Winter - Recruit Trainee Transit Driver

City of Streamboat Strings • Steamboat Springs, CO

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Recruit Trainee Transit Driver learns to operate a Steamboat Springs Transit bus on designated fixed routes, safely and professionally providing dependable, friendly transportation for residents and guests. The paid training class is five weeks and 200 hours, intended to help participants obtain a Colorado CDL Class B license with Passenger endorsement and the air brake restriction removed. Trainees are paid $24.42 per hour during training. After successfully obtaining a CDL, they may apply for open Seasonal Transit Driver positions, which pay a starting rate of $27.94 per hour. The winter-season work begins in December 2026 and runs through mid-April 2027; the training position itself is temporary and lasts only for the duration of the training class.

Trainee drivers work under the direct supervision of the shift Transit Dispatch Supervisor. The role serves as an ambassador for the City of Steamboat Springs and supports safe transit operations while serving residents and guests. Seasonal driver bonuses include an additional $2.00 per hour for regional shifts and end-of-season bonuses based on hours worked: $1,000 for 500–749 hours, $2,000 for 750–999 hours, and $3,000 for 1,000 or more hours. Employee housing may be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Requirements

• High school graduation or equivalent.
• Must be at least 21 years old and possess, or be qualified to attain, a valid Colorado Commercial Driver’s License with appropriate endorsements.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol screen and comply with Federal Transit Administration drug and alcohol testing.
• Motor vehicle records must show no more than four license points accumulated in the past three years.
• Must not have had a DUI or DWAI in the past seven years.
• Must comply with City of Steamboat Springs and Steamboat Springs Transit standard operating procedures.
• Must be able to work long hours and not be adversely affected by burnout or high stress.
• Must be able to work safely with light to moderate physical activity.
• Must be able to operate at highway speeds with acute perception and quick reflexes in all weather conditions, passenger loads, and traffic patterns.
• Must meet Federal Department of Transportation requirements, with no mental, emotional, or physical limitation that would prevent performance of assigned duties.
• Must be able to operate outside city limits without readily available assistance resources.
• Ability to operate buses safely and efficiently, maintain dimensional awareness, and maneuver around objects without contact.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to understand basic mechanical aspects and operations of transit coaches, including ADA lift deployments and mobility-device securement.
• Neat appearance and ability to deal effectively and courteously with the public.

Responsibilities

• Learn to operate a Steamboat Springs Transit bus on designated fixed routes safely and professionally, adhering to published schedules and applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Provide dependable, courteous service to residents and guests and answer customer inquiries patiently.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of passengers during assigned shifts.
• Gather and maintain accurate passenger counts, collect required fares, and complete reports for incidents or collisions.
• Enforce rules and regulations relating to passenger safety and safe bus operations.
• Inspect the vehicle before service, at mid-shift, and at the end of each shift; report mechanical deficiencies to a supervisor.
• Fuel, service, and clean the transit coach at the end of each day, which may include cleaning biohazards.
• Complete and maintain required vehicle inspection forms.
• Recognize medical or other problems involving passengers and relay information to appropriate medical or law enforcement entities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Paid five-week, 200-hour CDL training class.
• Employee housing may be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Additional $2.00 per hour for regional shifts after becoming a seasonal bus driver.
• End-of-season bonuses based on hours worked during the winter ski season.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED