Transit Operator - Full-Time or Part-Time
Salary
$58,391.58 Annually
Location
Metro Transit, Madison, WI
Job Type
PERMANENT FULL TIME
Job Number
2026-00222
Department
Metro Transit
Opening Date
07/13/2026
Closing Date
7/20/2026 4:00 PM Central
Comp. Group/Range
41/5A
General Description
Metro Transit is now hiring for permanent part-time AND full-time transit operators.
NO LARGE VEHICLE EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!
You just need to have your Commercial Learners Permit (CLP), and we will train you to drive a bus.
Start a Rewarding Career as a Metro Transit Operator
At Metro, we'll teach you everything you need to know to succeed. Our experienced driver instructor teams work closely with new full-time Transit Operators during a paid 11 - 12 week training program (shorter for part-time Operators).
Never driven a large vehicle before? No problem. We'll help you build the skills and confidence to safely operate a city bus and serve the community.
"I understand that every new driver starts with uncertainty, and I know firsthand how powerful encouragement and quality training can be. My goal is to build confident, skilled, and safety-focused operators who are prepared to serve our community with pride." - Joleen W., Transit Operator - 23 years, Operator Instructor - 5 years
During training, you'll:
As a Transit Operator, you'll safely transport passengers throughout the City of Madison and surrounding areas. This is an important role - you'll help people get to work, school, appointments, and home again. We're looking for people who can operate vehicles safely, make good decisions, and provide friendly, reliable service. You'll work under the guidance of Transit Operations Supervisors who are there to support you.
What you need to get started:
Candidates must have a Commercial Learners Permit before hire. Metro will train you to earn your full Commercial Drivers License (CDL) during the training period. To continue employment, you must pass the CDL road test as part of training.
If you're ready for steady work, paid training, great benefits, and the chance to make a real difference in your community, we encourage you to apply.
Benefits Include:
Employees may be eligible for loan forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Employees will serve a one (1) year probation period. During the initial training period of 11 - 12 weeks, Transit Operators will be scheduled for approximately 40 hours per week. Following the training period, part-time Transit Operators will work 15-20 hours per week working split shifts to cover the opening and closing hours of the Public Schools. Full-time Transit Operators will work 40 hours per week in a variety of shifts, and must be available to work days, nights, weekends, and holidays as scheduled. Good attendance is essential to continue employment.
This recruitment may be used to fill current vacancies and future vacancies for up to six (6) months.
Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, trans, nonbinary, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We value the unique blend of lived experiences and diverse perspectives that comes from non-traditional education pathways and the variety of transferrable skills each candidate brings to the table. We value diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Even if every item on the job posting doesn't match your experience perfectly, we encourage you to apply and share how your skills and experience can best serve our community.
Examples of Duties and Responsibilities
Minimum Qualifications
A valid regular Wisconsin driver license (not probationary) and a Commercial Learners Permit, Class B, P endorsement, no "L" restriction
OR
Two (2) years of licensed driving experience and a Commercial Learners Permit, Class B, P endorsement, no "L" restriction
Applicants will be evaluated against the driving record standards listed below. Depending on the number of candidates who pass the driving criteria, random selection may be used to determined who will move forward to interview.
Applicants Driving Record
An applicants driving record will be evaluated. If an applicant has held a drivers license in another state in the past five (5) years, the applicant is required provide a copy of their driving record abstract from that state.
IF AN APPLICANT HAS ANY OF THE FOLLOWING ON THEIR DRIVING RECORD, THEY WILL BE DISQUALIFIED FROM THE PROCESS:
The successful candidate will possess the following:
The City of Madison strives to provide excellent service to all of its residents and visitors. Therefore, successful candidates will have demonstrated ability to work effectively with multicultural communities.
For a complete list of the knowledge, skills and abilities, please view the class specification.
Special Requirements
At the start of employment, a Transit Operator must be at least 18 years of age, as required by U.S. Department of Transportation regulations, have a safe driving record and have passed all job-related tests, including a pre-employment physical exam.
It is fine to already have a Commercial Drivers License but a permit is required. In order to start, candidates must have a Class B Commercial Learners Permit (CLP) with P (passenger) endorsement and no "L" restriction. All employees will be required to pass the CDL Skills Test administered by a State of Wisconsin CDL Examiner during initial paid training as a condition of continued employment. Transit Operators are responsible for maintaining a CDL with proper endorsements throughout employment.
Employees need their birth certificate or valid passport in order to get their CDL permit, and it can take several weeks to get a copy, particularly from out of state if they dont already have it. Successful candidates should begin the process of requesting their birth certificate once they are offered and accept the position.
We offer a guide to CDL permit information and study resources on our website.
Physical Requirements:
Metro Transit has adopted the physical qualification standards provided in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations of the Federal Highway Administration. These standards permit the hiring of qualified individuals with disabilities, as required by the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act, Sec. 111.34(2)(c), Wisconsin Statutes. The successful candidate must be able to pass the Metro Transit physical with either a 2-year certification or re-certifications for a 2-year period.
Chosen candidates may work from either our 1 S. Ingersoll Street location or our 3901 Hanson Road location.
The City of Madison offers excellent pay and benefits for employees. City Ordinances, handbooks, and labor contracts provide specifics; the description here is not to be considered a binding statement but offers an informal summary.
Compensation
The City of Madison strives to pay competitive wages. View the current salary schedules for pay for all classifications. Employees receive increases based on tenure with the City.
Benefits
The City offers a competitive benefits package, including a generous leave package, a variety of insurance options, and non-traditional benefits such as optional pet insurance, a bus pass for all employees, and the possibility of flexible work schedules. A brief summary of benefits is listed below. Please visit our website for more information.
Leave
Vacation is earned upon starting employment and can be used after completion of probation. The general vacation schedule is below.
After 1 year 10 work days of vacation
After 7 years 15 days
After 11 years 20 days
After 19 years 25 days
After 27 years 27 days
Employees earn 5 personal days in addition to vacation.
Employees receive eight official paid holidays (New Years Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day), as well as 1 paid leave day (the Friday after Thanksgiving).
Employees also earn 13 sick days annually that may accrue to a total of 150 days.
Retirement
The City of Madison participates in the Wisconsin Retirement System through the State of Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds.
Insurance
The City of Madison offers a variety of optional insurance programs including:
Other Benefits
The City offers numerous other benefits and programs for employees, including:
01
Full-Time Transit Operators work a variety of different schedules including weekdays, weekends, evenings, holidays and split schedules. Schedules may change every few months. Part-Time Transit Operators work a variety of shifts that include some morning and some afternoon hours Monday - Friday when school is in session. Will you be able to work whatever schedule you are assigned?
02
Transit Operators may need to: Remain seated for up to four (4) hours with limited stretch breaks Exert strong pressure on foot pedals and brake frequently Turn a heavy steering wheel equal to 50 pounds of pulling pressure Reach above head to change signs Stoop, kneel, bend, lift to perform routine and emergency tasks Walk half a mile in 10 minutes Can you do the tasks above either with or without an accommodation?
03
Please indicate if you have been a participant in any of the following programs or attended any listed outreach events.
04
If you were a participant in any of the programs listed above or answered "other", please indicate the specific program name and the year(s) in which you participated. [Example: Operation Fresh Start Conservation Academy, 2026]
Required Question
Employer Madison, City of (WI)
Address 215 Martin Luther King Jr., Blvd.
MMB Rm 261
MADISON, Wisconsin, 53703
Phone (608) 266-4615