Job Description
Please complete the application in its entirety. Include all previous employment so that it may be taken into consideration. Please include a resume attachment with submittal of your application. Resume should document months and years with your dates of employment. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received before the closing date and time listed.
At Regional Transportation District (RTD), We make lives better through connections!
When you join RTD, you will be among dedicated employees exhibiting RTD's values of passion, respect, diversity, trustworthiness, collaboration, and ownership. RTD is committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace. As part of our diversity value statement, we encourage our employees to honor diversity in thought, people, and experience. Come join RTD on this great journey to be the trusted leader in mobility, delivering excellence and value to our customers and community.
RTD Employee Benefits: https://www.rtd-denver.com/careers/benefits
(RTD Represented Employee Benefits: Please refer to the Labor Agreement included in the above link for details.)
This position involves all duties and responsibilities associated with transit vehicle operation. Duties include carrying out those functions pertaining to the safe, courteous, and efficient operation of assigned transit vehicles on routine and/or special service routes. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, employing defensive driving techniques, maintaining professional courtesy while under stress, making public address announcements, properly answering questions and solving transit-related concerns of passengers, and exercising prudent judgment under a variety of constantly changing operating conditions.This is a safety sensitive position subject to the rules and regulations of the RTD Drug and Alcohol Policy.
This position is eligible for a $4,000 signing bonus starting immediately. The new-hire signing bonus pays out in four $1,000 installments upon these milestones:
• Successful completion of probation period
• Six-month anniversary of date of hire
• One-year anniversary of date of hire
• Eighteen-month anniversary of the hire date
If referred by an RTD employee, please include their name or email address on the Workday application when asked, "How did you hear about us" and by selecting "I know someone at the company." In turn, they could be awarded a $2,000 referral bonus.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
ESSENTIAL:
Operates transit bus in revenue and non-revenue service while in strict compliance with RTD policies, directives, and procedures and all Federal and Colorado state traffic laws and regulations. This includes using proper defensive driving techniques.
Conducts self in an appropriate manner as a representative of RTD, working effectively in a diverse work environment, using prudent judgment at all times, performing duties in a safe manner, and assuring professional quality of services to all external and internal customers.
Maintains working knowledge of streets, current bus routes and stops within the District as well as RTD's current fare structure and bus pass programs.
Maintains current knowledge of and adherence to all RTD operating policies, directives, and procedures.
Maintains current knowledge of and is in strict compliance with Federal and Colorado traffic laws and regulations as well as Department of Transportation (DOT) rules and regulations.
Performs RTD pre-trip inspection of transit bus for mechanical problems prior to beginning scheduled run. This includes conducting an external/internal visual inspection of the transit bus and pre-testing all necessary equipment, operating/safety devices, and transit bus controls for use while in service. Also conducts an internal visual inspection at the end of revenue service to collect and turn-in lost items.
Completes accident and incident reports accurately and legibly as necessary at the end of scheduled shifts.
Completes farebox, passenger, and bus maintenance defect reports and maintenance repair orders as necessary upon completion of scheduled shifts.
Provides customer service information in a courteous, professional manner. This includes operating the automated stop announcements system and/or stating stop and public information announcements over the public address system, and properly answering questions and solving transit-related concerns of passengers.
Stocks the on-board bus schedule racks with appropriate bus schedules and RTD approved brochures, issues official information fliers and surveys as required.
Operates farebox, inspects various bus passes, and distributes and collects bus transfer slips in a professional, courteous manner. Also records and maintains passenger counts as necessary.
Complies with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) in operating the transit bus. This includes providing accessibility for disabled passengers to board and de-board by properly operating the accessibility lift and safely securing such passengers in a courteous manner, announcing designated stops, and pre-testing all passenger accessibility lifts and equipment during pre-trip inspections.
OTHER:
All job-related duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required Qualification:
A high school diploma or equivalent and a minimum of two (2) years of work that demonstrates readiness for the Bus Operator role which may include:
Commercial driving experience transporting people or goods
and/or
Experience working with the public in roles requiring interpersonal communication and problem-solving, demonstrating the ability to communicate clearly and professionally.
Relevant experience may be gained in industries such as Retail and Hospitality; Healthcare and Caregiving; Community and Social Services; Military and Public Safety; Education; or Transportation, Logistics, and Delivery.
Substitution - An additional two years of experience as detailed above can serve as a substitute for the High School diploma or equivalent.
Must be at least nineteen (19) years of age.
Must have possessed a valid driver's license continually for the past 2 years. No DUI, DWI, and reckless driving in the past 5 years. Must maintain an acceptable driving record as determined by RTD. This includes but not limited to disqualifying CDL violations, DUI, DWAI, reckless or careless driving, etc.Points and or violations obtained in either an RTD or personal vehicle count toward this requirement.
Ability to pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination by obtaining a DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate for a minimum of a one (1) year qualifying period and then maintain a current DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate thereafter.
Ability to pass a RTD required Physical Ability Assessment (PAA) related to the physical requirements of the essential functions of the job.
Ability to obtain and maintain a current valid Colorado Commercial Driver's License with an air brake
and passenger endorsement (Class B-P).
Ability to successfully complete the Bus Operator Training Program, which includes achieving the
required minimum scores on all written and driving tests and evaluations.
Ability to read, write, and speak English.
Ability to tell time and keep a timely schedule.
Ability to meet satisfactory attendance, which includes the ability to report to work in a punctual
manner.
Ability to read and understand maps and time tables, which includes determining directions and following a mapped-out route.
Ability to work non-traditional hours, split shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime as required. Demonstrated physical ability to climb stairs, reach above shoulder level, walk for an extended distance, bend, stoop, lift, and push/pull up to 50 pounds without assistance as well as sit for an extended length of time.
Ability to work in an environment with dust, fumes, exhaust, various noise levels, various temperatures, and chemicals for an extended length of time as well as in various outdoor weather conditions as required.
Ability to perform various physical duties to successfully complete job responsibilities. These can include, but are not limited to, boarding and de-boarding transit buses, operating the disabled passenger accessibility lift, properly securing disabled passengers, properly operating all transit bus controls and operating devices, and loading and unloading passenger baggage as required. May be required to install tire chains in inclement weather to ensure safe operation of the transit bus.
OR
An equivalent combination of education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Key Competencies & Characteristics:
Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a diverse workforce.
Ability to work and maintain professional composure while under stress and pressure.
Ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing, while interacting with customers and RTD staff in a courteous, professional manner. This includes providing good customer service by attending to the needs of a diverse customer base in a sensitive manner.
Ability to use prudent judgment and common sense in making quick, safe decisions with minimal supervision and adapt to constantly changing operating environments.
Knowledge of and the ability to use standard defensive driving techniques.
Other Information:
The process for this position will include:
Submittal of a complete application to RTD Careers Page
Attendance at an information session
An online skills assessment
DOT Medical Certification
CDL Permit Verification
Drug Screen
Background Check and Motor Vehicle Report (MVR)
WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those required by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodations.
The work environment is a typical office environment with minimal exposure to excessive noise or adverse environmental issues.
We are considering all applications for this position up until the position close date of 6/26/2026 11:59PM. For consideration, please be sure to apply before the posting end date.
CAREER MAP: Based on job performance, experience, education and position availability the next step on the career map for this position may be: Supervisor.
Pay Range:
$28.89 - $34.67 HourlyEEO POLICY AND ADA ACCOMMODATIONS
RTD is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless to the race, sex, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. RTD is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, promotions, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation, please reach out to our Employment ADA Coordinator Kris Frazier at [email protected], or the Talent Acquisition team [email protected].
To learn more or see our EEO policy, please visit our EEO page at: https://www.rtd-denver.com/open-records/reports-and-policies/eeo-policy
RTD posts a compensation range that represents a good faith estimate of what RTD anticipates paying for the position at the time of posting. Starting salary is based on the candidate’s relevant and verified education, training and work experience. Applicants should submit all relevant and verifiable education, training and work experiences at the time of application.