Motor Coach Operator Trainee

City of Santa Monica; Santa Monica (CA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Santa Monica is seeking entry-level Motor Coach Operators who will drive city buses on assigned routes and schedules. Trainees will complete an eight-week training program under supervision to qualify for promotion to a full Motor Coach Operator.

Responsibilities include safe vehicle operation, assisting passengers, and maintaining accurate fare handling and reporting. Applicants must meet age, licensing, and driving record requirements and may be subject to DOT testing.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or the equivalent.
• Minimum 21 years of age at time of application.
• One year of recent, paid customer service work experience.
• Valid California Class C driver license with a minimum of two years of safe driving; before training, must possess a California Class A/B permit with medical certification, passenger endorsement, and no restrictions for weight or passengers.
• Before starting, must be able to obtain a DOT drug/alcohol testing commitment per regulations.

Responsibilities

• Operates a motor coach on an assigned route and schedule.
• Complete an eight‑week formal training program as a Motor Coach Operator Trainee.
• Maintain safety standards, operate equipment, and provide passenger assistance as needed.
• Prepare reports and handle fare collection tasks.
• Assist passengers and provide route information to the public.

Skills

Customer service

Defensive driving

Reading maps

Public interaction

English literacy

Teamwork

Communication

Basic math

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Attention: To receive consideration for this position, you must submit a current copy of your K-4 driving record print out from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) with your application. The K-4 driving record print out must be obtained from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office or from the DMV Kiosk. Online printouts from the DMV website and from other agencies such as AAA will not be accepted. "Current" is defined as being issued within 30 days of the date of your application submittal. All materials must be received by the Human Resources Department by the application filing deadline. Failure to do so will result in your application being disqualified.

Join Big Blue Bus - We are looking for customer service and safety-minded Motor Coach Operators to join our growing team.

Blue Awaits You!

Looking to steer your career in a new direction? Driving for Big Blue Bus can be a long-lasting career with company-covered benefits and training opportunities. Every day, Big Blue Bus connects thousands of people to new opportunities that await them. As a Motor Coach Operator, you will have a unique opportunity to enrich the lives of our customers, by ensuring they arrive safely and on time to their destinations. Further, you’ll meet new people, be an ambassador for the City of Santa Monica, and experience growth opportunities at every stop! If you enjoy driving, seek real opportunities for career advancement, and are passionate about making a difference in the community, then we invite you to drive Blue.

A Motor Coach Operator operates a motor coach (bus) on an assigned route and schedule. In order to become a Motor Coach Operator, successful candidates must complete an eight-week formal training program as a Motor Coach Operator Trainee after which they are eligible to be promoted from a part-time Motor Coach Operator to a Motor Coach Operator. The training program is administered by the Santa Monica Department of Transportation. During the eight-weeks of training, the hourly rate is $25.00. Upon successful completion of the training program, the candidate will advance to the classification of part-time Motor Coach Operator at salary Step 1 ($27.58) and will serve a one-year probationary period.

Motor Coach Operator - Hourly Salary

• Step 1: $27.58
• Step 2: $29.55
• Step 3: $31.52
• Step 4: $33.49
• Step 5: $35.46
• Step 6: $39.40

Definition

Participates in a formal classroom and motor coach operation training program. Motor Coach Operator Trainee is expected to successfully complete the training program as prescribed by the Santa Monica Big Blue Department to be eligible to become a Motor Coach Operator.

Supervision

• Works under close supervision of a Motor Coach Operator Training Coordinator. Detailed instructions are provided. Routine work is performed under direction of a Motor Coach Operator Training Coordinator and/or designee.
• Participates in a formal training program to learn techniques and safety procedures for operating a motor coach.
• Learns and observes traffic laws, vehicle code regulations, and appropriate safety rules and regulations.
• Learns pre-operation vehicle preparation and inspection procedures.
• Learns and practices defensive driving techniques.
• Follows department standards and procedures for maintaining motor coach appearance and cleanliness while in service.
• Operates wheelchair lift and bike rack equipment.
• Provides directions and information to the public concerning routes, schedules, and transfers. Makes stops announcements. Assists passengers, when needed.
• Prepares various reports, including detailed accident reports, daily operation reports, forms for lost articles, and witness/courtesy cards.
• Performs various duties related to fare collection, tariff acceptance, fare box reading and recording, and transfer issuance and receipt.
• Performs other duties, as assigned.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills

• Knowledge of: Effective customer service techniques
• Knowledge of: Basic mathematics
• Knowledge of: Driver and vehicle safety rules and regulations
• Ability to: Learn to operate a motor coach safely and properly
• Ability to: Respond to inquiries from the public in a courteous and tactful manner
• Ability to: Deal effectively with the public
• Ability to: Work with others in a cooperative, patient, and professional manner
• Ability to: Follow written and oral instructions
• Ability to: Perform simple mathematical computations
• Ability to: Prepare simple reportsAbility to: Read maps
• Ability to: Conduct safety checks
• Ability to: Communicate on a two-way radio
• Ability to: Work with persons from diverse social, cultural and economic backgrounds as well as a variety of work styles, personalities, and approaches
• Skill in: Reading, and writing and communicating in English at an appropriate level
• Skill in: Driving a passenger vehicle

Education, Training and Experience

Graduation from high school or the equivalent. Minimum 21 years of age at time of application.

Experience

One year of recent, paid customer service work experience assisting and providing information to the public.

Licenses and Certificates

Possession of a valid California Class C driver license with a minimum of two (2) years of continuous safe driving. If hired, and prior to the first day of training, must possess a California Class A or B commercial driver permit with appropriate medical certification, passenger endorsement, and with no restrictions for weight, number of passengers or air brakes. Must also be able to obtain a Verification of Transit Training Document at the conclusion of training.

Additional Requirements

• (1) Within the preceding 12 months from the date of application, been involved as a driver in three or more accidents in which the driver caused or contributed to the accidents.
• (2) Within the preceding three years from the date of application, had committed any violation that resulted in a conviction with a DMV 2 Point count or more.
• (3) Within the preceding three years from the date of application, had committed three or more DMV 1 Point count violations.
• (4) Within the preceding three years from the date of application, had driving privileges revoked, suspended, or placed on probation.

Working Conditions

Work is performed sometimes indoors but regularly outside in seasonal climate and weather conditions. Work may require exposure to odors, fumes, oil and fuel. Drives for prolonged periods of time with no rest period. Heavy city traffic conditions are encountered on a daily basis. Follows a schedule to leave and pick up passengers. Noise from traffic and a two-way radio, slippery surfaces and dust are conditions often encountered. Position requires availability to work variable shifts, weekends, evenings, holidays, on‑call and overtime. Physical demands include driving, walking, constant arm and leg movements, and sitting for long periods of time. Stooping, bending and lifting up to 30 lbs may be required. This is a safety sensitive position subject to drug and alcohol testing according to City policy and Federal Transit Administration regulations.

Note: Veterans' Preference

Veterans' Preference points shall be applied to this entry level civil service position in accordance with the City of Santa Monica Human Resources Department guidelines. To be considered for Veterans' Preference points, you must submit a copy of your discharge papers (DD214) at the time of application.

NOTE: Upon offer of employment, candidates will be subject to a US Department of Transportation (DOT) pre‑employment screen for alcohol and controlled substances set forth in DOT regulation 49 CFR Parts 40 and 655. Candidates will be required to provide written consent to obtain drug and alcohol testing records from all prior employers in the last two (2) years.

NOTE: If three or more qualified City employees apply and pass the examination, a promotional list will be established in addition to an open‑competitive list.

The City of Santa Monica is a progressive, inclusive and culturally‑rich community. As leaders in public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a highly‑talented workforce where people of diverse races, religions, cultures and lifestyles thrive. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and where their differences make a positive impact.

The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our employees.

Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for persons with disabilities. Call [phone], TDD [phone] (Hearing Impaired Only).

Please note the request for reasonable accommodations must be made to Human Resources at least three work days prior to the examination.