Careers

Full-Time, Exempt

$126,146.00 to $157,682.00 Annually

Make an Impact. Lead with Purpose. Drive Safety Forward.

Are you mission-driven and ready to make a real difference in your community? MTD is hiring a Safety Manager to help lead safety initiatives that support our mission: to provide safe, appealing, equitable, and environmentally responsible transit services to Santa Barbara’s South Coast.

In this vital role, you will help implement and oversee safety systems that protect our passengers, employees, and the public—while partnering across departments to support MTD’s culture of safety and ensure safety is embedded in everything we do.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead and enhance our Safety Management System (SMS)
• Advance safety processes through the Public Transit Agency Safety Plan (PTASP)
• Contribute to development and maintenance of Emergency Preparedness and business recovery programs
• Design and conduct safety education and training programs, including around industry emerging technologies and battery electrification
• Collaborate with facilities and capital projects teams to ensure State of Good Repair of agency assets related to safety
• Gain valuable experience with environmental compliance.
• Help foster a proactive, safety-first culture across the agency

What We’re Looking For:

• Experience in transit or transportation safety, safety, risk management, or a related field
• Eagerness to lead, learn, and collaborate
• Passion for public service and community impact

Why Join SB MTD?

• Medical, Dental & Vision coverage (minimal employee monthly premiums)
• 401(k) with a 10% employer contribution (not a match—a full contribution)
• Paid vacation, holidays, and paid days off (PDO)
• Free bus passes for employees and dependents
• A supportive, collaborative workplace that values innovation, initiative, and impact

If you’re ready to bring your skills to a purpose-driven agency making a difference every day, and experience an exciting and fulfilling career, apply now by submitting an application, resume, cover letter, and analytical writing sample. For additional information on the position, please see the job brochure.

This recruitment is open until filled.  First review of candidates will be on March 30, 2026. The District will move forward with interviews ASAP via virtual format. Final interviews will be conducted in person at SB MTD Main Offices in Santa Barbara, CA.

DISCLAIMER

Position overview is not construed to be an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Employees may be required to perform any other job-related instructions as requested by his/her supervisor, department head or general manager.

SELECTION PROCESS

All applications will be evaluated on their related work experience and education
qualifications. MTD will invite the most qualified candidates to participate in an oral
interview. MTD application must be fully completed and clearly show that the minimum
requirements are met. Any questions on the application that are unanswered may cause
you to be excluded from the selection process. All statements made on the application
are subject to investigation and verification. Any invalid applications are subject to
disqualification.

The selection process will include one or more of the following:

• Application Review
• Oral Interview
• Written Tests / Computer Skills Tests

PRE-EMPLOYMENT PROCESS

The process includes a job specific pre-employment physical and drug screening under
Department of Transportation regulations to be completed by an industrial health clinic
of MTD’s choice, criminal background screen, and verification of employment. All offers
of employment are conditional upon successful completion of the pre-employment
process.

IMMIGRATION AND CONTROL ACT OF 1986

In order to comply with the provision of this law, all applicants prior to placement, must provide proof of work eligibility and attest that they are a citizen, permanent resident alien, or otherwise authorized to be employed.

COMPENSATION PACKAGE

• Part-Time Position (30 hours a week)
• Hourly wage at $27.56 per hour
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance/family coverage
• Employer-funded pension
• Optional 457(b) supplemental retirement
• Paid holidays
• Paid vacation
• Sick leave

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Service Person is responsible for cleaning the exterior and interior of all MTD vehicles, fueling and vaulting the MTD vehicles, operating the bus wash, and maintaining maintenance equipment. Additionally, the Utility Person parks buses in the proper order, delivers and collects vehicles, maintains the District yard, and performs other duties as required.

Service Person is classified as a safety sensitive position and is subject to drug and alcohol testing, including random testing, under the Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Transportation Administrative (FTA) drug and alcohol regulations. This is a part time position.

QUALIFICATIONS

A valid Class B driver license or the ability to obtain a Class B permit is required. Public Agency/Transit District experience is a plus; bilingual in Spanish preferred, but not required. Other qualifications include the ability to comply with OSHA rules governing cleaning and hazardous waste products; wear protective equipment as provided by MTD; ability to learn district department policies and procedures; work well under pressure and complete assignments within tight deadlines; ability to communicate effectively and clearly in both oral and written form; excellent interpersonal skills and a positive attitude; demonstrated ability to work well with diverse groups; establish and maintain good working relationships with staff, as well as communicate professionally with passengers and peers with courtesy, diplomacy and tact. A High School Diploma or GED OR any combination of education and experience to fulfill the duties of the position is required.

ABILITIES

In general, the following physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Hearing and speaking sufficient to articulate and present information in person and telephone. Vision within normal range with or without correction; sitting or standing for extended periods of time, walking on uneven surfaces; uses hands to handle, feel and operate standard office equipment including work assigned computer, mental capability to use or apply analytical reasoning and concepts, read and interpret documents, Ability to push, pull, and carry a minimum of 50 pounds; observe and interpret people and situations, perform highly detailed on multiple concurrent tasks and work under intensive deadlines.

DEMONSTRATED DRIVING RECORD

You will need to submit a copy of your DMV printout (this is called a “K-4” California Driver’s History Record). Your record must not have a citation for reckless driving or a citation related to driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol within 10 years of hire. Your DMV record must not have a combination of more than two citations and/or at fault accidents within the last 3 years. Please fax a copy of your DMV K-4 printout to the attention of Human Resources at (805) 963-9573.

DISCLAIMER

Position overview is not construed to be an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Employees may be required to perform any other job-related instructions as requested by their supervisor, department head or general manager.

SELECTION PROCESS

All applications will be evaluated on their related work experience and education qualifications. MTD will invite the most qualified candidates to participate in an oral interview. MTD application MUST be fully completed and must clearly show that the minimum requirements are met. Any questions on application that are unanswered may cause you to be excluded from the selection process.

All statements made on an application are subject to investigation and verification. Any invalid applications are subject to disqualification.

EXAMINATION

The examination will include one or more of the following:

• Oral Interview
• Application Review

PRE-EMPLOYMENT PROCESS

In order to comply with the provision of this law, all applicants prior to placement, must provide proof of work eligibility and attest that they are a citizen, permanent resident alien, or otherwise authorized to be employed.

IMMIGRATION AND CONTROL ACT OF 1986

In order to comply with the provision of this law, all applicants prior to placement, must provide proof of work eligibility and attest that they are a citizen, permanent resident alien, or otherwise authorized to be employed.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District has established a policy and practice of recruiting, hiring, training and promoting for all job classifications within MTD without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other protected class or consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws.

COMPENSATION PACKAGE

• Full Time Position
• Hourly range starting at $28.11
• Paid training (6-8 weeks)
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance/family coverage 
• Employer-funded pension
• Optional 457(b) supplemental retirement
• Paid holidays
• Paid vacation
• Sick leave

Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) K-4 driving print out is required to be submitted for consideration

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Bus Operator is responsible for the safe operation of a passenger bus on assigned routes and schedules. The position requires an individual with a courteous and positive attitude toward the public at all times. The Bus Operator must drive safely, answer questions about all MTD routes and schedules, ensure passengers deposit fares in the fare box, report any items that may be deficient using proper forms and procedures, and perform other duties as required.

Bus Operator is classified as a safety sensitive position and is subject to drug and alcohol testing, including random testing, under the Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Transportation Administrative (FTA) drug and alcohol regulations.

QUALIFICATIONS

A valid Class B Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one is required. Other qualifications include considerable skill in operation of motor vehicles; knowledge of California Department of Motor Vehicles Rules and Regulations, operation of public passenger carrying vehicles; ability to establish and maintain effective courteous relations with public and work harmoniously with others; ability in preparing clear and concise reports. Graduation from high school or GED and minimum of three (3) years of safe driving is also required. Minimum 21 years of age.

ABILITIES

The physical demands of this position include prolonged sitting, driving, and steering, with occasional bending and stooping to assist disabled passengers, and must be able to lift, push, and pull at least 50 pounds.

DEMONSTRATED DRIVING RECORD

You will need to submit a copy of your DMV printout (this is called a “K-4” California Driver’s History Record). Your record must not have a citation for reckless driving or a citation related to driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol within 10 years of hire. Your DMV record must not have a combination of more than two citations and/or at fault accidents within the last 3 years. Please fax a copy of your DMV K-4 printout to the attention of Human Resources at (805) 963-9573.

DISCLAIMER

Position overview is not construed to be an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Employees may be required to perform any other job-related instructions as requested by his/her supervisor, department head or general manager.

SELECTION PROCESS

All applications will be evaluated on their related work experience and education qualifications. MTD will invite the most qualified candidates to complete a written examination. Applicants with passing scores will be invited for an interview. MTD application MUST be fully completed and must clearly show that the minimum requirements are met. Any questions on application that are unanswered may cause you to be excluded from the selection process.

All statements made on an application are subject to investigation and verification. Any invalid applications are subject to disqualification.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT PROCESS

The process includes a job specific pre-employment physical and drug screening to be completed by an industrial health clinic of MTD’s choice; criminal background and references will also be performed. All offers of employment are conditional upon successful completion of the pre-employment process.

IMMIGRATION AND CONTROL ACT OF 1986

In order to comply with the provision of this law, all applicants prior to placement, must provide proof of work eligibility and attest that they are a citizen, permanent resident alien, or otherwise authorized to be employed.