Bus Operator

Driver Trainee

Golden Empire Transit District

41,600.00 - $44,824.00 Annually

Bakersfield

Full-Time

Job Number : 202500005

Department : Operations

Opening Date : 07 / 16 / 2025

Description

DRIVER TRAINEE RATE $20.00

POST-TRAINEE RATE $21.55 (EFFECTIVE AFTER 30 WORKING DAYS OF TRAINING)

This position operates a public transit passenger bus in accordance with District schedules and other related programs. Maintains a safe and orderly environment while providing a high level of customer service. CLASS CHARACTERISTICS : This classification is responsible for ensuring safe and timely transport of passengers. Moderate level of supervision is required. SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED : This classification reports to the Operations Supervisor(s), Operations Manager, and to the Director of Operations. This classification does not have any supervisory responsibilities.

Examples of Duties

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Safe Driving Skills
• Customer Service
• Communication Skills
• Time Management
• Regulatory Compliance
• Problem-Solving

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS : The functions and duties listed below represent the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them if the work is related. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind work assignments as needed.

Typical Qualifications

QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES : Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of the classification is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities is as follows : EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND / OR EXPERIENCE : High school diploma or GED equivalent. Minimum of 21 years of age with a minimum of (3) years of holding a valid California Driver's License. LICENSES AND / OR CERTIFICATES : Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Class B California driver's license with passenger and air brake endorsements. Ability to obtain and maintain a current CDL medical certificate. Driving record (K4) acceptable to District's insurance underwriter must be provided for consideration. REQUISITE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL LEVELS : Knowledge of safe driving practices. Knowledge of state and local traffic laws. Provisions of the California Motor Vehicle Code. Requisite reading, mathematical and written language skills in order to perform the essential functions of the job. Customer Service principles and practices.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL TASKS & ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The physical demands of this position include prolonged sitting, driving, and steering, with occasional standing, walking, bending and stooping. Must be able to lift, push, and pull 40 pounds or over. Sit to operate bus on scheduled routes. Twist upper body to maneuver buses through traffic. Grasp and turn steering wheel to move and turn vehicle. Reach, push, and pull maxi-brake in emergency conditions. Reach, pull, and push head sign to keep passengers notified of bus destination. Twist and pull door handle to open and shut doors for entry and exit. Push and press gearbox to operate the bus. Stand to load and unload passengers. Load wheelchairs for passengers (lift, pull, and push). Kneel to fasten wheelchairs to locks. Walk to inspect inside and outside of vehicle. Crouch / stoop to check tires, oil or air leaks. Visual acuity sufficient to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle. Exposure to extreme cold or extreme heat when driving in winter or summer months. Exposure results when doors open and close to load and unload passengers (District has equipped buses with heaters and air condition units). Working outdoors to operate a transit bus. Exposure to fumes / odors when operating a bus. Risk may involve inhaling diesel fumes (risk is minimal). Exposure to dust when making stops in areas where there are no sidewalks (risk is minimal). Exposure to traffic conditions. Risk involves possible vehicle accidents, road construction work, and continued observance of traffic conditions, bikers, children, etc. Reasonable accommodation for qualified candidates with disabilities will be made on a case by case basis.

Supplemental Information

A background check will be conducted for this classification. All Golden Empire Transit District employees are designated "Disaster Service Workers" through state and local laws (CA Government Code Sec. 3100-3109). In the event of a declared emergency or any undeclared emergency or natural disaster that threatens the life, health and / or safety of the public, GET employees may be assigned to assist rescue and relief workers. Such assignments may be in locations, during hours and performing work significantly different from the employees' normal work assignments and may continue through the recovery phase of the emergency. As Disaster Service Workers, all Golden Empire Transit District employees are expected to remain at work, or to report for work as soon as practicable following a significant emergency or disaster.