Bus Driver (Part-time)

Salary: $25.55 - $30.67 Hourly
Location : 420 Plumer Street, Wausau, WI
Job Type: Regular Part-time
Job Number: 202600527
Department: Metro Ride Transit
Division: Operations Division
Opening Date: 08/14/2026
FLSA: Non-Exempt


Purpose of the Position


The City of Wausau is now accepting applications for Part-Time Bus Drivers ! Our Bus Operators provide excellent customer service in the performance of all duties and responsibilities associated with transit vehicle operations. Part-time Bus Drivers work 20 hours per week. During the school year, the hours are 6:40 a.m. to 8:40 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m., Monday through Friday. The part-time Bus Drivers drive the express routes that help with the increase of student riders before and after school. Summer hours are available and flexible, with 20 hours available per week (5 consecutive hours per day, 4 days per week).
Experience is desired, but not required. The Metro Ride Department will train! Paid training for all new hires!
*** Paid training to obtain a Commercial Driver's License! ***

The City of Wausau is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Benefits Information for Part-time Bus Operators

• Paid training to receive a Class B Commercial Driver's License issued by the State of WI.
• Single Health Insurance and Single Dental Insurance available to part-time employees.
• Long-term Disability Insurance available to part-time employees.
• Holidays Off with Pay: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day. Part-time employees receive 6 hours of holiday pay for these holidays.
• Working Holidays: Metro Ride runs service on ATU Friday, Day after Thanksgiving, and December 24th.
  • If a part-time employee works on any of these days, they will receive 6 hours of holiday pay and regular pay for hours worked on the holiday.
  • If a part-time employee is not scheduled to work any of these days, they will receive 6 hours of holiday pay.
• Vacation: Part-time employees receive a proration of the annual vacation accrual outlined in the contract based on the number of hours worked in the previous year. New employees may not use vacation during the first 6 months of employment.
• Personal Holidays: Part-time employees receive 3 personal holidays every January 1st. Each personal holiday is 6 hours. Personal holidays must be used in the year they are received.
• Sick Leave: Part-time employees receive a proration of the bi-weekly accrual equal to 4 hours per month of service, which accrues at 1.85 hours bi-weekly up to a maximum of 66 days (528 hours).
• Perfect Attendance Leave (PAL): PAL may be requested by employees who do not use any sick leave during a 6 month period of time, and may receive additional PAL for each 6 month period of time in which sick leave is not used.

This position will be posted until filled. Applications will be reviewed regularly.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Safely operate a transit bus along assigned routes and schedules
• Perform pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections
• Assist passengers, including individuals using mobility devices
• Provide route, schedule, and fare information
• Monitor passenger conduct to ensure a safe environment
• Operate fareboxes, signage, lifts, and communication equipment
• Maintain accurate reports and documentation
• Communicate with dispatch and maintenance as needed

Minimum Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Valid driver's license with a good driving record
• Ability to obtain:
  • Class B CDL (with air brake + passenger endorsements) within 6 months
  • Medical Examiner Certificate (Fed Med Card)

Experience driving larger vehicles is helpful-but not required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong customer service and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and stay on schedule
• Ability to operate a vehicle safely in traffic and varying weather conditions
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and handle challenging situations professionally
• Ability to learn routes, streets, and fare systems

Work Environment
Work is performed primarily while operating a transit vehicle in varying weather conditions, including:

• All traffic conditions
• Winter driving conditions
• Extended periods of sitting and driving

Additional Information

IMPORTANT! When completing References section, include 3 professional references with current and valid email addresses.

ADDITIONAL POSITION INFORMATION:
Salary Information
This position is covered under the bargaining agreement between the City of Wausau and Local 1168 Amalgamated Transit Union, AFL-CIO. The current hour rate of pay for Bus Operator I set by the agreement is:
Starting Rate: $25.55
At 6 months: $27.20
At 12 months: $28.40
At 2 years: $29.78
At 4 years: $30.67

Schedule Information The Metro Ride Department hires drivers as part-time. Part-time Bus Operators may promote to full-time by seniority when vacancies occur.


The regular schedule for part-time Bus Drivers is 20 hours per week, 6:40 a.m. to 8:40 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m., Monday through Friday during the school year. Summer hours are available and flexible, with 20 hours available per week (5 consecutive hours per day, 4 days per week).


Current Labor Agreement Contract:
SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS: The City of Wausau will make arrangements to furnish appropriate auxiliary aids and services where necessary and reasonable to afford an individual with a disability the opportunity to participate in the recruitment process. Please notify the Human Resources Department or phone View phone number on click.appcast.io to request special accommodations prior to the application deadline.

NOTICE TO APPLICANTS: Wisconsin Statutes, Sections 19.36 (7), 64.09 (5), and 64.11 (7) require public employers to treat the following items as a public record: Each applicant's application, records, recommendations and qualifications except as provided in Section 19.36 (7), Wis. Stats. that allows the identity of an applicant to remain confidential if the applicant requests in writing that the City not provide access to this information.

If you choose not to have this information become a public record, you must make such a request in writing to the Human Resources Department. If you become a finalist for the position, your identity may be disclosed as required by law.

ADDITIONAL NOTICES:
The City of Wausau is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

• Single/Family Health Insurance and Single Dental Insurance available to part-time employees.
• Long-term Disability Insurance available to part-time employees.
• Holidays Off with Pay: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day. Part-time employees receive 6 hours of holiday pay for these holidays.
• Working Holidays: Metro Ride runs service on ATU Friday, Day after Thanksgiving, and December 24th (aka Christmas Eve).
  • If a part-time employee works on any of these days, they will receive 6 hours of holiday pay and regular pay for hours worked on the holiday.
  • If a part-time employee is not scheduled to work any of these days, they will receive 6 hours of holiday pay.
• Vacation: Part-time employees receive a proration of the annual vacation accrual outlined in the contract based on the number of hours worked in the previous year. New employees may not use vacation during the first 6 months of employment.
• Personal Holidays: Part-time employees receive 3 personal holidays every January 1st. Each personal holiday is 6 hours. Personal holidays must be used in the year they are received.
• Sick Leave: Part-time employees receive a proration of the bi-weekly accrual equal to 4 hours per month of service, which accrues at 1.85 hours bi-weekly up to a maximum of 66 days (528 hours).

01


What is the highest level of education that you have received?

• Some High School
• High School Diploma or GED Equivalent
• Skills Certificate/Technical Diploma
• Some College/No Degree
• Associate Degree
• Bachelor Degree
• Masters Degree
• Doctorate Degree

02


Do you possess, or have the ability to possess, a valid driver's license issued by the state of Wisconsin?

• Yes, I have a valid WI driver's license
• I have a valid driver's licensed issued by a state other than WI and have the ability to obtain a valid WI driver's license
• No, I do not have the ability to obtain a valid WI driver's license

03


This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a valid Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with Air Brake and Passenger endorsements within 6 months of hire. The Metro Ride Department provides all needed training to obtain this license. Do you have have the ability to meet this requirement?

• I have the ability to meet this requirement within 6 months of hire.
• I already meet this requirement.
• I do not have the ability to meet this requirement.

Required Question