COACH/BUS OPERATOR APPRENTICE

Job Title:                           Coach/Bus Operator Apprentice – Class 1 (CDL Permit Holders): January 4, 2027; Class 2 (Full CDL Holders): January 18, 2027

Status:                               Represented – ATU 998

FLSA Status:                     Non-Exempt

Department:                      Transportation

Wage:                                 1st year pay rate: $25.74 per hour

Would you like to get a head start on your career? Then apply to become an apprentice! Gain valuable mentoring throughout your first year as a bus operator. MCTS, in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, offers the Coach/Bus Operator Apprenticeship program, a great first step toward a long-term career with us.

MCTS offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Paid CDL Training (No Experience Required!)
• Weekly Pay
• Cost of Living Adjustments (C.O.L.A.)*
• Paid Vacation, Holidays, Personal Days, Sick, Funeral leave and Jury Duty
• Medical, Dental and Prescription Drug Insurance
• Defined Pension Plan (Funded 70% by The Milwaukee County Transit System and 30% by employees)
• Health & Wellness Initiatives
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Company-Paid Life Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Gym Membership Reimbursement
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Free bus rides for all MCTS active employees and retirees

JOB SUMMARY:

Milwaukee County Transit System is seeking to hire Apprentices for the Coach/Bus Operator position. This is a State approved, thirteen (13) month registered apprenticeship program, where you will receive classroom and hands-on training from experienced mentors. During the training period, Apprentices will obtain their CDL and learn all aspects of safely operating a passenger bus all while providing an essential service to the communities of Milwaukee County. 

As an Apprentice, you will learn to drive in a safe, efficient, and courteous manner while adhering to a pre-determined route and schedule. Apprentices will exhibit excellent customer services skills and allow passengers to board, travel and alight at scheduled stops. In addition to intensive training, Apprentices will also meet with a mentor who will provide additional guidance to ensure the success of the Apprentice. Upon successful completion of the program, Apprentices will receive a Coach/Bus Operator Journey worker’s card issued by the State of Wisconsin.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Safely operate transit bus in strict compliance with Milwaukee County Transit System policies, guidelines, and procedures, as well as follow all Wisconsin and Federal traffic laws and regulations.
• Collect fares according to existing fare structure, inspect bus passes and issue valid transfers in a professional, courteous manner.
• Operate the radio, farebox and other systems within the bus in accordance with company policies and procedures.
• Provide public timetables and accurate information to customers.
• Call street locations, transfer points, major intersections, and other requested stops in compliance with ADA guidelines and Company policy.
• Provide accessibility for disabled passengers to board and alight by properly operating all ramps and lifts and safely securing passengers in compliance with ADA guidelines and Company policy.
• Demonstrate excellent customer service skills when interacting with all passengers.
• Perform vehicle inspections before, during and after scheduled work assignments. This includes internal and external areas of the bus, reporting all defects on proper forms.
• Monitor Special Bulletins and detours daily and make appropriate adjustments as needed.
• Follow Company policy for handling lost articles including a visual inspection of the bus at the end of the line and at pull-in.
• Complete accident and incident reports accurately and legibly, as necessary.
• Complete fare box, passenger, and bus maintenance defect reports, as necessary.
• Frequently meet with mentor to discuss the position, and respective challenges and successes.
• Conduct self in an appropriate manner as a representative of Milwaukee County Transit System.
• Perform other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Proof of employment eligibility/authorization to work in the U.S.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must be able to work any hour of the day, any day of the week.
• Must have a valid Class D Wisconsin driver’s license (non-probationary) for at least one (1) year prior to the date of application.
• Valid CDL Class B License with “P” Endorsement with no Air Brake restriction (or valid CDL permit 14 days prior to start date or transfer date). 
• Maximum of six (6) points accrued on motor vehicle record during the 3 years before the start date.
• No revocation or suspension as a result of a moving violation during the last 3 years before the date of hire.
• No OWI/DUI violations, unless based on circumstances, an exception may be granted.
• Stable work history with excellent attendance and punctuality record.
• Successfully complete the Bus Operator Training Program.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to operate New Flyer and Gillig Buses.
• Ability to effectively drive a bus, handle emergencies and use standard defensive driving techniques.
• Ability to adapt to constantly changing operating environments.
• Ability to work unusual hours, including split shifts, weekends, holidays, early mornings, late nights, and overtime as required.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with passengers and staff.
• Ability to de-escalate situations when they arise on the bus.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and common sense when making quick decisions with minimal supervision.
• Ability to read, write and speak loud, clear, understandable English.
• Ability to read and understand maps and timetables which includes determining directions and following a mapped route.
• Ability to keep a timely schedule while in service.
• Knowledge of streets, current bus routes and stops.
• Knowledge of Bus Operator rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of current fare structures, and the corresponding rules and regulations.
• Ability to purchase and wear company uniform.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:

• Ability to tolerate varying temperatures including heat, cold and precipitation while inspecting exterior of bus.
• Ability to tolerate varying temperatures including excessive heat and cold while operating bus. 
• Ability to climb stairs, reach above shoulder level, walk, bend, stoop, lift, push and pull without assistance.
• Ability to operate pedals.
• Ability to sit without discomfort for an extended period of time.
• Ability to fit behind the steering wheel with adequate clearance. 
• Ability to work in an environment with dust, exhaust fumes, diesel fuel, oil, grease, and various noise levels.
• Physical requirements are those described light work exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly having to move objects.
• Ability to pass a physical with drug screen, including a PPFT (Pre-placement Functional Test) as it relates to the physical requirements of the essential functions of the job.

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT:

The above are general requirements that must be met for consideration.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of job qualifications or job duties. Hourly wages are based on the ATU Local 998 Collective Bargaining Agreement pay progression scale and are non-negotiable. Wages reflected include Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) and shift differentials as applicable.

Milwaukee Transport Services Inc. (Milwaukee County Transit System) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, military status, status as a qualified individual with a disability or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to workplace safety and will perform pre-employment drug testing, background checks, and pre-employment physicals as subject to the job requirements.