Transportation Equipment Operator (Bus Operator)

Transportation Equipment Operator (Bus Operator)

Salary

$52,790.40 - $66,934.40 Annually

Location

Detroit, Michigan, MI

Job Type

Certified-Regular Civil Service

Job Number

202613722038DDOTMDLM

Department

Dept of Transportation

Opening Date

09/25/2026

Bargaining Unit

1740-Amalgamated Transit Union Division #26 (DDOT)

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Transportation Equipment Operator

$22.00-$23.00 an hour while in Training (approximately 12 weeks)

The Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) is seeking dedicated, career-oriented individuals with strong interpersonal and customer service skills who enjoy interacting with the public, to serve as Transportation Equipment Operators. This position is responsible for the day-to-day operation of a city bus in a safe, efficient, and courteous manner. Work involves safety inspection of bus prior to use, transporting citizens to and from designated bus stops, collection of fares, and daily record keeping. DDOT will assist successful candidates in obtaining their Commercial Driver's License including training and testing.

The Detroit Department of Transportation is the largest public transit provider in Michigan that serves the City of Detroit, surrounding suburbs, and neighboring cities, including Highland Park and Hamtramck. DDOT prides itself on providing reliable, clean, safe, and efficient service to its daily riders.

DDOT takes the COVID-19 situation very seriously. We are working with the City of Detroit, state, and local public health officials and following the CDC's guidance to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Our commitment to the safety for Bus Operators is priority. For more information, visit www.detroitmi.gov/ddot. We offer and provide our Transportation Equipment Operators with the necessary safety and protective equipment and an enclosed driver seat on the buses.

Video: Day In the Life of a Transportation Equipment Operator

Examples of Duties

• Operates motor coaches.

• Opens doors for passengers boarding and exiting vehicles.

• Operates wheelchair lifts.

• Cycles wheelchair lift upon pulling out and pulling into the garage.

• Monitors passengers depositing fares and ensures correct amounts are deposited in fare box.

• Issues, receives, and validates transfers.

• Prepares and issues refund slips.

• Announces streets and stop locations.

• Provides information and directions to passengers in a courteous manner.

• Adjusts route and destination signs and route numbers.

• Maintains cleanliness of vehicle.

• Removes snow, ice or slush from steps and platforms.

• Maintains proper lighting, heating, and ventilation in vehicle.

• Reviews bulletin boards at terminal daily for route changes, detours, policy changes and other announcements.

• Prepares and completes trip sheets, accident reports and other forms and submits to appropriate personnel.

• Instructs students on the operation of transportation equipment.

• Ensures vehicle is serviced when driving into service areas.

• Conducts pre- and post-trip coach inspections.

• Transfers coaches to alternative terminals.

• Maintains established route schedule.

Minimum Qualifications

Qualifications (required):

Completion of high school or G.E.D.

Qualifications (preferred):

Preferably two (2) years of experience operating automotive vehicles, as demonstrated by a State Driving Record.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of basic operation of automotive equipment.

Knowledge of traffic rules and regulations.

Knowledge of geographic layout of the city.

Skill in operating automotive equipment.

Ability to effectively interact with the public.

Ability to follow oral and written directions.

Ability to read maps and follow established schedules and routes.

Licenses, Certifications, and Other Special Requirements:

Candidates considered for placement in this classification may be subject to a Criminal Background Investigation based on the requirements of the position.

Valid Michigan Chauffeur license.

Valid Michigan Commercial Driver License with Group B designation and Passenger and Air Brake endorsements.

Candidates must have a CDL permit before starting and those that already have a CDL must obtain the P endorsement before starting.

Supplemental Information

Evaluation Plan

Interview P/F

Evaluation of Training, Experience, & Personal Qualifications: 100%

Total of Interview and Evaluation T.E.P 100%

Domicile Credit: 15 Points

Veteran Points: 0-15 Points

Additional points may be awarded for:

Veteran Points: 0 - 15 points

Detroit Residency Credit: 15 points

Michigan CDL Requirements

• Must reside in the State of Michigan
• Must be 21 years old to obtain a license to drive across state lines
• If between the ages of 18-21 you can obtain a Michigan CDL with a K restriction allowing you to drive in the state of Michigan only
• Provide proof of legal presence in the United States
• To transport hazardous materials in a vehicle that is marked or placecarded for them, you must be: 21 or older, have proof of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Residence and present a Federal Security Threat Assessment (TSA Approved).
• Must obtain the necessary certifications on the CDL BFS-103 Certification Form
• Must be licensed in only one state
• Must not have any current suspensions, revocations, denials or cancellation of your license
• Must not have a conviction of any 6 point driving violation within 24 months upon application
• Must not have a suspension or revocation within 36 months upon application
• Must comply with federal or state medical/physical before obtaining a Michigan CDL

EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

The City of Detroit offers a competitive and comprehensive employee benefit package. We pride ourselves on the longevity of our employees. Part of the reason for the low turnover rate is the exceptional benefit package listed below. Benefits include, but are not limited to the following:

HEALTH

• Medical - Eligible for hospital, surgical, and prescription drug benefits.
• Dental
• Vision

INSURANCE

• Life Insurance - Optional group insurance available to employee and their family. The City pays 60% of premium for first $12,500 of employee life insurance. Employee may purchase, at own expense, life insurance for spouse and each dependent.
• Long-Term Disability Insurance (Income Protection Plan) - The City offers disability insurance through payroll deductions for persons who become disabled and who are not yet eligible for a service retirement.

PAID TIME OFF

• Sick Leave
• Vacation
• Holidays

OTHER LEAVE BENEFITS

The City also has the following paid and unpaid leaves; funeral leave, Family and Medical Leave, jury duty, military duty leave, unpaid personal leave,

RETIREMENT BENEFITS

City Employees Retirement System

As a regular City employee you automatically become a member of the General Retirement System. This entitles you to a retirement allowance after:

• Completion of thirty (30) years of service;
• At age sixty (60) if you have at least ten (10) years of service, or
• At age sixty-five (65) with eight (8) years of service.
• In the event of disability, other eligibility rules apply);
• An early, actuarially reduced, retirement is offered after you have attained at least twenty-five (25) years of service;
• Employees are vested after ten (10) years of service, regardless of age.

ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES - Employees have many opportunities for growth and career advancement throughout all City departments and divisions.

Have a successful career with the City of Detroit. Always remember that you are a part of a team with a common Vision of delivering excellent service to the citizens of the City of Detroit.

01

Which of the following currently describes your Michigan driver's license status?

• A) Class A CDL: I hold a valid Michigan Group A Commercial Driver's License, allowing me to operate combination vehicles (tractor-trailers) over 26,001 lbs.
• B) Class B CDL: I hold a valid Michigan Group B Commercial Driver's License, allowing me to operate single vehicles (dump trucks, straight trucks) over 26,001 lbs.
• C) Chauffeur License: I hold a valid Michigan Chauffeur License (required in MI to operate a vehicle for hire or transport passengers/property for an employer).
• D) Operator License: I hold a standard Michigan Operator License (Class D/Personal) only.
• E) I do not possess a valid Operator License

02

Please indicate your highest level of education completed

• High School Diploma/GED
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree
• PhD/J.D.
• No education experience

03

Do you have a driving record that meets the City of Detroits insurability standards? (Generally, this means no more than 2 points within the last 3 years, and no DUIs or reckless driving convictions).

• Yes
• No

04

Which of the following best describes your motor vehicle record (MVR) over the past 36 months?

• A) Clean Record: I have zero moving violations, zero at-fault accidents, and no license suspensions or revocations of any kind.
• B) Acceptable Record: I have no more than one minor moving violation (e.g., simple speeding) and no at-fault accidents or major offenses (DUI, Reckless Driving, etc.).
• C) Marginal Record: I have two moving violations OR one at-fault accident, but no major offenses (DUI, Reckless Driving, or license suspensions).
• D) Ineligible Record: I have a conviction for a major offense (DUI, Refusal to Test, Leaving the Scene, or Felony involving a vehicle) OR my license is currently suspended/revoked.

05

Have you tested positive, or refused to test, on any pre-employment drug or alcohol test administered by an employer to which you applied, but did not obtain, safety-sensitive transportation work covered by Department of Transportation (DOT) agency drug and alcohol testing rules during the past two years.

• Yes
• No

06

Have you previously applied to this or any other position with the City of Detroit?

• Yes
• No

07

Are you a former City of Detroit DDOT employee?

• Yes
• No

08

Please acknowledge and understand that, as a condition of employment you will be required to submit to a drug test and successfully pass the test before starting employment?

• Yes
• No

09

Please acknowledge and understand that you must have a CDL permit before starting employment, or, if you already have a CDL, obtain the required Passenger (P) endorsement before starting employment?

• Yes

Required Question

Employer City of Detroit

Address Coleman A. Young Municipal Center

2 Woodward Ave ste 316

Detroit, Michigan, 48226

Website http://www.detroitmi.gov/Detroit-Opportunities/Find-A-Job