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Bus Operator Trainee Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

A Driver Trainee will be trained by Republic Services to obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL) ... greater operating efficiencies across the company while maintaining day-to-day operational ...

A Driver Trainee will be trained by Republic Services to obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL) ... greater operating efficiencies across the company while maintaining day-to-day operational ...

Bus Operator Trainee information

What are Bus Operator Trainees?

Bus Operator Trainees are individuals who are in the process of learning how to safely and efficiently operate public transit buses. They undergo specialized training that includes classroom instruction, hands-on driving practice, and learning customer service skills. The goal is to prepare them for the responsibility of transporting passengers, adhering to routes and schedules, and ensuring the safety and comfort of riders. Once training is complete and all requirements are met, trainees can become full-fledged bus operators.

How easy is it to become a bus driver?

Becoming a bus operator trainee typically requires a valid driver's license, a clean driving record, and passing a background check. Candidates often need to complete a training program that covers safety, customer service, and vehicle operation, which can take several weeks. The process varies by employer but generally involves meeting age and health requirements and obtaining a commercial driver's license with passenger endorsement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Bus Operator Trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Bus Operator Trainee, you need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL), a clean driving record, and knowledge of traffic laws and safety regulations. Familiarity with fare collection systems, route navigation tools, and basic vehicle inspection procedures is typically required. Excellent customer service, patience, and strong communication skills help build rapport with passengers and handle stressful situations. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensuring passenger safety, maintaining reliable service, and representing the transit agency professionally.

How much do bus operators make?

Bus operators in Miami Dade typically earn an average hourly wage of around $15 to $20, which translates to approximately $31,000 to $41,600 annually for full-time work. Starting salaries may be lower, but with experience and certifications, pay can increase, and benefits often include health insurance and retirement plans.

What are some common challenges Bus Operator Trainees face during the training period?

Bus Operator Trainees often encounter challenges such as mastering large vehicle handling, learning complex route navigation, and adapting to strict schedules. Additionally, trainees need to quickly develop strong customer service skills to handle diverse passenger situations and maintain safety standards. Supportive trainers, hands-on practice, and constructive feedback are typically provided to help overcome these challenges and ensure trainees are well-prepared for independent operation.

What is the difference between Bus Operator Trainee vs Bus Driver?

AspectBus Operator TraineeBus Driver
Required CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL), training programCDL, experience driving buses
Work EnvironmentTraining sessions, supervised drivingOperating buses independently
Employer & Industry UsagePublic transit agencies, private bus companiesPublic transit, charter services, school buses
Search & Comparison IntentLearning about entry-level roles, training processJob responsibilities, experience requirements

The main difference is that a Bus Operator Trainee is in training and gaining experience, while a Bus Driver has completed training and is actively operating buses independently. The trainee role focuses on learning and certification, whereas the bus driver role involves actual driving duties in the industry.

What is the top pay for a bus operator?

The top pay for a bus operator can vary depending on the city, experience, and union agreements, but it generally ranges from $20 to $30 per hour. Experienced bus operators with additional certifications or seniority may earn higher wages, and some transit agencies offer overtime and benefits that increase overall compensation.

What disqualifies you from being a bus driver?

Disqualifications for a bus operator trainee typically include a history of serious traffic violations, a criminal record involving certain offenses, or a poor driving record. Candidates must also meet age, health, and licensing requirements, and pass background checks and drug tests to qualify for the role.
What are popular job titles related to Bus Operator Trainee jobs in Wisconsin? For Bus Operator Trainee jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Bus Operator Trainee jobs? Cities in Wisconsin with the most Bus Operator Trainee job openings:
Driver Trainee

Driver Trainee

Republic Services

Prairie Du Sac, WI • On-site

$25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Republic Services rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 565 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 75 rated recycling and waste


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY: A Driver Trainee will be trained by Republic Services to obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL) to then assume the responsibility of a Driver with our Company. Driver Trainees will complete a comprehensive training program and be given the resources to take the CDL examination. Once the Driver Trainee completes the program and obtains a CDL, the incumbent will be moved into a Driver position in one of the Company's lines of business, including but not limited to, Residential, Commercial, Industrial or Roll-Off.


PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Successfully complete Republic Services' CDL training program, which includes classroom study, on-route training, driving experience, and resources (including the loan of a truck) necessary to take and pass the state CDL examination.

  • Complete twelve (12) full months of employment with Republic Services after obtaining a CDL.

  • Learn to perform complete pre- and post-operation inspection of the assigned vehicle in accordance with Company policy to ensure tire pressure, fluid levels, safety equipment, gauges and controls are in proper working order. Report any safety issues on standard reports.

  • Learn to safely operate a heavy or commercial truck along a designated route and to the disposal site; read route sheet, follow map and service each customer as identified on the route sheet or as assigned by the dispatcher and/or supervisor.

  • Learn to operate manual and/or automatic controls in accordance with Company safety policies and procedures to lift and load refuse, operate compactor and dispose of collected material at the designated facility.

  • Learn to identify unsatisfactory waste containers and tag containers in accordance with applicable departmental procedures.

  • Learn to continuously monitor waste for evidence of unacceptable waste.

  • Continuously monitor the condition of any assigned vehicle to ensure it is operationally ready at all times to minimize down time; clean waste from the packer blade and truck body on each disposal trip.

  • Follow all required safety policies and procedures.

  • After obtaining a CDL, perform all responsibilities of a Driver in one of the Company's lines of business (i.e., Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Roll-Off).

  • Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

  • No prohibitions to acquiring a commercial drivers' license.

CDL Permit is preferred

Hourly Rate: $25 per hour until CDL B License is obtained

Rewarding Compensation and Benefits

Eligible employees can elect to participate in:
Comprehensive medical benefits coverage, dental plans and vision coverage.
Health care and dependent care spending accounts.
Short- and long-term disability.
Life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment insurance.
Employee and Family Assistance Program (EAP).
Employee discount programs.
Retirement plan with a generous company match.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Benefits: https://jobs.republicservices.com/us/en/about-us/benefits

The statements used herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by an employee in this position, and are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required by an incumbent so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the Company.

EEO STATEMENT:Republic Services is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, relationship or association with a protected veteran (spouses or other family members), genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE: RSG) is a leader in the environmental services industry. We provide customers with the most complete set of products and services, including recycling, waste, special waste, hazardous waste and field services.Our industry-leading commitments to advance circularity and support decarbonization are helping deliver on our vision to partner with customers to create a more sustainable world.

In 2023, Republic's total company revenue was $14.9 billion, and adjusted EBITDA was $4.4 billion. We serve 13 million customers and operate more than 1,000 locations, including collection and transfer stations, recycling and polymer centers, treatment facilities, and landfills.

Although we operate across North America, the collection, recycling, treatment, or disposal of materials is a local business, and the dynamics and opportunities differ in each market we serve. By combining local operational management with standardized business practices, we drive greater operating efficiencies across the company while maintaining day-to-day operational decisions at the local level, closest to the customer.

Our customers, including small businesses, major corporations and municipalities, want a partner with the expertise and capabilities to effectively manage their multiple recycling and waste streams. They choose Republic Services because we are committed to exceeding their expectations and helping them achieve their sustainability goals. Our 41,000 team members understand that it's not just what we do that matters, but how we do it.

Our company values guide our daily actions:

  • Safe: We protect the livelihoods of our colleagues and communities.

  • Committed to Serve: We go above and beyond to exceed our customers' expectations.

  • Environmentally Responsible:We take action to improve our environment.

  • Driven: We deliver results in the right way.

  • Human-Centered:We respect the dignity and unique potential of every person.

We are proud of our high employee engagement score of 86. We have an inclusive and diverse culture where every voice counts. In addition, our team positively impacted 4.6 million people in 2023 through the Republic Services Charitable Foundation and local community grants. These projects are designed to meet the specific needs of the communities we serve, with a focus on building sustainable neighborhoods.

STRATEGY

Republic Services' strategy is designed to generate profitable growth. Through acquisitions and industry advancements, we safely and sustainably manage our customers' multiple waste streams through a North American footprint of vertically integrated assets.

We focus on three areas of growth to meet the increasing needs of our customers: recycling and waste, environmental solutions and sustainability innovation.

With our integrated approach, strengthening our position in one area advances other areas of our business. For example, as we grow volume in recycling and waste, we collect additional material to bolster our circularity capabilities. And as we expand environmental solutions, we drive additional opportunities to provide these services to our existing recycling and waste customers.

Recycling and Waste

We continue to expand our recycling and waste business footprint throughout North America through organic growth and targeted acquisitions. The 13 million customers we serve and our more than 5 million pick-ups per day provide us with a distinct advantage. We aggregate materials at scale, unlocking new opportunities for advanced recycling. In addition, we are cross-selling new products and services to better meet our customers' specific needs.

Environmental Solutions

Our comprehensive environmental solutions capabilities help customers safely manage their most technical waste streams. We are expanding both our capabilities and our geographic footprint. We see strong growth opportunities for our offerings, including PFAS remediation, an increasing customer need.


SUSTAINABILITY INNOVATION

Republic's recent innovations to advance circularity and decarbonization demonstrate our unique ability to leverage sustainability as a platform for growth.

The Republic Services Polymer Center is the nation's first integrated plastics recycling facility. This innovative site processes rigid plastics from our recycling centers, producing recycled materials that promote true bottle-to-bottle circularity. We also formed Blue Polymers, a joint venture with Ravago, to develop facilities that will further process plastic material from our Polymer Centers to help meet the growing demand for sustainable packaging. We are building a network of Polymer Centers and Blue Polymer facilities across North America.

We continue to advance decarbonization at our landfills. As demand for renewable energy continues to grow, we have 70 landfill gas-to-energy projects in operation and plan to expand our portfolio to 115 projects by 2028.

RECENT RECOGNITION

  • Barron's 100 Most Sustainable Companies

  • CDP Discloser

  • Dow Jones Sustainability Indices

  • Ethisphere's World's Most Ethical Companies

  • Fortune World's Most Admired Companies

  • Great Place to Work

  • Sustainability Yearbook S&P Global


What Republic Services employees say

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