Student Bus Driver

Join San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) as a Bus Driver!

This is an integral position serving the community of beautiful San Diego. No experience? Quite alright! We will pay you to become a trained Class B Licensed Bus Driver. Bus Drivers are represented by Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), Local 1309. This is a full-time position starting at $28.21 per hour with competitive benefits including, but not limited to, healthcare, dental, and vision for you and your family, vacation and sick time, retirement plans, and wellness programs.

What is a Bus Driver responsible for?

Bus Drivers are responsible for the safe operation of a public transit bus over an assigned route according to schedule. It is necessary for the operator to maintain a pleasant, courteous and helpful attitude toward the public at all times. Other duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: drives with due regard to the safety and comfort of passengers and to the maintenance of time schedules; collects fares and issues transfers; answers questions regarding route and time schedules; must write reports concerning daily duties; be willing to work flexible hours; and other related duties as assigned.

Essential job functions include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Arrives at the main bus lot or designated location (on route) ready and able to drive assigned bus over specified route to transport passengers according to pre-set time schedule.
• Receives all paperwork from dispatcher including route and schedule information
• Performs bus inspection: Exterior, looks for oil and other leaks under the bus, checks for body damage, determines if the bus is leaning, checks tires and wheels, splash guards, all windows, front door glass, mirrors, headlights, windshield glass; wipers, clearance lights, reflectors, turn signals, brake lights, license plate clean/readable, bike rack is secure. Checks back engine compartment. It takes between 20 to 40lbs of pressure to lift the back engine compartment door (swings up); however, closes (down) easily
• Assists dependent passengers (wheelchair bound) by operating the wheelchair lift (by lever) and may move the passengers to the location in bus provided for wheelchair bound passengers. May assist in buckling restraints onto wheelchair
• Ensures bikes are properly stowed/ secured on the bus racks
• Uses public address system to call out American with Disabilities Stops, and informs passengers of other schedule information, and/ or rules
• Returns bus to bus yard and turns over all pertinent information to the next driver (if route is still ongoing). Performs pre-departure inspection; picks up paper debris from floor/seats and takes any left items to appropriate location in facility.
• Performs other duties as assigned

What we're looking for in a candidate:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of or ability to learn MTS policies and regulations; ability to read, understand and apply MTS policies, regulations and union labor contracts; ability to write letters, memoranda and reports using clear, concise and grammatically correct English; ability to speak clearly, distinctly and effectively in person-to-person or small group situations using tact and diplomacy; ability to coordinate and initiate actions necessary to implement decisions and delegate responsibilities to appropriate personnel; ability to establish and maintain priorities in order to complete assignments by deadlines without detailed instructions; strong organizational skills and demonstrated ability to multi-task and follow a set time schedule; ability to exercise prudent and timely judgment in normal and emergency situations; ability to sit for long periods of time in a confined area; excellent customer service skills; ability to get along with others; demonstrated solid work ethic and punctuality; knowledge of and ability to properly adhere to safety procedures; must have a flexible schedule and be available to work on days, nights, weekends and holidays

Physical Requirements:

• The successful candidate must be 21 years of age or older and able to fulfill the physical demands of the job such as walking, stooping, sitting, bending, reaching for overhead files and occasional lifting (must be able to lift up to 50 pounds)
• Must be able to operate a motor vehicle and perform tasks involving manual dexterity, such as use of a computer and 10-key
• Work will at times require more than 8 hours per day or an irregular work week to perform the essential duties of the position
• Must have good eyesight and the ability to maintain constant alertness under tedious circumstances
• Duties will be performed primarily in a bus driver's seat at the front of a bus, as well as in an office environment

Experience/Education/Certificates/License(s):

• Must possess a high school diploma or GED
• A valid California driver's license is required at time of application
• Candidates must have at least three (3) years of driving experience
• A copy of the K-4 DMV record (three-year report) must accompany application
• The successful candidate must possess or have the ability to obtain and maintain a valid California Class B license
• No applicant will be considered whose traffic record reflects irresponsibility or disregard of traffic rules and laws
• Candidates should demonstrate stable employment, punctuality, good attendance records and a favorable attitude toward public service
• Candidates must demonstrate ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

General Information:

Must satisfactorily pass all applicable examinations including, but not limited to, a pre-employment physical, drug screen and background check.

Hourly Pay Rate: $28.21 to $38.09

Starting wage is $28.21 per hour. Upon successful completion of the required training program, the hourly rate for a Bus Driver is increased annually. The top rate for a Bus Driver is currently $38.09 per hour. All hourly rates are subject to negotiation with the ATU, Local 1309 and are therefore subject to change.

MTS offers competitive benefits including, but not limited to, medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family, paid time off, retirement plans, and wellness programs.

Additional perks and benefits include:

• Incremental pay increases
• Employer-paid holidays (up to 13 per year, including 2 floating holidays and a paid birthday holiday)
• Employer-paid DMV licensing and training
• Free transit pass for you and your family
• Gym membership reimbursement
• Walk, run, and bike event reimbursement
• Employer-paid bereavement leave and jury duty
• Employer-paid uniforms
• And much more!

DISCLAIMER: The above described job elements are intended to indicate the general nature and levels of work being performed by employees assigned to the job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities and skills required of employees so classified. Management retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

EEO is The Law - Equal Employer Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Disabled

MTS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer with an ongoing commitment to treat all people, including customers, co-workers and the public at large, with dignity and respect. As a public transportation agency, MTS is committed to providing an inclusive workplace that reflects the diverse communities in which we work and live.

MTS supports and promotes an environment that is free of discrimination and harassment. MTS recruits, hires, trains and promotes individuals without regard to race, such as hair texture and hairstyles), color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age (40 years or older), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition (cured or rehabilitated cancer), physical disability, mental disability, reproductive health decision-making, genetic information (including family medical history), military or veteran status, or any other protected class.

MTS encourages veterans, military spouses and people from different backgrounds to apply for open positions for which they are interested. Additionally, MTS employees are encouraged to refer qualified candidates from all backgrounds and age groups. At MTS, we are committed to a fair and equitable workplace where everyone is a respected and valued member of the team.