Coach Operator
North County Transit - San Diego Railroad
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
North County Transit District (NCTD) is seeking a Coach Operator in California to drive public transit buses, assist passengers, and maintain on-time service. Training is provided, including permits and safety instruction. The role requires a California Class B license with P and airbrake endorsements, and a clean driving record.
Shifts may include nights, weekends, and holidays. The position emphasizes safety, customer service, and adherence to NCTD procedures and EEO policies.
Qualifications
- A combination of education and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
- A typical combination includes: High School diploma or equivalent preferred; Bilingual in English/Spanish preferred.
- Must be 21 years or older.
- Possession of and the ability to maintain a California driver’s license, Class C, with less than 6 points in the prior 36‑month period and no DUIs in the prior 7 years.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain access to Marine Corp Base Camp Pendleton.
- Must be able to obtain a permit and a valid California Class B Commercial Driver License with P (Passenger) and airbrake endorsement before completion of training
- Valid California Verification of Transit Training (VTT) Card
- Valid Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC)
- Must pass NCTD Coach Operator course at Operations Central Instruction (OCI)
- Positions in this job classification are considered safety‑sensitive and subject to drug and alcohol testing, including random testing, under Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulations
Responsibilities
- Collect fares and transports passengers on public transit buses.
- Operates a transit bus safely, courteously, and efficiently, while maintaining schedule adherence.
- Knowledgeable about all routes, transfer points, and fare structures at assigned division.
- Performs a complete pre-trip inspection of the bus, safety checks on equipment, and informs maintenance when adjustments or repairs are necessary, at completion of assignment.
- Refers to and implements route maps, time schedules, and instructions for pull-outs, pull-ins, and detours.
- Provides schedule, route, and fare information to passengers seeking assistance.
- Operates wheelchair ramp and assists passengers with disabilities in boarding, riding, and alighting in a safe manner.
- Secures wheelchairs of passengers with disabilities and clearly communicates the actions being taken.
- Receives and transmits two-way radio messages involving accidents, emergencies, or bus related matters.
- Reports hazardous or dangerous conditions along bus routes and at passenger loading zones, including such hazards as unusual traffic, road conditions, obstructions, construction, and potential criminal activity; alters route if required and approved.
- Maintains an acceptable driving record and complies with all state and local traffic regulations and NCTD policies and procedures.
- Completes any reports as necessary or requested by division management.
- Contributes to ensuring that the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies and programs of NCTD are carried out.
- Other duties as assigned.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
The primary responsibilities of the Coach Operator are to, under direct supervision, operate public transit buses, transport passengers, provides customer service, and perform safety inspections of bus equipment to assure their safe, efficient, and on-time operation.
Per the collective bargaining agreement, the salary for this position is $26.06 per hour. Effective October 1, 2026 the hourly rate increases to $26.58.
This position is distinguished by the skills required to operate a bus along designated routes, ensuring passenger safety and comfort, and providing customer service while maintaining on time performance goals. Operators are required to have a valid California Class B driver’s license with airbrakes and Passenger Endorsement and must be able to navigate the complex city streets of San Diego County, handling various traffic and weather conditions. They assist passengers, including those with special needs, and manage potentially stressful situations. The role requires strong communication and customer service skills, physical stamina, and adherence to North County Transit District’s (NCTD’s) safety protocols. NCTD offers comprehensive paid training, including permit, classroom, and hands‑on instruction, along with ongoing further educational opportunities. The position also requires flexibility in work hours, as shifts may include nights, weekends, and holidays. This position is represented by Teamsters Local Union #542.
A Coach Operator at NCTD receives direct supervision from the Bus Operations Managers who monitor performance, ensure adherence to schedules, and provide ongoing training and feedback. While operators do not exercise direct supervision over other employees, they are responsible for independently managing passenger safety and handling situations that may arise during their shift. Operators follow established protocols and guidelines set by their supervisors to ensure safe and efficient service delivery.
Normal working conditions for this position are working with regular exposure to odors or fumes, working on slippery or uneven surfaces, exposure to moving machinery and/or vehicles, exposure to outdoor weather including extreme heat, cold, dampness and/or humidity, extensive safety training and/or use of protective devices and personal protective gear, work irregular hours, split shifts, weekends, holidays, and work after designated regular hours in case of special assignments or emergencies.
Essential Functions
- Collects fares and transports passengers on public transit buses.
- Operates a transit bus safely, courteously, and efficiently, while maintaining schedule adherence.
- Knowledgeable about all routes, transfer points, and fare structures at assigned division.
- Performs a complete pre‑trip inspection of the bus, safety checks on equipment, and informs maintenance when adjustments or repairs are necessary, at completion of assignment.
- Refers to and implements route maps, time schedules, and instructions for pull‑outs, pull‑ins, and detours.
- Provides schedule, route, and fare information to passengers seeking assistance.
- Operates wheelchair ramp and assists passengers with disabilities in boarding, riding, and alighting in a safe manner, which may include pushing a wheelchair up and down the ramp.
- Secures wheelchairs of passengers with disabilities and clearly communicates the actions being taken.
- Receives and transmits two‑way radio messages involving accidents, emergencies, or bus related matters.
- Reports hazardous or dangerous conditions along bus routes and at passenger loading zones, including such hazards as unusual traffic, road conditions, obstructions, construction, and potential criminal activity; alters route if required and approved.
- Maintains an acceptable driving record and complies with all state and local traffic regulations and NCTD policies and procedures.
- Completes any reports as necessary or requested by division management.
- Contributes to ensuring that the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies and programs of NCTD are carried out.
- Other duties as assigned.
A combination of education and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Additional experience, as outlined below, may be substituted for required education on a year‑for‑year basis. A typical combination includes:
- High School diploma or equivalent preferred
- Bilingual in English/Spanish preferred
- Must be 21 years or older
- Possession of and the ability to maintain a California driver’s license, Class C, with less than 6 points in the prior 36‑month period and no DUIs in the prior 7 years.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain access to Marine Corp Base Camp Pendleton.
- Must be able to obtain a permit and a valid California Class B Commercial Driver License with P (Passenger) and airbrake endorsement before completion of training
- Valid California Verification of Transit Training (VTT) Card
- Valid Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC)
- Must pass NCTD Coach Operator course at Operations Central Instruction (OCI)
- Positions in this job classification are considered safety‑sensitive and subject to drug and alcohol testing, including random testing, under Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulations
- Exhibits a friendly, professional, and customer‐service oriented demeanor continuously.
- Exceptional relationship‑building skills to deal competently with individuals at all levels of responsibility and authority.
- Exercise sound judgment in stressful situations within scope of responsibility.
- Communicate courteously and effectively with other employees and the general public.
- Push, pull, and secure wheelchairs up to 275 pounds.
- Lift up to 35 pounds
- Ability to work in all weather conditions and temperatures and be able to step, climb, walk, and sit for long periods.
- Understand and follow detailed oral and written instructions.
- Follow safety rules and ensure passengers are safe.
- Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Ability to sit for long periods of time, operate a radio or other telecommunications device and communicate through the medium, stand, bend or twist at the neck, waist and/or knees, pushand/or pull, moderate lifting or carrying 26‑50lbs, drive and/or operate heavy equipment, use equipment requiring high hand and finger dexterity, operate foot pedals, and communicate through speech in the English language required.
- Driving and/or operating heavy equipment
- Using equipment requiring high hand and finger dexterity
- Operating foot pedals
NCTD is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
NCTD participates in the CalPERS retirement program with a benefit formula of 1.5% @ 65 for PEPRA new members. Benefits are calculated based on your age at retirement, the number of years of service credit with CalPERS and the average of your monthly compensation over the past 36 months (36 months average highest hourly pay rate).
NCTD offers a Voluntary Deferred Compensation Savings Plan through VOYA Financial Services. Employees are eligible to enroll any time after the date of hire. The plan allows you to contribute pre‑tax and/or post‑tax dollars into selected funds of your choice. The plan also allows you to:
- Contribute up to amount specified annually by the IRS
- Catch‑up plan for those 50+ of up to amount specified annually by the IRS
- Is portable, can be rolled over into another qualified retirement plan
- Employer match into a 401(a) account (50% up to 8% of employee compensation; Max NCTD contribution of 4%)
NCTD offers a rich variety of HMO and PPO plans to choose from and contributes towards your monthly medical premiums, if the coverage you select costs more than the amount NCTD contributes, then payroll deductions will be withheld on a pre‑tax basis. Premium rates may vary across bargaining units in accordance with the terms of their respective collective bargaining agreement.
NCTD offers two different dental plans for employees and their eligible dependents (HMO and PPO) from a reliable dental insurance provider. Human Resources can provide information regarding annual insurance provider and available plans. Both plans are part of NCTD’s cafeteria plan (pre‑tax payroll deductions for monthly premiums).
NCTD offers vision services for employees and their eligible dependents through a reliable vision insurance provider. Human Resources can provide information regarding annual insurance provider and available plan. The plan is part of NCTD’s cafeteria plan (pre‑tax payroll deductions for monthly premiums).
NCTD cares for its employees, and thus provides at no cost to the employee group life insurance in the amount of $50,000 (coverage includes Accidental Death and Dismemberment and Accelerated Death benefits). Additional life insurance is available for you and your eligible dependents at your expense. * Tax reporting is required for any amounts over $50,000, per IRS guidelines. Supplemental life insurance coverage premiums are deducted on a post‑tax basis.
NCTD offers voluntary Long‑Term Disability (LTD) insurance. You may elect units of $100 up to 60% of your hourly wage to a maximum of $6,000/month. Deductions are post‑tax, coverage 24/7, limitations or exclusions, and benefits are payable to age 65 or for two years (whichever is longer).
NCTD offers two core FSA plans and two Commuter plans. Health Care and Dependent Care plans are “Use It OR Lose It” calendar year plans (Jan. 1st – Dec. 31st). The Commuter Transit and Parking plans do not have a “use it or lose it” policy. Plans are as follows:
- Health Care Spending Account: May contribute up to amount specified annually by the IRS
- Dependent Care Spending Account: May contribute up to amount specified annually by the IRS (including limitations if married)
- Commuter Transit Accounts: May contribute up to amount specified annually by the IRS
Employees contribute to California State Disability Insurance (SDI). The current contribution rate is 1.1% of earnings and is totally paid by the employee. After the 7‑day waiting period, SDI pays a percentage of employee’s salary up to a maximum of $1,540.00per week, for up to 52 weeks. SDI may be coordinated with Paid Time Off (PTO).
NCTD offers voluntary accident insurance. You may elect coverage for you and your dependents for a flat monthly rate. Deductions are post‑tax.
NCTD offers voluntary Critical Illness insurance. You may elect coverage up to $10,000 in increments of $2,500, for you and between $2,500 - $5,000 for your dependents, not to exceed 50% of coverage amount. Deductions are post‑tax.
7 recognized paid holidays per year: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
All permanent full‑time Coach Operators shall be authorized and granted PTO on their anniversary date and each January 1st thereafter.
- Awarded at start of service – 40 hours
- Award after completion of 12 months of service – 80 hours
- Award after completion of 24 months of service – 120 hours
- Award after completion of 60 months of service – 184 hours
- Award after completion of 96 months of service – 224 hours
- Award after completion of 120 months of service – 240 hours
All NCTD employees receive an identification PRONTO Card which can be used to ride the following NCTD/MTS transit services (BREEZE, FLEX, SPRINTER, COASTER, MTS Bus, Trolley) at no charge. Eligible family members also receive a pass for NCTD public transportation at no charge (paratransit excluded).
NCTD offers paid bereavement leave.
- Emotional Support
- Work/Life Balance
- Family Care
This allows you to add/drop dependents from current benefit plan elections per IRS “Qualifying Events.” If a “Qualifying Event” occurs, you MUST contact HR within 30 days of event, (Qualifying Event must relate to the benefit change you are requesting).
Please contact Human Resources should you have any questions regarding NCTD Benefits.
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