Metro Transit Part-Time Weekend-Holiday Bus Operator

Salary: $28.84 - $36.05 Hourly
Location : Various locations in Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN
Job Type: Part-Time
Job Number: 2024-00519
Division: Metro Transit
Department: Oper Instr & Dev Ctr-Bus Trans
Opening Date: 11/06/2024
Closing Date: 12/7/2024 11:59 PM Central
WHO WE ARE
The pay rate increases until you reach the top of the pay range.
We provide resources to study for the Commercial Learner's Permit test.
The starting hourly wage rate is $28.84/hour. After one year of employment, your hourly wage rate will increase per the ATU contract.
FOR THIS POSITION, THE HIRE DATES WILL BE:

• January 11, 2025
• March 22, 2025
• May 31, 2025
• August 9, 2025

WE OFFER A HIRING BONUS
$5000 Hiring Bonus for current Commercial Driver's License (CDL) holders with Passenger endorsement and no Air Brakes restriction

• $2500 after probation completion (approximately 6 months after training completion)
• $2500 at one year anniversary of hire

$3000 Hiring Bonus for all other licensed drivers

• $1500 after probation completion (approximately 6 months after training completion)
• $1500 at one year anniversary of hire

Metro Transit is currently seeking Bus Operators who are dedicated, career-oriented individuals with strong interpersonal and customer service skills who enjoy interacting with and serving the public. Our commitment to the safety for bus operators is a priority. We offer and provide you with the necessary safety and protective equipment.
This position is eligible for benefits 30 days after starting. To learn more about the benefits being offered click here
Metro Transit is one of the country's largest transit systems that employs more than 3,000 people, and prior to COVID-19, provided more than 80 million rides a year through an integrated network of buses, light rail and commuter trains, as well as resources for those who carpool, vanpool, walk or bike in the Twin Cities. Metro Transit is a division of the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. More information about the Metropolitan Council is on our website.
We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
What you would do in this job

• Perform pre-trip bus inspections inside and outside the bus.
• Safely operate the bus according to pre-determined routes and schedules.
• Provide courteous service to all customers by greeting passengers and answering questions concerning fares, schedules and other general concerns and inquiries.
• Ensure the safe boarding and timely transportation of riders.
• Complete forms and paperwork such as operating and accident/incident reports.
• Call out street names while driving per ADA requirements.
• Perform other related duties as needed or assigned.

Training Schedule - Part Time Weekend/Holiday Bus Operators
Training is fully paid and is typically 8 hours a day from 7:00AM to 3:00PM on Saturdays and Sundays. Training will take approximately 15-16 weeks. Once you have successfully completed the training, you will be assigned to a bus garage. Work locations and schedules are assigned based upon bus operator seniority and the needs of each garage.
Optional: Weekday training is available, Monday-Friday, during business hours. There are several days that you will be working either early mornings or late nights during training. These hours are to be determined by the Instructors.
Weekend/Holiday Part-Time Bus Operators
The work schedule includes weekends and holidays and can start as early as 12:01 a.m. on Saturday and can go as late as 3 a.m. Monday and all holidays.
What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications)
License Requirements Must have been actively driving with a valid driver's license (class A, B, C or D) for the past five (5) years.
Desired Licensing Requirements Class A or Class B Commercial Driver's License with General Knowledge, Passenger Endorsement, and Air Brakes (no restriction to Air Brakes). Qualified candidates with these licensing endorsements will be considered first.
If you do not have a Commercial Driver's License or need to add one or more of the following three endorsements (General Knowledge, Air Brakes and Passenger) to your current Commercial Driver's License, you may be hired into our "Week Zero" program where you study for and take your Commercial Learner's permit test outside of the weekend training days. If you choose to participate in this program, you will receive electronic study materials that will be sent to your email address from our Workforce Development Team. In addition to studying for the permit test on your own, you can choose to attend paid study sessions outside of the regular weekend training dates. Attending these study sessions is voluntary.
Driving Record:

• No more than two (2) moving violations and/or suspensions within the past three (3) years.
• No suspensions, longer than 90 days, within the past three (3) years.
• No revocations or withdrawals of license within the past three (3) years.

Candidates will be automatically disqualified if they have any of the following driving related convictions within the past ten (10) years:

• DWI/DUI
• Careless or Reckless Driving
• Inattentive Driving (talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, fiddling with the stereo, entertainment, or navigation system - anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving.)
• Open Bottle
• Leaving the scene of an accident
• Committing a felony while operating a motor vehicle
• Refusing to comply with implied consent
• Violating state or local law (other than parking violations) arising in connection with a fatal accident

Language Literacy:

• Ability to read, write and speak English to learn training materials, communicate with customers and write reports.

What you can expect from us:

• We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training opportunities.
• We offer opportunities for career advancement.
• We provide a competitive salary, and excellent medical, dental and retirement benefits.

Additional information
Union/Grade: Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1005 (ATU) / Grade 45
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Safety Sensitive: Yes. Subject to random DOT drug tests.
What your work environment would be:
You would work both inside and outside in varying weather and environmental conditions. One-third to two-thirds of the time you would work near moving parts or equipment, vibrations and around toxic or caustic chemicals, fumes, or airborne particles. The typical noise level for this position is loud.
Physical Requirements:
You will be regularly required to sit for long periods, stand/walk occasionally, clearly communicate in-person and using a two-way radio, hear normal conversations in-person and over a two-way radio, reach with hands/arms frequently below chest height, bend, stretch and secure wheelchairs with a 4-point lap/shoulder belt. Occasionally you will need to reach overhead and lift/carry/push/pull up to 25 pounds. You must have adequate close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
What steps the recruitment process involves:

1. We will review your application for minimum qualifications.
2. Work Record Evaluation (internal ATU employees only)
3. We will invite you in for an interview.
4. We will conduct a background check verifying any employment in a safety sensitive position with a DOT transportation regulated employer within the last two years, driving record, and criminal history. If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor, and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.
5. We will extend a conditional job offer once you have successfully completed the steps above. You will then be scheduled for a pre-employment DOT physical exam and drug test which you must pass.

IMPORTANT: If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration. The Council does not provide VISA sponsorship. Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.
The Metropolitan Council is an Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. If you have a disability that requires an accommodation during the selection process, please email HR-
We believe our employees are a key to our agency's success! In order to attract and retain high quality employees, the Council provides a highly competitive benefits package both in choice and coverage levels. Some highlights about our benefits are listed below:

• Guaranteed monthly retirement income through Minnesota State Retirement System pension fund
• Opportunity to save additional funds for retirement on a tax-deferred basis through a voluntary deferred compensation (457) plan
• Two or more medical plans from which to choose, with employer contribution towards premiums over 80%
• Dental insurance, life insurance and vision insurance

The following benefits are provided to all employees as part of working for the Council. You will have access to free:

• clinic
• bus/rail pass valued at over $1200 per year
• parking at many job locations
• fitness centers at many job locations
• Employee Assistance Program
• extensive health and wellness programs and resources

.
01
Applicant Instructions: The supplemental questions listed below are to determine your eligibility for this position. Answer each question completely. Resumes will not be accepted for this recruitment. I have read and understand the above instructions regarding supplemental questions.

• Yes
• No

02
How did you first hear about this job opening?

• CareerForce Center
• Community Event/Organization
• Employee referral
• Facebook
• Glassdoor
• Indeed
• Job Fair
• LinkedIn
• Metro Transit Advertisement
• Twitter or X
• Website: Governmentjobs.com
• Website: Metrocouncil.org
• Website: Metrotransit.org
• Website: Minnesotajobsnetwork.com
• Other

03
If you selected "Employee Referral", please enter the employee's first name, last name, ID number and job title (if known),
04
Have you been an active licensed driver for the past 5 years?

• Yes
• No

05
Driver's License: What class driver's license do you have?

• Class A with General Knowledge, Passenger, and no restriction to Air Brakes
• Class B with General Knowledge, Passenger, and no restriction to Air Brakes
• Class A or Class B with no endorsements and/or with an Air Brakes restriction
• Class C
• Class D
• Another class from a state other than Minnesota
• None of the above

06
Within the past 2 years, have you worked for a company that conducted random alcohol and drug testing?

• Yes
• No

07
If you answered yes to the question above, please list the name of all of the companies you worked for in the last 2 years.
08
Education: Which of the following do you have?

• High School Diploma
• Adult Diploma
• GED
• International Equivalent to US High School Diploma
• None of the above

09
If you are offered the Part-time Weekend/Holiday Bus Operator position, which start date would you prefer?

• January 11, 2025
• March 22, 2025
• May 31, 2025
• August 9, 2025
• Any of these are acceptable

10
I am able to work the Part-time Weekend-Holiday Bus Operator schedule as listed. The work week schedule could start on Saturday at 12:01 AM and end as late as 3:00 AM on Monday and all holidays.

• Yes
• No

11
I am able to report to any of the bus garages listed. East Metro Garage, St. Paul, MN; Heywood Garage, Minneapolis, MN; Nicollet Garage, Minneapolis, MN; North Loop Garage, Minneapolis, MN; South Garage, Bloomington, MN

• Yes
• No

12
Please mark the boxes below after reading each statement to indicate that you acknowledge and understand each of the following.:

• I have read the job announcement, and I understand I must pass all of the minimum qualifications to continue in the recruitment process.
• I have provided an accurate and valid email address in my application, to which I have full access.
• I understand I will be notified about the status of my application by email, and that I can log into my application account on this website at any time to view the status of my application.

Required Question