Bus Operator - County Services

San Joaquin Regional Transit District; Stockton (CA); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in public transportation is seeking dedicated individuals to join as Bus Operators. This role offers a unique opportunity to provide essential services to the community while ensuring passenger safety and comfort. With comprehensive paid training provided, candidates will gain the necessary skills to operate buses and interact positively with a diverse clientele. The position includes competitive hourly wages and a range of full-time benefits, including health insurance and retirement plans. If you are passionate about serving your community and enjoy working in a dynamic environment, this could be the perfect fit for you.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Life Insurance

Sick Leave

Vacation

401(a) Retirement Plan

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required; good driving record; 21 years of age.
• Must obtain Class B Commercial Learner’s Permit prior to hire.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate bus on scheduled routes while providing excellent customer service.
• Inspect assigned bus for safety and cleanliness before departure.

Skills

Customer Service

Safe Driving Practices

Communication Skills

Defensive Driving

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Bus Safety Equipment

Job description

NO PRIOR EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

PAID TRAINING PROVIDED

($19.7447 - $25.8199 Hourly – Wage Step Progression)

Under the direction of the Transportation Superintendent, the operator is responsible for the safe operation of RTD’s equipment, providing extraordinary customer service, alighting and boarding passengers, and collecting fares along a scheduled route or destination. No prior driving experience required (but preferred). RTD will provide paid training in preparation for a commercial class B license and endorsements. Class B Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) with passenger and airbrake endorsements must be obtained prior to hire date.

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The incumbent must be able to perform the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodations.

As a bus operator:

• Thoroughly inspect assigned bus for all safety, comfort, and cleanliness prior to departing from the operations facility per the beginning of shift policies and procedures.
• Notify the control center of any damage to the bus; upon relieving another operator.
• Ensure the proper operation of all safety items; ask relief operator of any defects and/or route detours.
• Throughout assigned shift, operate bus on assigned route and schedule while picking up and delivering passengers except as altered by Transportation Supervisor.
• Collect fares and transfers, inspect passes for validity, collect ridership information as directed by Transportation Superintendent.
• Offer assistance to passengers in boarding and alighting when necessary and provide information to passengers, when requested; assist and ensure wheelchair passengers are properly secured.
• Call out bus stops, where appropriate.
• Once per cycle, inspect safety items on the bus.
• Assist new and trainee operators.
• Except for authorized relief periods, continually attend bus to ensure the security and safety of both the bus and the passengers, and the maintenance of radio contact with the control center and other operators.
• At the completion of shift ensure all end of shift tasks are performed per the policy and procedures; and adhere to the Operator’s Handbook.

Knowledge of:

• State and local traffic laws, safe driving practices, and defensive driving practices.
• Vehicle safety, rules, and regulations.
• Positive communication, interaction, and customer service with the general public, including students, elderly, and persons with disabilities.
• Schedules, fares, routes, and transfer points.

Ability to:

• Successfully complete the District's Operator training program.
• Perform all duties and responsibilities in a professional manner.
• Work varying shifts and hours, Monday through Sunday. Weekday hours may begin as early as 3:15 A.M. and end as late as 11:30 P.M.
• Lift 40 pounds or over, pull, bend, stoop, and twist, as required by various job duties.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, other agencies, and co-workers.
• Relate well to various persons from all ethnic backgrounds and classes.
• Establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers and all staff to ensure the team concept in the work environment which includes maintaining a positive and professional disposition, demeanor and attitude with all customers, co-workers, all staff and supervisors at all times.
• Report to work as required and on time.
• Dress in a professional manner as required.

Education, Training and Experience:

A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities outlined above is: High School diploma or GED equivalent; good work and driving record; 21 years of age and have three (3) years of licensed vehicle driving at the time of application; and possess excellent people skills. Prior bus driving and customer service experience a plus. Must have reliable transportation. Must be able to read, write, and speak English.

Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:

• Valid Class C California driver license or higher.
• Class B Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) must be obtained prior to hire date.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Class B driver license, with Passenger and Airbrake endorsements.
• Ability to obtain Valid Verification of Transit Training Certificate.
• An original DMV printout must be provided for consideration.

Please submit your DMV printout to Human Resources in one of the three following ways: (1) Upload and submit it with your application; (2) Fax it to (209)-943-1175; or (3) Bring it in person to the Downtown Transit Center to the customer service department (Attention: HR).

Work Environment:

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, or hear, in person and by radio; use hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate District vehicles (buses and automobiles); and reach out with hands or arms. The employee frequently is required to walk and stand. The employee must be able to lift, push, and pull (40) pounds. The employee does not work under typical office conditions. The employee will be working in District buses and other vehicles where the noise level is usually loud. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Mental Demands:

While performing the duties of this class, the incumbent is regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information, and documents; observe and interpret people and situations; analyze and solve operational problems, use math and mathematical reasoning; perform detailed work on multiple concurrent tasks; work with constant interruptions; and interact with RTD personnel and a multicultural customer base encountered in the course of work.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee occasionally works in outdoor weather conditions where noise levels are moderately noisy; around moving equipment and vehicles; and is exposed to toxic fumes and caustic chemicals.

Employment Process:

Applicants must complete and submit an official application form. The standards as stated on the front of the job announcement represent only the minimum required to fill an application. Resumes will be accepted but may not be substituted for the required application form. Meeting the listed standards does not guarantee that a candidate will be invited for an interview as the Human Resources Department reserves the right to limit the number of candidates to the most qualified for the vacancy. The selection process for this position may include a written assessment. All statements made on the application are subject to verification and investigation. False statements will be cause for disqualification, removal from the eligible list or termination of employment.

Employment is conditional upon successfully passing all pre-employment screens. Substance abuse tests paid by the Transit District are required of each prospective employee. Candidates are cautioned that offers of employment are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of DOT physical examination (for safety sensitive positions), substance abuse drug and alcohol tests, reference checks, and a background investigation.

San Joaquin Regional Transit District is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.

RTD offers a competitive employee benefit program that includes:

FULL-TIME BENEFITS:

INSURANCE: RTD provides comprehensive health and dental insurance package for all full-time employees and their dependents. RTD also provides $20,000 life insurance for all full-time employees.

SICK LEAVE: Three (3) to twelve (12) days per year depending on length of service for full-time employees, per the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

VACATION: One (1) week to six (6) weeks depending on the classification level and length of service for full-time employees, per the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

RETIREMENT: RTD participates in a 401(a) retirement plan.

The provisions of this bulletin are subject to change without notice and do not constitute an express or implied contract.