Metro Transit Bus Operator - Full Time

WHO WE ARE

Metro Transit is an operating division of the Metropolitan Council , the regional policy-making body, planning agency, and provider of essential services in the seven-county Twin Cities metro area.

Metro Transit is a leading transportation resource for the Twin Cities, offering an integrated network of buses, light rail and commuter trains, microtransit, as well as resources for those who carpool, vanpool, walk or bike. In 2024, we provided more than 47 million rides across the Twin Cities region. The vision and mission of Metro Transit is to connect people, strengthen communities, and improve lives by delivering high-quality public transportation.

Metro Transit is currently hiring Full-Time 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.

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. This position is eligible for benefits 30 days after starting. To learn more about the benefits being offered click here Drive Benefits - Metro Transit .

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 $29.70 / hour. After one year of employment, the 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

What you would do in this job

Work Schedule - The work schedule for full-time Bus Operators can start any day of the week, working 5 days with 2 days off or 4 days with 3 days off.

Assigned shifts for 5-day work can be :

Assigned shifts for 4-day work can be :

Full-time Bus Operator schedules will require working weekends, late evenings, overnights, and holidays.

All new hires start at $29.70 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% for all hours worked in a shift scheduled between 8 : 00 p.m. to 11 : 59 p.m.

7% for all hours worked in a shift scheduled between 12 : 00 a.m. to 7 : 00 a.m.

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

Work History Requirement :

Three (3) years of verifiable work experience within the past five (5) years and you must have worked for one of these employers for at least one (1) full year.

License Requirement :

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

Driving Record Requirement :

Candidates will be automatically disqualified if they have any of the following driving related convictions within the past ten (10) years :

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) :

What knowledge, skills and abilities you should have after training :

What you can expect from us :

More about why you should join us!

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 :

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 :

Week Zero Option for those not fully licensed for the Bus Operator position :

Candidates who do not have a Commercial Driver's License or who need to add one or more of the following three endorsements (General Knowledge, Air Brakes and Passenger) to their current Commercial Driver's License, may be hired into the "Week Zero" program where they study for and take the Commercial Learner's permit test.

Newly hired bus operators who choose to participate in the "Week Zero" program will receive study materials to prepare for the test and will be brought to the MN Department of Vehicle Services to take the test on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of their first week. Those who successfully obtain their Commercial Learner's Permit will move on to Bus Operator Training. Anyone who is unable to obtain their Commercial Learner's Permit will have their employment terminated with Metro Transit.

Training Schedule - Full-time Bus Operators - Training is fully paid and averages 7.5 hours each day Monday through Friday from approximately 8 : 00 a.m. - 4 : 00 p.m. Training will take approximately 6 weeks. Once bus operators have successfully completed training, they will be assigned to a bus garage. Work locations and schedules are assigned based upon full-time bus driver / operator seniority and the needs of each garage.

Candidates who are new to the Metropolitan Council, must pass a background check which verifies work history, DOT transportation related employment, criminal history, and a pre-employment drug test and physical.

Individuals with a criminal conviction 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.

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 : Candidates who make a false statement or withhold information, 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 HR-OCCHealth@metc.state.mn.us