Motor Coach Operator Trainee

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 the8-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.

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

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.

• 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 stop 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.

• Effective customer service techniques
• Basic mathematics
• Driver and vehicle safety rules and regulations

• Learn to operate a motor coach safely and properly
• Respond to inquiries from the public in a courteous and tactful manner
• Deal effectively with the public
• Work with others in a cooperative, patient, and professional manner
• Follow written and oral instructions
• Perform simple mathematical computations
• Prepare simple reports
• Read maps
• Conduct safety checks
• Communicate on a two-way radio
• Work with persons from diverse social, cultural and economic backgrounds as well as a variety of work styles, personalities, and approaches

• Reading, and writing and communicating in English at an appropriate level
• Driving a passenger vehicle

• 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 assisting and providing…