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Metro Transit Bus Operator - Full Time

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Metro Transit Bus Operator - Full Time

Salary

$61,776.00 - $77,230.40 Annually

Location

Various locations in Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

2025-00317

Division

Metro Transit

Department

Oper Instr & Dev Ctr-Bus Trans

Opening Date

09/22/2025

Closing Date

10/19/2025 11:59 PM Central

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

WHO WE ARE

Metro Transit is an operating division of theMetropolitan Council (https://metrocouncil.org/About-Us/Who-We-Are.aspx) , 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 hiringFull-TimeBus Operatorsto 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 hereDrive Benefits - Metro Transit (https://www.metrotransit.org/drive-benefits) .

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

+ $1500 after probation completion (approximately 6 months after training is completed)

+ $1500 at one year anniversary of hire

What you would do in this job

+ Provide exceptional service to customers by greeting passengers, answering questions about fares, and responding to general inquiries and concerns.

+ Perform pre-trip bus inspections inside and outside the bus.

+ Safely operate the bus according to pre-determined routes and schedules.

+ Ensure the safe boarding and timely transportation of riders, including unsupervised minors and vulnerable individuals.

+ 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.

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:

+ 8 hours per day for 5 daysor

+ 9 hours per day for 4 days and 4 hours for 1 day

Assigned shifts for 4-day work can be:

+ 10 hours per day

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:

+ No more than two (2) moving violations within the past three (3) years.

+ No suspensions 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 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):

+ Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with a Passenger endorsement, and no restriction to Air Brakes.

+ Valid Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) with a Passenger endorsement, and no restriction to Air Brakes.

+ Experience reading paper maps and routes.

+ Experience utilizing a transit or transportation system as a rider or driver or operator.

+ Experience working with challenging customers with the skill of maintaining a calm demeanor in stressful situations.

+ Desire to serve the public with compassion and empathy by providing resources.

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

+ Knowledge of transit operating policies and procedures.

+ Knowledge of de-escalation strategies to help maintain a calm and safe environment on the bus.

+ Ability to operate a bus according to safety rules and regulations.

+ Ability to read and follow paper maps and routes.

+ Ability to serve customers by providing exceptional service with compassion and empathy.

What you can expect from us:

+ Employee safety is a priority at Metro Transit, and we ensure that all bus drivers/operators are properly equipped with the necessary safety and protective equipment.

+ 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. Bus Operators are eligible for benefits 30 days after their hire date. To learn more about benefits please click hereDrive Benefits - Metro Transit (https://www.metrotransit.org/drive-benefits) .

More about why you should join us! (http://metrocouncil.org/Employment/Making-A-Difference.aspx)

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:

+ We will review your application for minimum qualifications.

+ We request your Work Record Evaluation (internal ATU employees only).

+ We conduct a structured panel interview.

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 protected]

We believe our employees are a key to our agency's success! In order to attract and retain high quality employees, the Council provides a highly competitive benefits package both in choice and coverage levels. Some highlights about our benefits are listed below:

+ Guaranteed monthly retirement income through Minnesota State Retirement System pension fund

+ Opportunity to save additional funds for retirement on a tax-deferred basis through a voluntary deferred compensation (457) plan

+ Two or more medical plans from which to choose, with employer contribution towards premiums over 80%

+ Dental insurance, life insurance and vision insurance

The following benefits are provided to all employees as part of working for the Council. You will have access to free:

+ Well@Work clinic

+ bus/rail pass valued at over $1200 per year

+ parking at many job locations

+ fitness centers at many job locations

+ Employee Assistance Program

+ extensive health and wellness programs and resources

.

01

How did youfirsthear about this job opening?

+ CareerForce Center

+ Community Event/Organization

+ Employee Referral

+ Facebook

+ Glassdoor

+ Indeed

+ Job Fair

+ LinkedIn

+ Metro Transit Bus Advertisement

+ Twitter

+ Website: governmentjobs.com

+ Website: metrocouncil.org

+ Website: metrotransit.org

+ Website: minnesotajobnetwork.com

+ Other

02

If you selected 'Other', please describe where you first heard about this job. if you selected 'Employee Referral' please enter the employee's first and last name, ID number (if known), and job title. Type N/A if not applicable.

03

Applicant Instructions: The supplemental questions listed below are to determine your eligibility for this position. Answer each question completely. Resumes will not be accepted for this recruitment. I have read and understand the above instructions regarding supplemental questions.

+ Yes

+ No

04

I was previously hired as a bus or train operator with Metro Transit?

+ Yes

+ No

05

I can report to any of the bus garages listed and understand that garage assignment will be based on business needs, not my preference. - East Metro Garage, St. Paul, MN - Heywood Garage, Minneapolis, MN - Nicollet Garage, Minneapolis, MN - North Loop Garage, Minneapolis, MN - South Garage, Bloomington MN.

+ Yes

+ No

06

Education: Which of the following do you have:

+ High School Diploma

+ Adult Diploma

+ GED

+ International Equivalent to a U.S. High School Diploma

+ None of the above

07

Please select all that apply

+ I have three (3) years of verifiable work experience within the past five (5) years.

+ I have worked for one employer for at least one (1) full year in the past five years.

+ I have been an active licensed driver for the past 5 years.

+ I do not have more than two (2) moving violations within the past three (3) years.

+ I have not had my driver's license suspended in the past three (3) years.

+ I have not had my driver's license revoked or withdrawn in the past three (3) years.

+ I am able to understand, write and speak English to communicate with customers, write reports, and understand training materials

+ I am able to work the Full-time Bus Operators schedule as listed. The work week schedule could start on any day between the days of Saturday through Friday. 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 most likely will have a schedule that will require driving during the weekend, late evenings, and holidays.

08

In the past two years, have you been employed in a safety-sensitive position that was regulated by any of the following Department Of Transportation (DOT) agencies? - FMSCA (i.e., truck driver) - FTA (i.e., vehicle operation/maintenance/dispatch or armed security for a transit system) - FRA (i.e., engineer, conductor, signalman, dispatcher for a railroad) - FAA (i.e., pilot, mechanic, flight crew, air traffic control) - PHMSA (i.e., operation, maintenance or emergency response work on a pipeline)

+ Yes

+ No

09

If you answered yes to the question above, please list all employers in the past two years where you held a safety-sensitive position. If you answered no, please type N/A.

10

Please select all that apply

+ I currently have a Commercial Driver’s License, with the passenger endorsement with no restriction to airbrakes.

+ I currently have a Commercial Learner’s Permit with the passenger endorsement and no restriction to airbrakes.

+ I have experience reading paper maps and routes.

+ I have experience utilizing transit or a transportation system as a rider or driver or operator.

+ Within the last three years, I have work experience with customers including in challenging or difficult situations.

+ None of the above

11

Please mark the boxes below after reading each statement to indicate that you acknowledge and understand each of the following:

+ I have read the job announcement, and I understand I must pass all of the minimum qualifications to continue in the recruitment process.

+ I have provided an accurate and valid email address in my application, to which I have full access.

+ I understand I will be notified about the status of my application by email, and that I can log into my application account on this website at any time to view the status of my application.

+ I understand that I will be automatically disqualified from consideration for the bus operator position if I 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

Required Question

Employer

Metropolitan Council

Address

390 Robert St. N.St. Paul, Minnesota, 55101

Website

https://metrocouncil.org

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