Metro Transit Bus Operator - Part-Time Weekday bei Metropolitan Council, MN

About the Department

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 Part-time Weekday 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. 

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 

Position Duties

• 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 week is Monday through Friday. Part-Time Weekday Bus Operators work 2.5 to 3 hours on average during both of the following time periods: 5:00 AM to 9:30 AM and 2:30 PM to 8:00 PM. 30 hours per week guaranteed after successfully completing 6 weeks of training.

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.
 
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.

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:

• Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) with a Passenger endorsement, and no restriction to Air Brakes.
• 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):

• 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.
• Open Bottle 
• Desire to serve the public with compassion and empathy by providing resources.

• 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 here Drive Benefits - Metro Transit

More about why you should join us!

Other Qualifications

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:

1. We will review your application for minimum qualifications.
2. We request your Work Record Evaluation (internal ATU employees only). 
3. 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 – Part-time Weekday 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 part-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 [email protected]