Full Time Bus Operator at Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) in Boston, MA 02129, MA

: At the MBTA, we envision a thriving region enabled by a best-in-class transit system. Our mission is to serve the public by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation. MBTA’s core values are built around safety, service, equity, and sustainability and each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values. This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed.

Job Summary

The Bus Operator operates an MBTA surface vehicle, assuming responsibility for the safety of passengers and equipment. They also perform routine vehicle inspections to ensure proper operation, collect fares from passengers, assist in emergency situations, and work under occasional supervision, following MBTA guidelines and procedures.

This is a 40-hour a week position that is also eligible for overtime.

Training Pay: Candidates can expect to earn 100% of full-time hourly rate during training.

Duties & Responsibilities

Operate surface line vehicles along assigned routes, including picking up passengers, collecting fares, checking passes and ID cards for validity, protecting revenue collected according to defined procedures, sitting for extended periods of time, and some exposure to vibrations, noise, airborne particles, and fumes.
Inspect and/or test vehicles (including, but not limited to, brakes, lights, signs, doors, mirrors, wipers, tires, and horn) to ensure serviceable condition.
Regularly climb onto side of bus and reach with hands and arms to adjust side view mirrors.
Report and identify mechanical problems or defects to appropriate authorities.
Operate vehicle while maintaining appropriate speed and following distance from other vehicles.
Ensure proper signs are displayed and changed as needed during each trip.
Clearly announce destination at service stops, connecting points, and at all intervals along route sufficient to permit individuals to orient themselves to their location.
Notify Bus Control Center Dispatcher of any emergency, requesting additional assistance if needed.
Evacuate passengers if an emergency warrants action and the Inspector is not available to make the decision.
Operate onboard fire extinguisher.
Maintain adequate knowledge of the MBTA system to provide routine information and directions to the public.
Refer disputes over ID validity or fare collection to the official in charge of the station, producing a written report to the Superintendent if the dispute is not resolved.
Prepare accident reports as required.
Respond to each inquiry, whether from a customer, vendor, or co-worker, in a courteous and professional manner consistent with the Authority's "Driven by Customer Service" quality standard.
Report for duty on time and remain on duty for the duration of a scheduled work shift.
Report to work during declared states of emergency as essential personnel.
New Hires may be required to join an MBTA System Navigator program as part of their training, where they will be asked to provide customer information and assistance, as well as support other operational duties.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

Eighteen (18) years of age or older.
High school diploma or equivalent (G.E.D).
Valid driver's license for at least three (3) years.
Ability to read, write, comprehend, speak / communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English.
Ability to pass interview screening process & Workforce Assessment.
Possession or ability to obtain a valid Class B Massachusetts Commercial Driver's License (CDL) permit with General Knowledge, Air Brakes, and Passenger endorsements.
Satisfactory driving record in accordance with the MBTA's Driving Record Policy.
Satisfactory non-renew display for tickets report from the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles.
Ability to pass the Department of Telecommunications and Energy (DTE) skill performance and road test.
For applicants who have worked for employers regulated by the United States Department of Transportation within the previous two (2) years, the ability to pass additional drug and alcohol review based on information received from those employers.
Ability to report to work on time and to work entire assigned work shift on regular and consistent basis.

*NOTE: Anyone hired in this position is required to successfully complete a required probationary period of 120 working days. Continued employment is also subject to obtaining a Class B Massachusetts CDL Permit (with Knowledge, Air Brakes, and Passenger endorsements) and later obtaining a CDL. Individuals who are hired without the requisite CDL Permit will be provided training, for up to two weeks, and must pass the CDL Permit test within this two-week training period to continue their employment. There will be a maximum of two attempts in these two weeks to satisfy this requirement.

To request an unattested driving record online, go to: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/request-a-driving-record

Substitutions Include

None.

Job Conditions:

Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English

Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences

Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team (or supervise, if required)

Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees and co-workers

Ability to adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the MBTA, including the EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies

Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting (unless if recent graduate), including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection)

Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, comprehensive background screening, and medical Clinic screening, potentially including a physical examination and drug and alcohol screenings

Ability to work all shifts and / or locations assigned, directed, or necessary for this position, including (for some transit / operations roles) up to twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as necessary to accommodate severe weather conditions, emergencies, or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service

Disclaimers and Definitions:

General Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe a summary, general nature, and complexity of typical job functions and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position.

Application Deadlines: Applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established.

Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here-in are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. See job description for role-specific requirements.

Work Eligibility: Although the MBTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, all employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer and on an unrestricted basis (the MBTA does not sponsor non-US citizens). However, if you have an unrestricted work authorization, or sponsored by a separate entity, you are welcome to apply for open positions. International students taking part in CPT / STEM / OPT programs through a university are eligible for internships and co-ops with the MBTA. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to complete a Form I-9 to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.

Interviews: Candidates should ensure they arrive on time, are prepared, can remain for the duration, and if remote, are in a quiet place without distraction, for the interview. Candidates who do not attend their interview without advance authorization, including an email confirmation of a rescheduled time/date from Human Resources, will be considered a no-show and disqualified from consideration for the position. Related to rescheduling, on a one-time basis, and due to something emergent, you may be allowed to reschedule the interview. In addition, Human Resources may require documentation supporting the request. However, should you need to reschedule, you will need to contact your Recruiter directly by email.

Safety Sensitive Positions: Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.

On-call or 24/7 Positions: Employees working in this classification must be available to respond to page / text / call and report to work as determined by assigned department or the Authority.

Essential / Emergency Staff: During declared "states of emergency," employees working in this classification are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by management.

ADA Accommodations: The MBTA makes reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during this process, please contact the MBTA's ADA Unit at 617-222-5751 or hradaaa@mbta.com.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The MBTA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. For terms, descriptions, and definitions related to diversity, equity, inclusion, veteran status, and immediate family members that you may find on the application form, please visit mbta.com/careers-app-definitions.