Bus Driver (Coach Operator) - Full Time - Orange County Transportation Authority

Earn up to a $3,000** hiring bonus when you join our OC Bus Driver team and keep Orange County moving.

Why OCTA:

Discover work that moves you in a dynamic and innovative setting. Be part of a team delivering Orange County’s transportation network of today and creating a vision for the future.

OCTA is the county’s transportation planning commission and public transit operator. With a focus on safety and accountability, we plan, fund, and implement countywide projects that include bus and rail transit, freeways and express lanes, rideshare, microtransit, paratransit, active transportation, and environmental programs.

We’re passionate about creating a balanced, equitable and sustainable transportation system that reflects the diverse travel needs of the county’s 34 cities and 3.2 million residents. 

Our employees rated OCTA as a top workplace in Orange County. Come join us on our mission of keeping Orange County moving.

Overview:

Responsible for safely operating all types of agency motor coaches and on-board equipment to transport passengers over specified routes.

Effective, May 1, 2023, the hourly rate for this position is:

• $21.51/Hour - Starting wage
• $22.37/Hour - After 6 months
• $23.35/Hour - After 12 months**
• $33.74/Hour - Top rate after 5 years

New Bus Drivers (Coach Operators) can earn a hiring bonus in the following amounts:

•  $500 upon hire
• $500 after certification (at 6 weeks; obtaining a CDL)
• $1000 upon completion of six months of active employment following certification
• $1000 upon completion of twelve months of active employment following certification

*Terms and conditions are subject to change. Payouts are included in the regular processing of biweekly paychecks and are reported as income for tax purposes.

**Six (6) month increases are subject to terms of Collective Bargaining Agreement

This position will remain open until filled.

Responsibilities:

This list is intended to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification and is not designed to be interpreted as an exhaustive listing of all tasks required of employees assigned to this job.

• Safely operates a motor coach on a specified route, making required stops for passengers at designated terminals and stops.
• Maintains time schedules; issues transfers and collects fares.
• Assists passengers by answering bus service questions; announcing transfer points, major intersections, and destination points; assists persons with disabilities to board and depart the coach and provides assistance to passengers as may be required to ensure optimum customer service and courtesy.
• Complies with written and posted traffic regulations and agency policies and procedures.
• Records and reports needed motor coach adjustments or repairs.
• Completes and submits accident and trouble reports on date accident or trouble occurred.
• Reports accidents, law violations, and other incidents, as appropriate.
• Performs related duties as required.

Applicants may apply with a Class C driver’s license.

At the time of application, must provide evidence of meeting the following state-mandated requirements for a Commercial Driver License or Permit:

• Minimum age of 21.
• Physical strength and dexterity to complete the physical aspects of the job.
• Demonstrated regular & successful work history.
• Provide a DMV print-out of the driver's record, issued not more than 30 days prior to date of application.
• Physical strength and dexterity to complete the physical aspects of the required training program.

The Authority reviews your driving history against a high standard and will be considered acceptable if you meet the following requirements:

• No DMV points within 3 years from your application date.
• No accidents where applicant contributed to cause within 3 years from your application date.
• Have appeared in court, as requested.
• Have paid fines, as requested.

Are free from any serious traffic convictions such as:

• Evading an officer
• Hit and run
• Excessive speed
• Speed contest
• Reckless driving
• Leaving the scene of an accident
• And driving under the influence

This list is not all inclusive. Other violations and/or accidents will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may be cause for non-selection.

Special Qualifications:

All applicants must successfully complete the Student Coach Operator Training program to qualify for full or part-time employment. All applicants and employed coach operators must possess and maintain a valid California Commercial Driver License Class A or B with "P" (passenger) endorsement, with no air brake restrictions.

Knowledge of:

• California State Motor Vehicle Code.
• Principles and practices of public relations and customer service.
• Verbal and written communications skills.
• Effective interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.

Ability to:

• Pass the state-mandated physical performance tests which include the ability to: safely and effectively conduct motor coach pre-operation inspection grasp and turn steering wheel in both directions; reach and operate floor and instrument panel controls; correctly operate electronic fare and transfer equipment; correctly operate on-board communications equipment; extend, operate, and secure all types of wheelchair lifts mounted on OCTA vehicles; manipulate an occupied disabled person's mobility equipment to an on-board location and properly secure with installed constraint apparatus, lift, close, and secure access doors and panels during equipment inspection procedures; push/pull 90+ pounds.
• Understand and follow oral and written communications.
• Work varying shifts, hours, days, and locations.
• Make basic arithmetic calculations.
• Speak, read, and write in English.
• Complete various required forms.
• Analyze a variety of situations occurring en route and/or involving public safety to adopt an effective course of action.

Safety Sensitive:

Positions in this job classification are considered safety sensitive and are subject to drug and alcohol testing, including but not limited to pre-employment testing, post-accident testing and random testing, under Federal Transportation Administration (FTA) drug and alcohol regulations, and U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, 49 CFR Part 40 and Part 655. Please refer to the OCTA Drug and Alcohol Policy Manual for additional information.

OCTA is an equal employment opportunity employer that recruits, hires, and promotes qualified people without regard to race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, military and veteran status, or other legally protected status.