Frequently Asked Questions

Applying

How can I apply for jobs at WMATA?

WMATA only accepts electronic applications through our online applicant tracking system. Applications are accepted for only positions we have posted on our website online. Please go to our website www.wmata.com/careers to see a list of positions we have to offer.

How do I create a profile?

Under the view all jobs tab, click the “Register Here” link on the main page.
Enter a new user name and password. The new username and password are created by the applicant and should be a username and password the applicant can remember and document

Who do I contact if I have technical difficulties?

Please contact: HRsolutions@wmata.com and provide your first and last name, title of the job that you applied for, the job posting number of the job you applied for, your updated contact information to include a telephone number, and a rep will contact you within 2 business days.

I do not own a computer or know where computer resources are located. How can I apply?

We no longer accept paper applications. All applicants are required to apply online. If an applicant doesn’t possess a computer, there are many avenues an applicant can take toward gaining access to a computer or Internet connection. Below are a few examples of places with computer and Internet access. The locations below may require you to pay a fee, but are not limited to the following options:
A. The public library
B. A trusted friend
C. FedEx/Kinkos
D. Staples
E. The UPS Store
F. School or University

Can I submit a job application in person, by mail or via fax?

WMATA only accepts electronic applications through our online applicant tracking system. We no longer accept paper applications by mail, fax or walk-in. Applications are accepted only for positions we have posted online on our website. Please go to our website www.wmata.com/careers to see a list of positions we have to offer.

What if I do not have a resume? What are my options?

Resume Options:

Copy and paste resume text
Upload a resume

We no longer accept paper applications. Our application process is electronic and processed over a secure network with Internet access. When applying to WMATA jobs, the applicant should have one of the following available capabilities:

We prefer resumes in Word (.doc or docx) or Adobe PDF format. This will give the applicant the best opportunity to represent themselves and the skills they possess. However, Word (doc or docx) or Adobe PDF format is not required.

Can I change/update my resume to address a specific job posting?

Yes, the system allows you to upload and store multiple resumes. You are encouraged to use the most applicable resume for the job for which you are applying.

Can I update or change my resume or application after I have submitted it for a position?

Once you have successfully applied to a position, you will be unable to edit/update that application. It is important to review your application before submitting it.

Do I have to apply online?

Yes, an online application is required.

I moved or I changed my telephone number. How do I make changes to my personal contact information on my application?

Unfortunately, our system doesn’t allow you to make changes once you apply to a position. Please contact: HRsolutions@wmata.com and provide your first and last name, title of the job that you applied for, the job posting number, your updated contact information to include a telephone number, and a rep will contact you within 2 business days. You can update your profile at any time; not an application for a position once it's completed.

Do I have to have an email address in order to apply for a position?

Yes, an email address is required in order to apply for a job with Metro.

Can I apply to more than one position?

Each position you select must be applied to one at a time. You can not apply to all jobs simultaneously.

Why am I asked to complete self-identifying information, such as: Disability, Veteran Status, Race and Gender?

WMATA is a Federal Government Contracting Agency and subject to compliance with the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs. Thus, we must make a conscious effort to attract diverse individuals to apply to our job opportunities. As a Federal Government Contracting Agency we are also subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, as amended by the Jobs for Veterans Act of 2002, 38 U.S.C. 4212 (VEVRAA), which requires Government contractors to take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment: (1) disabled veterans; (2) recently separated veterans; (3) active duty wartime or campaign badge veterans; and (4) Armed Forces service medal veterans.

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following:

A veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or
A person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service connected disability.

A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran’s discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.
An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.
An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.

Protected veterans may have additional rights under USERRA - the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. In particular, if you were absent from employment in order to perform service in the uniformed service, you may be entitled to be reemployed by your employer in the position you would have obtained with reasonable certainty if not for the absence due to service. For more information, call the U.S. Department of Labor’s Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS), toll-free, at 1-866-4-USA-DOL.

WMATA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal law.

Last, please note that completion of this information is voluntary. Refusal to complete this information will not subject you to adverse treatment. The information you provide is confidential and will be kept separate from your other applicant information. This information will be used for data reporting requirements and will not be considered in making any employment decisions.

Does WMATA have a veteran preference point system?

No, WMATA does not have a veteran preference point system. WMATA complies, however, with the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA),which prohibits federal contractors and subcontractors from discriminating in employment against protected veterans. VEVRAA also requires employers to take affirmative action to recruit, hire, promote, and retain veterans. Consistent with VEVRAA, WMATA undertakes outreach and positive recruitment activities to effectively recruit protected veterans. WMATA invites job applicants to self-identify as protected veterans during the application process.

Each time I visit the website I only see five jobs openings. Will additional positions be posted soon?

Typically there are more than five positions posted to our Careers website at any given time. Please be sure to scroll down the list of the job openings.

I’m only interested in applying for a specific type of position, but I do not see it listed. Why isn’t the job that I want listed?

Applications are accepted only for positions we have posted online on our website. Our position titles are based on the type of duties and departments these positions are located in. The positions advertised on our website are those in active recruitment.

I’m no longer interested in the position that I applied to because I accepted another position elsewhere. What should I do?

If you have not been in touch with your recruiter via email, please email them and inform them that you would like to withdraw your application from consideration.

How can I be notified if there are new positions that fit my skillset?

You can create and save a job search agent at the Metro Careers website, www.wmata.com/careers, to receive email notifications of job postings that match your criteria as they become available.

How do I know that my application has been received?

You will receive an email confirmation when your application has been successfully submitted.

How many versions of my resume can I save?

The system allows you to upload up to five different resumes.

What is the onboarding process for new employees at Metro?

Metro offers a robust new employee orientation program. This program is designed to welcome and support new employees into the organization and provide vital information about the organization.

I applied to a posted position. Can I submit a second application to this same posting?

Duplicate applications for the same job posting are prohibited; you cannot apply to the same posting more than once. When you submit an application for a position, you are certifying all the information you provided is accurate, complete, and correct. Once submitted, the application is the official record of application and is used to evaluate your fit for the specific position for which you have applied.

I applied to a posting a few weeks ago. The same job title is posted again. Should I apply again?

Duplicate applications for the same job posting are prohibited; you cannot apply to a posting having the same posting number to which you have already applied. If the title of the job is the same however the posting number is different than the one to which you originally applied, it's a new vacancy and you will be able to apply to the new position.

I know I applied for a job posting, but the status says "not applied." What do I do?

You may have saved the application without applying to a specific position. Check your online account for a saved application and submit it to the desired job posting. If there is no saved application and you did not receive an email notification that your application was received, try applying to the same job posting. Please note, if the desired position is no longer available on the Careers website, you will unable to apply.

What format should I use for my resume?

We accept resumes in Word (.doc or docx) and Adobe PDF formatted documents.

What does the Opening and Closing Date of the Job Posting mean?

The opening date is the first date the job posting is advertised on our careers page. The closing date is the last date that the job posting will be posted and will be removed from our careers page at midnight or 11:59 PM the day before. Once the job closes, you will not be able to apply.

Is it possible to delete my account, if I’m no longer interested in jobs through WMATA?

You cannot have your account deleted, but you can contact us to withdraw your application from being considered by emailing your recruiter.

I think I inaccurately answered a screening question. How can I change my answer?

Answers to screening questions are part of your official application and cannot be changed once submitted. It is important to verify your answers before submitting.

I am currently a contractor with WMATA. Can I apply for an internal-only posting?

A contractor can apply for an internal-only posting after six months of contracting tenure with WMATA.

The posting for the position I am interested in has closed. How can I still apply?

Your application for a posted position must be submitted before the close date. Requests to apply for a position after the close date will not be considered. You are encouraged to apply the next time the position is posted.
Note: All posted positions are available through 11:59pm the night before the noted close date. The close date is the date on which the posting becomes no longer available for applications.

The system timed out before I submitted my application. Is the information I entered lost?

If you did not "save as draft," the information is lost and you will need to start over. The system typically times out after sitting idle for 20 minutes.

What browsers are supported by Metro's Careers website?

The Metro Careers site is compatible with most major Internet browsers including, Microsoft Internet Explorer(IE), Chrome, Firefox and Safari. If you are using IE version 10 or above and are experiencing difficulty, you may need to change your browser mode to version 9. Go Here >>> https://www.wmata.com/about/careers/ for instructions for making the change.

What is a hot job or MOS/SOC job?

Hot jobs or MOS/SOC jobs are job postings for which the respective military occupational skill (MOS) codes have been identified and are noted within the posting.

When I am applying for a position, I find that some of my information is already populated. Can I change or update that information?

Yes. The system allows you to customize your application for each position for which you apply.

When is the last day I can apply for a posted position?

All posted positions are available through 11:59pm the night BEFORE the noted close date. The close date is the date on which the posting becomes no longer available for applications. Please note that WMATA reserves the right to remove a posting at any time prior to the close date based on business need.

How do I view the number of positions that are posted to WMATA's Career website?

Our Careers page allows job seekers to view all jobs using the scroll bar to the right of the job posting list.

Background

Will I be subject to a background screening?

Yes, once you have accepted a job offer, you will be expected to undergo a background screening. This screening consists of verification of your education, employment and driving record and criminal history evaluation.

CDL/Permit

Will WMATA help me get my CDL Learner’s permit?

WMATA does not provide assistance in obtaining a CDL Learners permit and/or the passenger or airbrake endorsements. However, separate and apart from WMATA some assistance may be possible through the Department of Employment Services for your respective jurisdiction.

General

At what point will I be represented by the union?

Your union seniority and 90-day probationary period will start the Sunday after your graduation date.

Where can I read more about Metro?

To learn more about Metro, please visit the "About Us" section of the website at wmata.com.

Hiring Expense

Who pays for candidate interview travel expenses?

The candidate pays for interview travel expenses. In some cases the candidate interview travel reimbursement is a hiring department expense. Often, a virtual interview can be arranged as well.

Internships

Does Metro/WMATA offer unpaid Internships?

Metro/WMATA does not offer unpaid internships at this time. All WMATA internships are paid.

Does Metro/WMATA offer internships?

Metro/WMATA offers a limited number of paid summer internship for college students . Metro college internship opportunities are typically posted at www.WMATA.com/Careers early spring of each year. Interested college or graduate students must apply online for consideration.

Medical

I already have a DOT Card. Do I still have to have the medical physical?

Yes. Your current DOT card is not valid with WMATA. To obtain a WMATA DOT card, you will need to undergo a drug and alcohol test and the medical/ physical with WMATA’s medical vendor.

Onboarding/Hire Processing

How long does the pre-employment medical screen take?

Barring any medical conditions requiring follow-up, a required sleep study or any other delay in receiving requested medical documentation, the result of medical prescreening are typically returned within 3 to 5 business days.

When in the recruitment process will a background check be run?

The background check applies after you have accepted a contingent job offer.

Referrals

Does WMATA have a paid employee referral program?

WMATA does not have an employee referral program in place at this time.

Testing

Will WMATA reimburse me for the cost of the CDL Learner's Permit or renewal?

No. WMATA does not reimburse the cost of the CDL Learner's Permit test or renewal.

What test do I have to take to get the required CDL?

The Department of Motor Vehicles administers the CDL test. To be hired into the Student Metrobus Operator Trainee program you will need to pass the general knowledge, airbrake, and passenger test.

I tested for a position but haven't received confirmation of whether or not I will be moving to the next phase of the process. How do I find out my test results?

Most test results are communicated via email within two (2) to three (3) weeks of the testing event, if not sooner. Please be sure to check your email/junk mail folder. If after this period of time has passed you haven't been notified of your test results, please contact your Recruiter. (Applicants for the Bus Operator trainee position may send an email to busoperators@wmata.com)

How long is my test score valid?

Applicant pre-interview "passing" test scores are valid for one year (12 months) from the test date. If you apply for another position for which the same test and passing score apply within the timeframe that your original test score is still valid, you will not be required to re-test. (Note: this does not apply to pre-employment medical or background screening results.)

Training

How long is Bus Operator training?

The Student Metrobus Operator training is a ten (10) week program. IMPORTANT NOTE: Absences during the 1st four (4) weeks are prohibited. All time off must be pre-approved by the Training Supervisor. Absence during training could result in a student being released from training.

Can I take time off during Bus Operator training?

Absences from class are not permitted during the first four (4) weeks of training. All time off must be pre-approved by the Training Manager. Absences could result in a student being released from the program.

When will I start in Bus Operator training class?

The timing in which you will be placed into an upcoming training class after you have satisfied all the pre-employment requirements is dependent on several factors. Once you have been fully cleared for employment with WMATA, your Recruiter will advise you of your start date. Typically, fully cleared candidates can expect a start date within 1 to 2 months from the date of being fully cleared for employment. Please note, if 90 days have passed since the original medical screening and/or 6 months has passed since the background screening, one or both may need to be reinitiated.

Work Hours & Location

What shifts will I work for the Bus Operator position?

During training, work assignments may include both day and night time assignments as well as weekday and weekend assignments. Upon completion of training, you will be placed at the location that has the greatest need. Your shift will be assigned at that time.

Can I pick the division/ location where I will work?

The only division/work location that can be picked is Landover division. All other divisions/locations are assigned based on the needs of the organization. Details pertaining to the assignment of work location, shifts and scheduled days-off will be discussed in detailed during training.