Hampton Roads Transit Career Fair Nov. 13: Open Interviews for $23-an-Hour Bus Operators and Mechanics

Editor's note (November 14, 2026): This event has passed. For upcoming Hampton Roads hiring events, see our fall 2026 job fairs guide.

NORFOLK, VA — Hampton Roads Transit is holding open interviews on Friday, November 13, and it is not being shy about the goal: show up, get screened, and walk out with a contingent job offer. The agency is hiring bus operator trainees at $23.00 an hour and Mechanic III techs at $28.04 an hour, with openings at both its Norfolk and Hampton divisions.

One morning-to-afternoon session, two roles, on-the-spot screening, and paid training for drivers who don't have their CDL yet.

Ready to go? Skip straight to the transit and CDL job links →

Event	Hampton Roads Transit Career Fair
Date	Friday, November 13, 2026
Time	10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location	Hampton Roads Transit, 509 E. 18th St., Building 4, Boardroom 234, Norfolk, VA 23504
Format	In person, open interviews with on-the-spot screening
Hiring	Bus Operator Trainees (full-time and part-time), Mechanic III
Pay	$23.00/hr bus operator trainees, $28.04/hr Mechanic III
Questions	(757) 222-6000

💼 The Jobs Hampton Roads Transit Is Filling

This is a two-track event. The first track is bus operator trainees, offered as both full-time and part-time positions, each posted at $23.00 an hour. The second track is Mechanic III, posted at $28.04 an hour. HRT says the openings are spread across Hampton and Norfolk, so a Southside resident and a Peninsula resident can both end up working close to home.

The agency's own November career fair announcement promises screening and interviews on the spot, with qualified candidates able to leave holding a contingent offer. Contingent means exactly what it sounds like: the offer still depends on the screening steps that follow, so treat it as a strong start, not a signed deal.

💵 What It Pays and What Comes With It

Pay is only part of the pitch. HRT lists medical, vision and dental coverage, a pension, paid training, a CDL permit preparation course and room to move up. It also advertises childcare reimbursement, an uncommon perk worth asking about if you are juggling daycare costs. The agency describes itself as a veteran-friendly employer, a real draw in a region built around Naval Station Norfolk and the bases up and down the Peninsula.

⚠️ Read This Before You Drive Over

Part-time operator trainees need a CDL already. HRT says part-time candidates must hold a CDL with a passenger endorsement and air brakes. No CDL yet? Aim for the full-time trainee track, which comes with the permit prep course and paid training.
Full-time and mechanic requirements aren't spelled out on the event page. Call (757) 222-6000 before you go if you're unsure whether your license, driving record or shop experience qualifies.
Leave the kids at home. HRT asks candidates not to bring children, for safety reasons.
Dress like it's the interview, because it is. The agency recommends professional attire.

📋 How to Show Up Ready

From Virginia Beach it's a straight shot west on I-264 into Norfolk. Bring several copies of your resume, your driver's license, and any CDL, endorsements or mechanic certifications you hold. Mechanics should be ready to talk specifics: the systems you've repaired and the diagnostic tools you know.

Can't make Friday? HRT has posted a career fair nearly every month this year, so another date is likely. Watch the agency's site and our fall job fairs guide, which we keep updated.

🔎 Search Transit and CDL Jobs Now

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where is the Hampton Roads Transit career fair?

Friday, November 13, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at 509 E. 18th St., Building 4, Boardroom 234, in Norfolk.

How much does Hampton Roads Transit pay bus operator trainees?

HRT posts $23.00 an hour for both full-time and part-time bus operator trainees, and $28.04 an hour for Mechanic III.

Do I need a CDL to apply?

For the part-time trainee role, yes: a CDL with passenger and air brake endorsements. The full-time track includes paid training and a CDL permit prep course. Call (757) 222-6000 to confirm what you need.

Can I really get hired the same day?

HRT says qualified candidates can leave with a contingent offer. Final hiring still depends on the screening steps that follow.

Are the jobs only in Norfolk?

No. The agency says openings are available in both Hampton and Norfolk.

Get Your Transit Career Moving

Create a free profile at LocalJobPage so Hampton Roads employers can find you, and browse the Career Center for role-by-role guides on pay and training.

Employers: Hiring drivers, mechanics or anyone else in Hampton Roads? Post your openings on LocalJobPage.