Student Bus Driver

San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS)•San Diego, CA

23d•$28 - $38•Onsite

About The Position

San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) is hiring Bus Drivers for a full-time role serving the San Diego community. No prior bus-driving experience is required; MTS provides paid training to become a Class B licensed bus driver. Bus Drivers operate public transit buses on assigned routes and schedules, prioritizing passenger safety and comfort while providing courteous service. The role includes collecting fares, answering route and schedule questions, preparing reports, conducting bus inspections, assisting passengers with disabilities, and completing related duties as assigned. Drivers must be available to work a flexible schedule, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays. Work is primarily performed in a bus driver's seat and sometimes in an office environment. The stated hourly pay range is $28.21 to $38.09, with a starting rate of $28.21 and increases after successful completion of required training. Rates are subject to negotiation with ATU Local 1309 and may change. MTS provides competitive benefits and perks, including healthcare, paid time off, retirement plans, and wellness programs.

Requirements

Must be at least 21 years old.
High school diploma or GED required.
Valid California driver's license required at the time of application.
At least three years of driving experience required.
Must provide a copy of the three-year K-4 DMV record with the application.
Must possess, or be able to obtain and maintain, a valid California Class B license.
Must pass applicable examinations, including a pre-employment physical, drug screen, and background check.
Traffic record must not reflect irresponsibility or disregard for traffic rules and laws.
Must demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills.
Must be able to read, understand, and apply MTS policies, regulations, and union labor contracts, or have the ability to learn them.
Must be able to write clear, concise, grammatically correct letters, memoranda, and reports, and speak clearly and effectively with tact and diplomacy.
Must be able to prioritize and complete assignments by deadlines, multitask, follow schedules, exercise sound judgment in normal and emergency situations, and work with others.
Must demonstrate customer service skills, a solid work ethic, punctuality, and knowledge of and adherence to safety procedures.
Must be available to work days, nights, weekends, and holidays.
Must be able to sit for long periods in a confined area and perform job-related physical tasks, including walking, stooping, bending, reaching overhead, and occasional lifting up to 50 pounds.
Must be able to operate a motor vehicle and perform manual-dexterity tasks such as using a computer and 10-key.
Must have good eyesight and maintain alertness during tedious circumstances.
Must be willing to work more than eight hours per day or an irregular work week when needed to perform essential duties.

Nice To Haves

Stable employment, punctuality, good attendance, and a favorable attitude toward public service.

Responsibilities

Safely operate an assigned public transit bus along its route and according to a preset schedule, with due regard for passenger safety and comfort.
Receive route and schedule paperwork from the dispatcher.
Inspect the bus before departure, including its exterior, tires, lights, windows, mirrors, wipers, engine compartment, and other listed components.
Collect fares and issue transfers.
Answer passengers’ questions about routes and schedules, and use the public address system to announce stops and provide schedule or rules information.
Assist passengers who use wheelchairs by operating the lift and, when needed, helping position the passenger and secure wheelchair restraints.
Ensure bicycles are properly secured on bus racks.
Write reports concerning daily duties and maintain clear, courteous communication with the public.
Return the bus to the yard, pass pertinent information to the next driver when a route is ongoing, perform a pre-departure inspection, and remove debris and lost items from the bus.
Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage for the employee and family
Paid time off, including vacation and sick time
Retirement plans
Wellness programs
Incremental pay increases
Employer-paid holidays, up to 13 per year, including two floating holidays and a paid birthday holiday
Employer-paid DMV licensing and training
Free transit pass for the employee and family
Gym membership reimbursement
Walk, run, and bike event reimbursement
Employer-paid bereavement leave and jury duty
Employer-paid uniforms