Bus Operator (Full-Time)

Job Description

General

This is a bus driver role responsible for the safe and efficient operation of District transit vehicles in fixed-route service. Operators perform duties requiring direct public contact and are expected to exercise independent judgment within established policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.

Bus Operators report to the Bus Transportation Management, which may include Managers, Assistant Managers, and Supervisors.

WORK SCHEDULE: Varies - days, nights, weekends, and holidays (per CBA)
WORK LOCATION: Varies - San Carlos, CA and/or South San Francisco, CA

Essential Functions & Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Operate District buses in revenue service in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and District policies.
• Transport passengers along assigned routes while maintaining schedules and making designated stops.
• Collect fares and ensure proper fare handling procedures are followed.
• Conduct required pre-trip, en-route, and post-trip inspections of assigned vehicles.
• Assist passengers, including those with disabilities, by properly positioning and securing wheelchairs and mobility devices.
• Announce stops and provide route, fare, and service information to the public.
• Communicate with Dispatch and other District personnel using two-way radio systems.
• Complete required forms and reports related to passenger counts, accidents, incidents, vehicle defects, and service changes.
• Identify and report unsafe conditions, equipment defects, and service disruptions.
• Promote safe work practices and comply with all safety procedures.

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Traffic laws and safe driving practices
• Customer service and public interaction
• Basic vehicle safety

Ability to:

• Safely operate transit vehicles under varying traffic and weather conditions
• Communicate clearly and courteously with the public and co-workers
• Read and interpret maps, schedules, timetables, and written instructions
• Accurately complete reports and documentation
• Follow oral and written instructions
• Maintain attention and composure in stressful or emergency situations

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Graduation from high school or possession of a GED certificate.
  

Experience

• One (1) year of full-time customer service or public interaction experience.
  No prior commercial driving or Bus Operator experience is required.
  

Licenses and Certifications

• Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license at the time of application including at least two (2) years of maintaining a satisfactory driving record.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid California Class B Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP), Commercial Driver License (CDL), and required endorsements (Passenger & Air Brake) as a condition of employment.

Note: Eligibility to obtain a California Class B Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) and Commercial Driver License (CDL) is determined by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Applicants are responsible for ensuring they meet all DMV licensing requirements before participating in the District's paid training program.

Additional Information

Special Requirements

• Must meet the District’s Good Driving Record standards at the time of application and throughout employment.
• Must be able to work varying shifts, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Must be able to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
• Must successfully complete all required training and probationary requirements.
• Must comply with all applicable District policies, Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, and safety requirements.
• Must maintain a valid DOT medical certificate, as required for the position, throughout employment.
• Must maintain a valid Commercial Driver’s License, as required for the position, throughout employment.

Physical Requirements

Position requires the ability to:

• Sit for extended periods while operating a vehicle
• Bend, twist, kneel, and reach to operate vehicle controls and secure wheelchairs
• Use hands and feet to operate manual and foot controls
• Lift and maneuver wheelchair securement devices
• Respond verbally to radio communications and passenger inquiries

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in a transit vehicle and in a yard environment with exposure to traffic, varying weather conditions, noise, and vibration.
• Regular contact with the public, including handling difficult or disruptive situations.

Selection Process

Applicants will be evaluated based on education, experience, and job-related criteria. The selection process may include:

• Application screening
• DMV Driving Record Review consistent with District standards
• In-person panel interview
• Job-related fit test to assess the ability to perform the essential physical functions of the Bus Operator position

Pre-Employment Conditions

Final candidates must successfully complete:

• Pre-employment DOT drug screening (5-panel)
• Background investigation
• Maintain a driving record that meets District standards
• Possess or obtain a valid California Class B Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) as before the start of paid training program

Equal Employment Opportunity

The District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal and state nondiscrimination laws.

Below is a summary of the comprehensive benefits provided to District full-time employees:

Health and Welfare Benefits:

• Healthcare Benefits -District employees are offered a choice of healthcare providers under the CalPERS Health Benefits Program.The District will contribute ninety (90) percent towards monthly premiums for full-time employees. Fifty (50) percent for part-time employees.
  
• Free Dental and Vision Benefits provided - Employer Covers Premiums
  
• Free Employee Assistance Benefit - Employees are entitled to 5 face-to-face sessions or telephonic or web-video consultations for problem-solving support per incident, per calendar year.
  

• Flexible Spending Accounts - Pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified Health or Dependent Care expenses.
  

Retirement Medical Benefits:

• Long Term Disability Insurance - After 90 days of total disability, Administrative full-time employees are eligible for 60% of monthly income covered by the District.
  
• Health and Wellness - Gyms located at most work locations and discounted Weight Watcher Membership Option.
  

Holidays and Paid Time Off:

• Paid Time Off - Newly hired employees accrue 6.5 hours bi-weekly when hired (if Exempt 8.25 hours).As you move up in years of service credit, the rate of the amount of PTO accrued will also increase.
  
• Paid Holidays - The District provides seven paid holidays throughout the year - New Years Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day (July 4th), Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
  
• Floating Holidays - District employees can earn up to five (5) floating holidays.
  

Financial Planning Benefits:

• Pension Benefits through CalPERS -You must have a minimum of 5 years of service to be eligible for this pension.
  

• CalPERS PEPRA vs. Classic - All employees hired on, or after January 1, 2013, are considered PEPRA members and will contribute 8% of their salary up to the maximum IRS cut-off. All Classic members will contribute 6%
  
• Deferred Compensation Options - Select to contribute to one or both of our Tax Deferred Compensation Options
  
• Reliance Standard Life Insurance with 100% premium paid by the District - 1 times annual salary of employee - max $200,000
  
• Optional Life Insurance - Employees may purchase additional life insurance for themselves and their eligible family members.
  

Growth and Education Benefits:

• Professional Development - Access to LinkedIn Learning and San Mateo County’s professional training. District Tuition Reimbursement Program - A maximum of $5,250 per year for courses related to your job or career goals with the District.
  
• Computer Loan Program - Interest-free two-year loan with a maximum amount of $2,000.
  

Other Amazing Benefits:

• Credit Union - Employees and family members are eligible to join the San Mateo Credit Union and Patelco Credit Union.
  
• Employee Clean Commute (ECC) - Car/Van poolers and Public Transit riders receive a monthly reimbursement.
  
• Commuter Benefits - Free Employee Parking; Free Bus Pass for employee as well as children/spouse; Clipper Card/Go Pass Program for Central employees.
  

For union employees, all of the above benefits are subject to the employee’s Collective Bargaining Agreement. Benefits listed are also subject to change with or without notice and are subject to contract/provider terms and conditions.