UMass Amherst
UMass Amherst




Join the team!

UMass Transit Service (UMTS) employs more than 150 (University of Massachusetts) graduate and undergraduate students. The majority of employees operate vans and PVTA buses, while others maintain our grounds and buildings. Employees must work a minimum of 180 hours each semester. At the beginning of each semester, shifts are assigned to employees around their class schedules. UMTS is now paying $8.00-hour for training and a base starting rate of $9.50-hour with opportunity for advancement.
Who is Eligible to Drive for UMTS?

Even though most UMass students have no prior experience driving buses or vans, our training programs cover everything needed to learn to become a successful operator.

To qualify for the training programs, students must:
  • have at least 3 semesters remaining as a UMass student, taking at least six credits in a degree program.
  • be willing to work a minimum of 15 hours per week for at least 2 semesters after completing the training program.
  • be able to pass a NIDA-5 pre-employment drug screen; All UMTS employees are subject to drug testing regulations as per the Federal Transit Administration.
  • be able to communicate the English language clearly.
  • be able to exercise a high degree of personal responsibility.
  • possess a valid drivers license of any classification, and which is honored in the United States. Applicants will be required to obtain a Massachusetts Class D license and, if hired as a bus driver, a Class B learner's permit as soon as they are accepted into the training program.
  • have at least one year of experience driving in the United States.
  • be able to obtain a CDL medical card.
To Schedule a Bus Driver Interview

Call UMass Transit Service at (413) 545-0056 or visit the UMass Transit Bus Garage, located on Holdsworth Way, at the northwest corner of campus. A completed job application must be submitted at least one business day before the scheduled interview.You can fill out an application in one of three ways: A completed application must be submitted at least one business day before the scheduled interview.

Bring your drivers license to the interview, as you will drive a large passenger van for a road test.

If you already possess a Class B license or a Class B CDL permit, please ask for the Training and Safety Coordinator when you call to set up an interview.

To Schedule a Van Driver Interview

To Schedule a Service Department Interview

We are currently not hiring service employees. Please check back later.

What Opportunities for Advancement Are There?

All UMass Transit employees start out as drivers or service workers. But there are many promotional positions available to student employees. For instance, you can become a field trip driver, a trainer, a radio operator, a driver supervisor, or a student staff member. These are supervisory positions, and they can help you gain valuable experience that future employers will be looking for.

In addition, it is common for employees to work in several different departments. For instance, you can work as a bus driver, van driver, service worker, trainer, and field trip driver. This allows for a very diverse work-week, and creates more money-making opportunities.