and periodic reports and memoranda as necessary. Assists in gathering performance management data for BTRA team, to include productivity, student driving time, COL pass/fail rates. Provides constructive feedback to operators. Provides follow‑up conversations and coaching with operators involved in incidents.
• Qualifies maintenance employees in operation of buses, COL, and other industrial systems/equipment.
• Reviews videos of collisions using the drive‑cam footage. Takes appropriate action to terminate operators who fail to achieve satisfactory progress.

Other Duties

• Participates in the interview, and selection process for new Line Platform and Temporary Training Instructors. Performs operational tests for operators with prolonged absences to determine if they are competent to return to assignments (return‑to‑duty test trips).
• Provides guidance on maintaining mental and physical health (e.g., ergonomics, fatigue, etc.).
• Frequently serves as subject matter experts for various stakeholders within WMATA for arbitrations, task forces, committees, etc.
• Updates professional knowledge as required and recommended.
• Conducts interviews and assists in the selection process for new Bus Operator Candidates entering the initial training program.
• Serves as safety reinforcement agents for special events or emergency management protocol (e.g., severe weather, service disruption/modification, regional events impacting service routes).
• Maintains and promotes awareness and accountability with safety policies and procedures while performing job functions. Promotes a positive safety culture and encourages reporting of safety concerns consistent with our Agency Safety Plan, other regulatory requirements within the Safety Management System and just culture principles.

The functions listed are not intended to limit specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Nor is it intended to limit in any way the right of managers and supervisors to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.