Transit Operator - Full-Time or Part-Time

Madison, City of • Madison, WI

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Metro Transit is hiring permanent full-time and part-time Transit Operators to safely and courteously transport passengers throughout Madison and surrounding areas. No large-vehicle experience is necessary. Operators receive paid training from experienced instructors, including hands-on bus driving instruction, support in earning a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), and instruction in Metro policies and procedures. Full-time training lasts 11–12 weeks; part-time training lasts approximately four weeks. Operators must pass the CDL skills test during training to continue employment.

Operators work under the guidance of Transit Operations Supervisors. During initial training, operators are scheduled for about 40 hours per week. After training, part-time operators work approximately 12–20 hours per week on split shifts covering public-school opening and closing hours. Full-time operators work 40 hours per week in a variety of shifts and must be available for assigned days, nights, weekends, and holidays. Routes and shifts are assigned through a seniority-based pick. Good attendance is essential. Employees serve a one-year probation period.

The position requires a Class B Commercial Learner’s Permit with a passenger endorsement and no “L” restriction before starting. Operators must maintain a CDL with proper endorsements throughout employment. Candidates must be at least 18, have a safe driving record, and pass job-related tests, including a pre-employment physical. Work may be based at either 1 S. Ingersoll Street or 3901 Hanson Road.

Requirements

• Before starting employment, hold a Class B Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) with a P (passenger) endorsement and no “L” restriction. Required CLP tests are General Knowledge, Air Brakes, and Passenger.
• Meet the stated driving-qualification route: either have a valid, regular (not probationary) Wisconsin driver license, or have two years of licensed driving experience; the posting lists a Class B, P-endorsement CLP with no “L” restriction for both alternatives.
• Be at least 18 years old at the start of employment.
• Have a safe driving record and pass all job-related tests, including a pre-employment physical exam. Driving-record disqualifiers include six or more Wisconsin license points; an OWI conviction in the past five years; an OWI conviction against a CDL; a revocation in the last year; or four or more moving violations in the past five years, including at least one in the past two years.
• If licensed in another state during the past five years, provide a driving-record abstract from that state.
• Pass the CDL skills test administered by a State of Wisconsin CDL Examiner during paid training as a condition of continued employment, and maintain a CDL with proper endorsements throughout employment.
• Pass the Metro Transit physical with either a two-year certification or recertifications covering a two-year period.
• Apply rules of the road and applicable laws; operate a motor vehicle safely and responsibly; and maintain prescribed safety standards.
• Exercise judgment in emergency situations and identify and report vehicle mechanical defects.
• Interact appropriately and courteously with patrons, maintain effective passenger and public relations, and work effectively with multicultural communities.
• Understand and communicate effectively in English; understand and follow written instructions, policies, procedures, traffic signs and signals, and official inquiries.
• Read maps and schedules and complete routine written reports and records.
• Maintain adequate attendance.
• Meet the physical requirements of the job, including prolonged sitting, frequent forceful use of legs and feet on pedals, pushing and pulling a heavy steering wheel, reaching overhead, walking half a mile in 10 minutes, and stooping, kneeling, bending, lifting, and pulling heavy objects.

Nice To Haves

• A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is acceptable in place of starting with only a permit, provided the required permit qualification is met.
• Experience operating a large vehicle is not necessary.

Responsibilities

• Safely, reliably, and courteously operate a transit bus on assigned routes in Madison and surrounding areas.
• Follow assigned routes, schedules, operating policies, and procedures.
• Assist passengers boarding and exiting the bus.
• Operate ramps and assist with the placement and securement of wheelchairs and similar mobility devices, including repositioning passenger seats as needed.
• Identify and report safety or vehicle-operation problems to a supervisor or dispatcher.
• Report accidents and complete accident report forms according to applicable procedures.
• Maintain effective passenger and customer relations; answer questions and assist passengers as appropriate.
• Respond to operational and customer-relations issues, including medical emergencies, lost or disoriented passengers, and emergency road conditions, by taking appropriate action and/or notifying a supervisor or dispatcher.
• Inform passengers of ridership rules and regulations.
• Program and operate a fare box as taught during training; issue transfers and honor passes according to established procedures.
• Operate the numeric keypad on a mobile data terminal (MDT).
• Prepare reports and maintain records as requested.
• Perform related work as required.

Benefits

• Paid training.
• Health, dental, vision, income protection, and life insurance for full-time positions.
• Health insurance option with no monthly premium for 100% full-time Operators.
• Pension with automatic retirement savings and employer match for full-time employees.
• Free uniforms.
• Free bus pass.
• Paid parental leave for birth or adoption for eligible employees.
• Employees may be eligible for loan forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed