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

• Full Time Position
• Hourly range: $40.55 – $43.23
• 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

POSITION OVERVIEW

Operations Supervisors under the direction of the Operations Manager oversee daily transit operations to ensure safe, reliable service. Responsibilities include dispatching and assigning operators, ensuring route coverage, monitoring compliance with policies and safety regulations, and coordinating fleet readiness. Operations Supervisors respond to service disruptions, emergencies, and accidents; assist passengers in the field and at transit facilities; provide Operator training; and support special events. Supervisors may also operate transit vehicles as needed. Strong knowledge of transit regulations, excellent public relations skills, clean driving record, good work attendance, and performance, are required.

QUALIFICATIONS

A valid Class B Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one is required. Other qualifications include skill in the operation of motor vehicles and knowledge of California Department of Motor Vehicles rules and regulations. Graduation from high school or GED required. Applicants should have knowledge of California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) rules and regulations and demonstrate skill in the safe operation of motor vehicles. Experience in transit operations, dispatch, or a related field is preferred, along with prior supervisory or lead experience. Minimum 21 years of age.

ABILITIES

The Operations Supervisor must have the ability to effectively supervise, train, and evaluate Operators while providing strong leadership and maintaining accountability and performance standards. This role requires the ability to interpret and apply CHP, DMV, and FTA regulations related to public transit operations, as well as investigate incidents, accidents, and customer complaints and implement appropriate resolutions. The ideal candidate will be able to remain calm, professional, and make sound decisions in high-pressure or emergency situations. Strong oral and written communication skills are essential, along with the ability to work collaboratively with employees, passengers, and members of the public from diverse backgrounds. The position also requires the ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize responsibilities, meet deadlines, and effectively use standard office equipment and computer programs, including Microsoft Office.

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 based on relevant work experience and educational qualifications. The most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the selection process, which will include a written examination and an interview conducted on the same day. Applicants must achieve a passing score on the written examination to be considered for further evaluation.

The MTD application must be fully completed and clearly demonstrate that the minimum qualifications are met. Incomplete applications or unanswered questions may result in disqualification from the selection process.

All statements made on the application are subject to investigation and verification. Any false or misleading information may result in disqualification at any stage of the process.

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.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: April 10, 2026, 4:00 PM

COMPENSATION: $40.55 per hour 

POSITIONS AVAILABLE: 1

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

• Full Time Position
• Hourly range: $33.30 – $35.50
• 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 Technical Utility Worker (TUW) plays a key role in supporting fleet operations and ensuring vehicles are maintained, serviced, and available for daily service. Under general direction, the TUW performs a variety of support duties for the Maintenance Department, including conducting bus exchanges; operating equipment; cleaning and servicing buses; maintaining logs and records; entering data; charging electric vehicles and buses; picking up parts and running errands for the Maintenance Shop; and performing other related utility worker duties as assigned.

Technical Utility 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 skill in the operation of motor vehicles and knowledge of California Department of Motor Vehicles rules and regulations. Graduation from high school or GED required. Knowledge of basic maintenance principles and practices related to fleet and facility support; methods and materials used in cleaning and servicing transit vehicles; and safe work practices including OSHA regulations and proper handling of cleaning agents, hazardous materials, and maintenance equipment. Ability to operate maintenance equipment safely, maintain basic records and reports, follow written and verbal instructions, and work cooperatively with staff while complying with safety procedures and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Minimum 21 years of age.

ABILITIES

The position requires prolonged standing and walking, as well as frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and reaching. Duties involve lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling objects weighing up to 50 pounds, with occasional heavier lifting performed with assistance or mechanical aids. The employee must be able to climb in and out of buses and operate yard and maintenance equipment. Manual dexterity is required to operate tools, cleaning equipment, and data entry devices. Vision and hearing must be sufficient to inspect vehicles, observe surroundings, communicate effectively, and detect warning signals.

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.

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.