Coach Operator

Overview

The primary responsibilities of the Coach Operator are to operate public transit buses, transport passengers, provide customer service, and perform safety inspections to assure safe, efficient, and on‑time operation.

Operators must navigate San Diego County streets, manage traffic and weather conditions, assist passengers including those with special needs, and maintain on‑time performance goals. A valid California Class B driver’s license with passenger endorsement is required.

Direct supervision from Bus Operations Managers. No direct supervision over other employees. Operators manage passenger safety during shifts.

Exposure to odors, slippery surfaces, moving machinery, weather extremes, unsafe conditions, irregular hours, split shifts, weekends, holidays, and special assignments or emergencies.

• Collect fares and transport passengers on public transit buses.
• Operate transit buses safely, courteously, and efficiently while maintaining schedule adherence.
• Know all routes, transfer points, and fare structures at assigned division.
• Perform pre‑trip inspection of the bus, safety checks, and inform maintenance when adjustments or repairs are necessary.
• Implement route maps, time schedules, and instructions for pull‑outs, pull‑ins, and detours.
• Provide schedule, route, and fare information to passengers seeking assistance.
• Operate wheelchair ramp and assist passengers with disabilities in boarding, riding, and alighting.
• Secure wheelchairs of passengers with disabilities and communicate actions being taken.
• Receive and transmit two‑way radio messages involving accidents, emergencies, or bus related matters.
• Report hazardous or dangerous conditions along bus routes and loading zones.
• Maintain an acceptable driving record and comply with all state traffic regulations and NCTD policies.
• Complete any reports as necessary or requested by division management.
• Contribute 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 providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

• High School diploma or equivalent (preferred).
• Bilingual in English/Spanish (preferred).
• Must be 21 years or older.

• Valid 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.
• Valid California Class B commercial driver license with P (Passenger) endorsement and air‑brake endorsement before training completion.
• Valid VTT Card.
• Valid MEC (Medical Examiner's Certificate).
• Must pass NCTD Coach Operator course at Operations Central Instruction (OCI).
• Under FTA regulations, subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

• Exhibit friendly, professional, customer‑service oriented demeanor continuously.
• Exceptional relationship‑building skills to deal competently with individuals at all levels.
• Exercise sound judgment in stressful situations within scope of responsibility.
• Communicate courteously and effectively with other employees and the public.
• Push, pull, and secure wheelchairs up to 275 lb.
• Lift up to 35 lb.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions and step, climb, walk, and sit for long periods.
• Understand and follow detailed oral and written instructions.
• Follow safety rules and ensure passengers are safe.
• Read, write, speak, and understand English.

Ability to sit for long periods, operate a radio, bend or twist at the neck, waist and/or knees, push and pull, moderate lifting or carrying 26‑50 lb, drive or operate heavy equipment, use equipment requiring high hand and finger dexterity, operate foot pedals, and communicate through speech in English.

• Driving and operating heavy equipment.
• Using equipment requiring high hand and finger dexterity.
• Operating foot pedals.

All applicants must complete and submit an online application at  A job offer is contingent upon a pre‑employment drug screen and background check. NCTD is an Equal Opportunity Employer.