Transit Operator San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency T00143

About

This announcement is to create an eligible list for future Transit Operator vacancies. It is a San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency Class Based Test; by applying you will be applying to take the SFMTA exam. Learn more about the City’s hiring process here: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

Department:
Municipal Transportation Agency
Job Class: 9163-Transit Operator
Salary Range: $64,246 - $98,878 (or $30.8875 - $47.5375 hourly for trainees)

Hours:

Full‑time
Exam:
Class Based Test – Rule of the List, Entrance

Submit your application through Smart Recruiters, the City and County of San Francisco’s portal. Deadline: 11:59 pm PST on Tuesday, October 21, 2025.

Under general supervision, you will operate various transit vehicles—including diesel and electric motor coaches, cable cars, streetcars, and light rail vehicles—transport passengers along specific routes, and provide fare collection, transfer issuance, and customer assistance. Key duties include:

• Conduct pre‑operational inspections to ensure vehicle safety.
• Inspect passenger compartments for hazards and monitor camera lenses.
• Navigate vehicles through traffic under various conditions, following traffic laws.
• Operate disability‑access lifts and secure wheelchairs.
• Collect fares, issue transfers, and verify pass validity.
• Use intercoms to communicate instructions to passengers.
• Respond to customer enquiries about routes, directions, fares, and transfers.
• Perform post‑operational inspections for defects, damage, and graffiti.
• Contact Central Control for emergencies and service‑affecting incidents.
• Complete incident reports and related documentation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Incumbents may work rotating shifts, holidays, weekends, and outdoors in all weather. Work may involve prolonged standing or sitting, pulling poles, operating switches in subways, and aiding disabled vehicles. Operators bid for assignments by seniority. Hours and days off may vary throughout the year.

• Must be at least 21 years old by 11:59 pm PST on October 21, 2025.
• Valid high‑school diploma, GED, or California High School Proficiency Certificate.
• One year of verifiable public contact or customer service experience.
• Valid Class C driver’s license for at least three continuous years ending on 11:59 pm PST, October 21, 2025.
• Valid Class B driver’s license with Passenger (P) endorsement and no restrictions preventing operation of public transit vehicles.
• Good driving record over the past three years, including:
  
  • No more than one moving violation between October 21 2024 and October 21 2025;
  
  • No more than three moving violations between October 21 2022 and October 21 2025;
  
  • No accident causing injuries or deaths;
  
  • No suspension, revocation, or probation for unsafe operation beyond one occurrence;
  
  • No convictions for leaving the scene of an accident or reckless driving or DUI;
  
  • Other violations reviewed case‑by‑case.
• No convictions within the past seven years related to narcotics, dangerous drugs, or sex offenses.
• Ability to obtain the School Pupil Activity Bus (SPAB) certificate.

Successful candidates must complete the SFMTA Operator Training Program (classroom and behind‑the‑wheel). Trainees are paid $30.8875 per hour. Attendance is mandatory; missed sessions without proper notification may result in release from training and potential removal from the eligible list.

Applicants will need to pass a medical examination and a drug test. Positive, adulterated, or substituted tests result in disqualification. Applicants must provide consent for prior employer drug‑testing information if applicable.

After examination, a confidential eligible list will be assembled and may be publicly inspected once the list expires or is exhausted. The list is valid for 12 months (extendable).

The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities, and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected categories under law.