Metro Transit Bus Operator - Full Time

WHO WE ARE

Hiring bonus and pay rate increases until you reach the top of the pay range.

We provide paid commercial learner permit in-person classroom training.

Starting hourly wage rate is $27.59/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 training completion
• $2500 after probation completion (6 months)

$3000 Hiring Bonus for all other licensed drivers

• $1500 after training completion
• $1500 after probation completion (6 months)

Metro Transit is currently seeking Bus Drivers who are dedicated, career-oriented individuals with strong interpersonal and customer service skills who enjoy interacting with and serving the public. Our commitment to the safety for bus drivers is a priority. We offer and provide you with the necessary safety and protective equipment. This position is eligible for benefits 30 days after starting. To learn more about the benefits being offered click here

Metro Transit is one of the country's largest transit systems that employs more than 3,000 people, and prior to COVID-19, provided more than 80 million rides a year through an integrated network of buses, light rail and commuter trains, as well as resources for those who carpool, vanpool, walk or bike in the Twin Cities. Metro Transit is a division of the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area.

We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. What you would do in this job

• Perform pre-trip bus inspections inside and outside the bus.
• Safely operate the bus according to pre-determined routes and schedules.
• Provide courteous service to all customers by greeting passengers and answering questions concerning fares, schedules and other general concerns and inquiries.
• Ensure the safe boarding and timely transportation of riders.
• 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.

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.

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.

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

License Requirements: Must have been actively driving with a valid driver's license (class A, B, C or D) for the past five years.

Driving Record:

• No more than two (2) moving violations and/or suspensions within the past three (3) years.
• No suspensions, longer than 90 days, 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 (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:

What you can expect from us:

• 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.

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:
You would work both inside and outside in varying weather and environmental conditions. One-third to two-thirds of the time you would work 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:
You 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 you will need to reach overhead and lift/carry/push/pull up to 25 pounds. You 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 invite you in for an 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. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.
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 hired, during your first 6 workdays of employment, your classroom training will consist of learning and obtaining your Commercials Leaner's Permit with the following three endorsements (General Knowledge, Air Brakes and Passenger). If you are unsuccessful in obtaining your permit after three attempts, your employment will end. If you already have a CDL with all three endorsements, you will move to classroom instructional training to be a Bus Operator which will include a road test which you must pass in order to continue with training.

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