Winter Recruit - Trainee Transit Driver

City of Steamboat Springs; Amherst (MA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

End of season bonus

CDL training provided

Job summary

The City of Steamboat Springs is hiring for a Recruit – Trainee Transit Driver position, a seasonal role starting in mid October 2026 and running through mid April 2027. Trainee drivers will learn to operate Steamboat Springs Transit buses on fixed routes, with paid 5-week training to obtain a Colorado CDL Class B with Passenger endorsement.

After training, pay starts at $27.94/hr and increases with certification. Early training pays $24.42/hr, and drivers can earn regional shift bonuses.

Qualifications

• Graduation from High School or equivalent.
• Becomes knowledgeable of the bus schedule and area to answer inquiries courteously.
• Must be able to work long hours and in varying weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Learn to operate SST coaches on fixed routes in a safe, professional manner.
• Provide dependable, friendly transportation for residents and guests.
• Attend CDL class and training to obtain a Colorado Class B driver’s license with Passenger endorsement.

Skills

Customer service

Safety awareness

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

This is a seasonal position. Hours are variable up to 40 per week depending on department need. Final Day To Apply: 10/11/2026 It's fun and rewarding to work for the City of Steamboat Springs! Our employees are passionate and proud to serve our community with excellence and distinction. Our teams are awesome, and we are committed to our community and the very special place that is Steamboat Springs, Colorado!

Job Description

When joining the City of Steamboat Springs, you can expect to work for an organization with: A team that strives to make this the best place you’ve ever worked! A focus on supporting our employees’ mental, physical, and financial well-being A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion that creates a welcoming city A highly engaged workforce proudly serving our community with excellence and distinction A passion for strategically providing outstanding municipal services A promise to each other to support the work we all do for the city, community & Yampa Valley Uniqueness Fuels Our Innovative Spirit Our commitment to inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, identity and experiences drives us forward every day. It's the collective sum of our experiences that makes Steamboat Springs and the Yampa Valley a powerful, insightful and welcoming community. Individuals without the CDL qualifications should apply for this position where Recruit – Trainee Transit Driver will learn to operate a Steamboat Springs Transit (SST) bus on designated fixed routes in a safe, professional manner to provide dependable, friendly transportation for residents and guests. Individuals will be trained to obtain their CDL class B with Passenger endorsement and air brake restriction removed. Our paid training class is a 5-week - 200-hour training class designed to help anyone obtain their Colorado CDL Class B driver's license. The pay rate is $24.42 an hour to attend the CDL class. Once you successfully obtain your CDL, you will be paid starting at $27.94 per hour as a Seasonal Bus Driver. This position is for the winter season and starts in mid October 2026 and runs through mid April 2027.

Bonuses

• an extra $2.00 per hour earned during all regional shifts
• End of season bonuses based on number of hours worked throughout the winter ski season:
• 500-749 hours is $1,000
• 750-999 hours is $2,000
• 1,000 or more hours is $3,000

General Purpose

Trainee drivers will learn to operate a Steamboat Springs Transit (SST) bus on designated fixed routes in a safe, professional manner to provide dependable, friendly transportation for residents and guests. This is a temporary position for the duration of the Transit Driver Training class only. After successful completion of the class, the Recruit - Trainee Transit Driver is eligible to apply for any open Seasonal Transit Driver positions.

Supervision Received

Works under the direct supervision of the shift Transit Dispatch Supervisor. The qualified individual: Serves as an ambassador of the City of Steamboat Springs and upholds city values of Service, Teamwork, Integrity, Well-being, Respect and Compassion, while always espousing safety. Serves more than 1 million annual guests and residents by operating Steamboat Springs Transit coach on a fixed route, adhering to published times and in accordance with Federal, State and Local Rules, regulations and laws. Responsible for the safety and well-being of up to 50 bus passengers at any given time during assigned shifts. Gathers and maintains accurate passenger counts; collects any required fares; complete appropriate forms for any incidents and/or collisions. Provides reliable, expert service to the public while enforcing all rules and regulations relating to passenger safety, and safe bus operation. Inspects vehicle prior to putting same into service, at mid-shift and at the end of each shift; reports any mechanical deficiencies to supervisor. Fuels, services, and cleans the transit coach at the end of each day. This may include cleaning up biohazards. Interacts with passengers to enforce Federal, State and local rules and regulations to maintain safe transit operations. Completes and maintains required information on appropriate vehicle inspection forms. Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Graduation from High School or equivalent.
• Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Becomes knowledgeable of the bus schedule and the area, including activities and events, to always answer customer inquiries in a courteous and patient manner. Neat appearance and ability to deal effectively and courteously with the public. Must be able to work long hours and not be adversely affected by burnout or high stress. Must be able to safely work in an environment with light to moderate physical activity. Must be able to safely work in an environment where the driver will be operating at highway speeds requiring acute perception and quick reflexes in all weather conditions, varying passenger loads, and in all varying traffic patterns. No mental, emotional or physical limitation per the Federal Department of Transportation regulations that would limit the driver’s ability to perform assigned duties. Driver may operate vehicle outside of city limits without readily available assistance resources. Skilled in operating City buses in a safe and efficient manner. Ability to always have dimensional awareness of the bus at all times and ability to maneuver the bus next to/around objects without contact. Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing. Ability to identify medical, and/or other such problems that may occur with passengers on the transit coach, or in a transit shelter and relay that information to appropriate medical or law enforcement entities. Drivers may also be put on alert from Routt County Dispatch for persons of interest that may be on a transit coach. Ability to understand basic mechanical aspects and operations of each transit coach, to include ADA required tasks such as lift deployments and mobility device securement processes.

Special Requirements

• Must pass pre-employment Drug and Alcohol Screen; and abide by Federal Transit Administration drug and alcohol testing.
• Must be 21 years of age and possess, or be qualified to attain, a valid Colorado Commercial Driver’s License with appropriate endorsements; and Motor Vehicle Records must show that you have not accumulated more than four points on your license in the past three years; and Must be able to comply with City of Steamboat Springs and Steamboat Springs Transit standard operating procedures; and Must not have had a DUI or DWAI in the past 7 years.

Pay Range

Pay Range: $27.91 - $39.07 Offers will be negotiated based on each candidate's qualifications.

The City of Steamboat Springs is an equal opportunity employer.

If you like serving in a role that will directly and positively impact our great community, you'll enjoy your career with us!

As a municipal government organization in a picturesque and vibrant mountain town, we strive to be an innovative and inclusive organization strategically providing outstanding municipal services. We proudly serve our community with excellence and distinction, and as ambassadors to our beloved city, we champion and live our values of Service, Teamwork, Integrity, Well-being, Respect and Compassion every day while espousing safety at all times. Our dedicated employees are passionate about working hard to provide a great community environment and experiences for both locals and those that visit from all over the world.