Winter - Recruit Trainee Transit Driver

City of Steamboat Springs • Steamboat Springs, CO

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Recruit - Trainee Transit Driver learns to operate a Steamboat Springs Transit (SST) bus on designated fixed routes, providing safe, dependable, and friendly transportation to residents and guests. The position includes a paid, five-week, 200-hour training class intended to help trainees obtain a Colorado Class B commercial driver’s license with a Passenger endorsement and removal of the air brake restriction. Training pay is $24.42 per hour. After successfully obtaining a CDL, trainees may apply for open Seasonal Transit Driver positions, which start at $27.94 per hour. This is a temporary role for the duration of the Transit Driver Training class; the winter-season driving work described begins in December 2026 and runs through mid-April 2027.

Trainee drivers work under the direct supervision of the shift Transit Dispatch Supervisor. They represent the City of Steamboat Springs and serve passengers while following applicable laws, regulations, schedules, and safety procedures. The work can involve long hours, highway-speed operation, changing weather and traffic conditions, variable passenger loads, and light to moderate physical activity. Drivers may operate outside city limits without readily available assistance and may encounter passenger medical or safety issues.

The City describes its workplace as committed to employee well-being, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and to providing municipal services to the community. Winter-season incentives described include employee housing on a first-come, first-served basis, an additional $2.00 per hour for regional shifts, and end-of-season bonuses based on hours worked.

Requirements

• Graduation from high school or equivalent.
• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Possess, or be qualified to attain, a valid Colorado Commercial Driver’s License with appropriate endorsements; training is provided to help trainees obtain a Class B CDL with Passenger endorsement and removal of the air brake restriction.
• Motor Vehicle Records must show no more than four points accumulated on the license in the past three years.
• Must not have had a DUI or DWAI in the past seven years.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol screen and comply with Federal Transit Administration drug and alcohol testing.
• Must comply with City of Steamboat Springs and Steamboat Springs Transit standard operating procedures.
• Must meet Federal Department of Transportation requirements, with no mental, emotional, or physical limitation that would prevent performance of assigned duties.
• Ability to work long hours and handle burnout or high stress without adverse effects.
• Ability to work safely with light to moderate physical activity and operate at highway speeds in all weather conditions, varying passenger loads, and changing traffic patterns, requiring acute perception and quick reflexes.
• Ability to deal effectively and courteously with the public and maintain a neat appearance.
• Ability to develop knowledge of bus schedules and the service area and answer customer inquiries courteously and patiently.
• Ability to operate city buses safely and efficiently and maintain awareness of bus dimensions while maneuvering near or 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 deployment and mobility-device securement.
• Ability to identify passenger medical or other problems and communicate them to appropriate medical or law enforcement entities.

Responsibilities

• Learn to operate an SST bus safely and professionally on designated fixed routes.
• Operate the transit coach according to published schedules and applicable Federal, State, and local rules, regulations, and laws.
• Help ensure the safety and well-being of passengers, including up to 50 passengers at a time during assigned shifts.
• Gather and maintain accurate passenger counts, collect required fares, and complete forms for incidents or collisions.
• Provide reliable, courteous service and enforce rules and regulations related to passenger safety and safe bus operation.
• 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 information and forms.
• Learn the bus schedule and service area, including activities and events, to respond to customer inquiries.
• Identify passenger medical or other problems and relay information to appropriate medical or law enforcement entities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Employee housing offered on a first-come, first-served basis for winter-season work.
• Additional $2.00 per hour for regional shifts.
• End-of-season bonuses based on hours worked during the winter ski season: $1,000 for 500–749 hours, $2,000 for 750–999 hours, and $3,000 for 1,000 or more hours.
• Paid five-week, 200-hour CDL training class.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED