Transit/Paratransit Operator (Bus Driver) - Billings, MT

The City of Billings, located in Montana, is the largest city in the state and serves as a vibrant hub of commerce, culture, and community life. The city government strives to provide exemplary public services to residents and visitors alike, focusing on enhancing the quality of life through efficient, safe, and reliable services. Among its many departments, the Aviation and Transit Department plays a critical role in maintaining the city's transportation infrastructure, supporting the mobility needs of its citizens, and ensuring seamless transit operations throughout the urban area. The Transit Operations division, specifically the Transit Operator role, is essential to the day-to-day functioning of the city's public transit system. This full-time position, based in Billings, MT, offers a starting salary of $23.1019 per hour without a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and $24.2469 per hour with a CDL or upon completion of required training. The salary reflects two steps of a seven-step pay scale, indicating opportunities for advancement and increased compensation over time. The work schedule is variable, demanding flexibility from the operators to meet the city's transit needs effectively. Transit Operators are responsible for the safe and efficient operation of transit vehicles on designated routes and during special events. This entails driving city transit buses, adhering strictly to schedules and routes, and ensuring passenger safety and comfort. Operators must skillfully manage fare collection and verification, assist passengers with special needs including seniors and individuals with disabilities, and maintain clear communication with dispatch and management via two-way radio. Their role extends to reporting any operational issues such as vehicle malfunctions or unsafe conditions, performing pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections, and keeping detailed records of operational metrics. Beyond vehicle operation, Transit Operators provide front-line customer service by maintaining a friendly and orderly environment on buses, addressing passenger inquiries about routes, policies, and city information, and promoting a positive public image of the transit system. The role requires considerable autonomy, decision-making within established procedures, and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Additionally, Transit Operators contribute to the training and guidance of new staff, enhancing overall service quality. This position demands strong interpersonal skills, physical stamina to handle tasks like lifting, operating lifts for passengers with mobility devices, and performing minor vehicle and facility maintenance such as cleaning and snow removal. Operators must also comply with stringent safety protocols and federal regulations, including random drug and alcohol testing mandated by the Federal Transit Administration. Working for the City of Billings as a Transit Operator offers a supportive environment with a comprehensive benefits package. Full-time employees receive medical, dental, vision insurance, retirement plans, paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave, along with life and long-term disability insurance. Optional benefits such as health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts are also available, making it a rewarding career choice for individuals dedicated to public service and transit excellence.

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Must obtain State of Montana Class B, Type 2 commercial driver’s license with no air brake restrictions and passenger endorsement within ninety days of employment
• Must pass a pre-employment drug test
• Must pass Federal and State criminal history background check
• Must pass driving records check
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to perform physical demands including lifting up to 60 pounds
• Ability to operate mobility device restraints, vehicle lifts, and ramps
• Availability for variable work schedules and standby duty
• Authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis