Bus Driver Trainee

Bus Driver Trainee

Salary

$17.00 - $23.80 Hourly

Location

New Port Richey, FL

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

13996-0526

Department

GoPasco (Public Transportation)

Opening Date

05/22/2026

Closing Date

6/18/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Salary Range

$17.00 - $23.80

Pay Grade

N30 (Non-exempt position)

Salary Disclosure

Pay rates are based on education, skill, experience level and internal equity.

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

General Description

JOIN OUR TEAM AS A BUS DRIVER TRAINEE

Start your career with Pasco County and train to become a Bus Driver! As a Bus Driver Trainee, you will attend a County sponsored CDL training program to become a licensed Bus Driver. The training program involves both classroom training and driving training under the supervision of a certified trainer. Trainees learn to operate and maintain a transit bus to transport patrons safely and efficiently to assigned locations using designed routes. The Bus Driver Trainee position requires incumbents successful completion of the training program, passing the DMV Class B Commercial license exam and a Passenger (P) Endorsement certificate.

Essential Job Functions

Participates in the bus driver training which involves classroom teaching, skills development, and practical instruction on the safe operation of a transit bus. Practices pre-trip and post-trip comprehensive mechanical and safety vehicle system checks including fluid levels, basic operating systems, and operation of wheelchair lift and secured equipment to the standards required under the complementary paratransit provisions of the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Upon completion of course, the Bus Driver essential job function include driving a large, heavy-duty transit buses and other passenger-carrying vehicles within Pasco County and to neighboring counties. Provides transit service on an assigned fixed route or demand response services Follows established fixed route schedules and maps, collects fares and enforces rider policies. Boards, secures, and a lights customers in wheelchairs and assists other passengers with disabilities. Makes routine location, departure, and arrival announcements so that all passengers can navigate the system. Responds to passenger inquiries and provides information that helps passengers navigate the system, assisting passengers as required. Conducting safety and operational vehicle inspections. Writes inspections, schedule, incident and accident reports and other documents. Maintains a clean vehicle in safe operating condition throughout the shift, reporting malfunctions immediately to a supervisor. Operates onboard touchscreen tablets, destination signs, farebox controls and other technology. Operates two-way radios and public address systems. Work performed involves direct contact with the riding public within a confined space for extended periods of time, requiring tact, good judgement, and professionalism. Ability to lift and move 40 pounds, or work with another team member to lift and/or move excessively heavy objects. Performs other related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to effectively communicate with customers face-to-face or via public address systems.
• Ability to operate all transit vehicles.
• Ability to operate all scheduled routes.
• Ability to comprehend local geography.
• Ability to drive in daylight and darkness.
• Ability to deliver excellent customer service.
• Ability to work under stress, with frequent interruptions, and while interacting with irate customers.
• Ability to work in heavy traffic conditions and during poor weather.
• Ability to interact positively with a variety of personalities, both internally and externally.
• Ability to maintain records and prepare reports accurately and legibly.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions
• Ability to perform calculations with accuracy.
• Ability to dress appropriately and maintain personal hygiene.
• Ability to conduct oneself so that they are not a threat to themselves or others.
• Ability to meet attendance and punctuality requirements.
• Ability to be flexible, effective team player.
• Knowledge of safe operations of large heavy-duty transit buses.
• Knowledge of traffic laws, rules and driving courtesy.
• Ability to serve and interact with the public.
• Ability to operate two-way radio communications equipment.
• Ability to successfully complete initial and recurring training.
• Ability to read a route schedule and map, then plan operating activities for the route.
• Ability to make recommendations and to solve problems.

Minimum Requirements

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES/WORKING CONDITIONS: Ability to communicate effectively using verbal, written and visual communication. Ability to sit and drive a transit vehicle for extended periods of time. Ability to tolerate exposure to all weather conditions. Ability to lift and move 40 pounds, or work with another team member to lift and/or move excessively heavy objects. Ability to push or pull passengers in manual wheelchairs up and down a ramp. Ability to frequently climb, bend, stoop, kneel, squat and stretch. Ability to manipulate and fasten safety securement devices. Ability to operate tactile devices like tablets, destination signs and farebox controls. Ability to perceive color, depth and texture. Ability to work early morning, late evening, weekend, holiday and split shifts. Ability to change schedule to cover open routes sometimes on short notice. Ability to pass biennial or more frequent CDL medical examinations in compliance with FAC 14-90. Ability to pass random, post-accident and reasonable suspicion urine drug and alcohol breath tests in compliance with FAC 14-90.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: Graduation from high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS: Must possess a valid Florida Drivers License. Must obtain a valid Florida Class A or B Commercial Drivers License (CDL) without Air Brake Restrictions (Code 1) and with a Passenger Endorsement (Code P) after successful completion of training program.

• Must pass a CDL medical examination in compliance with FAC 14-90, provided by Pasco County, prior to employment. Must pass a urine drug test in compliance with FAC 14-90 prior to employment. Must pass a Florida Agency for Health Care Administration Level II background check prior to employment. Must not have DUI or impaired driving convictions within the past 10 years.

ADA STATEMENT: A qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE: Pasco County BOCC is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida law.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES: All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.

VETERANS PREFERENCE: Under Section 295.07, F.S., Chapter SSA-7, Pasco County BCC provides to Veterans, that preference in appointment will be given to preference-eligible applicants.

PASCO COUNTY WAS VOTED ONE OF THE NATIONS TOP WORKPLACES FOR 2021

Benefits include:

• Florida Retirement System (FRS) retirement plan
• PTO (Paid Time Off)
• Paid holidays
• Group insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Deferred compensation
• Medical leave pool
• Annual medical leave buy-back
• Mid-management/Professional grade, and management personnel may receive 40 hours of admin leave per calendar year.

Effective July 1, 2011, FRS members must contribute 3% of their salary as retirement contributions, on a pre-tax basis (the salary is reduced by the amount of the employee contribution before determining the federal income tax deduction). The employer will automatically deduct the employee contributions.

01

I am aware that the following supplemental questions will determine my eligibility for this position.

• Acknowledge
• Decline

02

Are you a current Pasco County BOCC employee?

• Yes
• No

03

Which best describes your highest level of COMPLETED education?

• GED
• High School
• Associate degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree
• Doctorate
• None of the above

04

Which best describes the years of experience you have as required for this position?

• Ten or more years of experience
• Nine years but less than ten
• Eight years but less than nine
• Seven years but less than eight
• Six years but less than seven
• Five years but less than six
• Four years but less than five
• Three years but less than four
• Two years but less than three
• One year but less than two
• Less than one year of experience

05

Do you possess a valid Florida drivers license or have the ability to obtain the license within 30 days from date of hire?

• Yes
• No

06

Are you a veteran who served as a member of the armed forces of the United States during a period of war, defined in Title 38, U.S.C., and who was separated from such service under honorable conditions, or the surviving spouse of any such veteran? (SUPPORTING DOCUMENTION IS REQUIRED AT THE TIME OF SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION OR NEXT BUSINESS DAY).

• Yes
• No

07

Do you possess a valid Florida drivers license or have the ability to obtain the license within 30 days from date of hire?

• Yes
• No

08

I hereby acknowledge that Pasco County BOCC is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida law, and consent to pre-employment drug/alcohol testing, and agree to abide by the program and policy if employed by Pasco County BOCC.

• Acknowledged
• Declined

09

Are you legally authorized to work in the United States? Note: If hired, a Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, must be completed at the start of employment.

• Yes
• No

10

Have you recently retired from the Florida Retirement System (FRS) Pension Plan or Investment Plan within the last 6 months?

• Yes
• No

11

Please specifically explain how your prior work experience and education match the qualifications for this position. (1000 characters or less)

12

How did you hear about this position?

• Billboard
• Facebook
• Friend/Family Referral
• Indeed
• Instagram
• Job Fair
• LinkedIn
• Magazine publication
• Nextdoor
• Pasco County employee
• Pasco County Facebook Page
• Pasco County website/Governmentjobs.com
• Pasco County Traffic Sign
• Utility bill insert
• X/Twitter
• YouTube
• Other

13

If a Pasco County employee referred you, please provide the name of the employee. If none, write N/A.

Required Question

Employer Pasco County

Address 7536 State Street

New Port Richey, Florida, 34654

Phone (727) 847-8030

(727) 847-8103

Website http://www.pascocountyfl.net