Transit Operator (9163) - San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (T00156)
About The Position
Under general supervision, the Transit Operator operates a variety of transit vehicles—including diesel and electric motor coaches, cable cars, streetcars, and light rail vehicles—to transport passengers along assigned routes and make designated stops. The operator collects fares, issues transfers, provides general directional information, and performs related duties. This recruitment will be used to fill both full-time and part-time positions. The role involves inspecting vehicles before and after operation, checking passenger areas for hazards, safely navigating assigned routes under varied environmental conditions, assisting passengers who use wheelchairs, communicating stops and instructions through the vehicle intercom, responding to passenger questions, and contacting Central Control about emergencies or conditions that may affect service. Operators complete reports documenting accidents, incidents, and other unusual occurrences. Operators may work rotating shifts, holidays, and weekends, and work outdoors in all weather conditions. The position may require computer use, prolonged standing or sitting, and physical tasks such as pulling poles, cranking subway switches, resetting retrievers, and assisting with the movement of disabled vehicles. Operators bid for assignments by seniority, and work hours and days off may change several times per year. All employees must comply with applicable FTA and SFMTA mandates and successfully complete the SFMTA Operator Training Program, which includes classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction.
Requirements
- Be at least 21 years old by November 23, 2026.
- Possess a valid high school diploma, GED, or California High School Proficiency Certificate.
- Have one year of verifiable satisfactory public contact or customer service experience.
- Possess a valid Class C driver's license and have been a licensed driver for at least three continuous years from November 23, 2023 through November 23, 2026.
- Possess or be able to obtain a Class B driver's license with a Passenger (P) endorsement and no restrictions prohibiting operation of an SFMTA public transit vehicle.
- Meet the stated driving-record standards for November 23, 2023 through November 23, 2026 and through appointment, including limits on moving violations and requirements concerning accidents, driving suspensions, and specified convictions.
- Have no convictions between November 23, 2019 and November 23, 2026 for offenses related to the use, sale, possession, or transportation of narcotics, habit-forming drugs, or dangerous drugs.
- Have no convictions of a sex offense as defined in Section 44010 of the Education Code.
- Be able to obtain a School Pupil Activity Bus (SPAB) certificate issued by DMV.
- Successfully complete the SFMTA Operator Training Program; attendance at all training sessions is required.
- Meet medical requirements if required for appointment and comply with applicable safety-sensitive drug and alcohol testing requirements.
- If not already held, obtain a Class B Driver Permit with Passenger (P) endorsement and airbrakes before starting Transit Operator training.
Responsibilities
- Conduct pre-operational inspections of transit vehicles in accordance with laws and departmental regulations.
- Inspect passenger compartments for hazards and ensure video camera lenses are not obscured.
- Safely operate transit vehicles through traffic along assigned routes and in varied environmental conditions.
- Operate disability access lifts and properly secure passengers' wheelchairs.
- Collect fares, issue transfers, and check transfers and electronic passes for validity.
- Use the vehicle intercom to communicate instructions and announce stops and transfer points.
- Respond to customer questions about routes, directions, fares, and transfers.
- Conduct post-operational inspections to identify defects, body damage, broken windows, and graffiti.
- Contact Central Control about emergencies, vehicle malfunctions, evacuations, traffic, road hazards, obstructions, and other service-affecting circumstances.
- Complete accident, incident, and miscellaneous reports documenting unusual occurrences.
- Complete the SFMTA Operator Training Program, including classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction.
Benefits
- SFMTA Employee Wellness Program
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
