Virtual Job Fair Hosted By Milwaukee County Transit System

MILWAUKEE, WI — The Milwaukee County Transit System will host a virtual job fair for potential drivers and mechanics Tuesday. Job seekers are encouraged to connect in a Zoom meeting through their phone, tablet or computer to hiring managers to learn about the jobs.

The virtual fair will take place from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday. People must register online ahead of time to take part.

Participants will be able to talk to human resources people, active bus drivers and mechanics. People can also hear a "day in the life" segment from current employees using real-life examples, said Matt Sliker, spokesman for the transit system.

"We always have a need for drivers and mechanics," Sliker said. "We have about 700 bus operators working on a daily basis now."

Transit system employees enjoy a variety of benefits, the agency said. They include the following.

• Medical and dental insurance.
• Paid time off.
• Life insurance.
• Reimbursement for eyewear, health club memberships and tuition.
• A bus pass valid for unlimited rides.

Bus driving jobs are great for people who have experience in customer service because they get to interact a lot with other people, Sliker said. Mechanic jobs are technical and skill-oriented.

The transit system will offer a $2,000 signing bonus for skilled mechanics, the agency said.

"These positions offer paid training, career growth, long-term job stability and financial security for future retirement — while also giving applicants the chance to become a valued part of a company that is rooted in the community and known around the world for its excellence," the agency said in a statement.

COVID-19 case rates in Milwaukee are dipping, and more people are getting out, so applicants may worry about a new job that involves working among people. But the transit system has found ways to keep its drivers safe since the pandemic started a year and a half ago, Sliker said.

Drivers get personal protective equipment, including masks, gloves and sanitizing wipes, Sliker said. The system also limits how many people can ride at once and requires masks on buses.