Motor Coach Operator Trainee
Salary
$25.00 Hourly
Location
City of Santa Monica, CA
Job Type
Part-Time
Job Number
260012-03
Department
Santa Monica Department of Transportation
Division
Transit Operations
Opening Date
07/06/2026
Closing Date
7/23/2026 5:30 PM Pacific
Job Summary
Join Big Blue Bus - We are looking for customer service and safety-minded Motor Coach Operators to join our growing team.
Blue Awaits You! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ra3l6EAo4BA
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 the 8-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.
Motor Coach Operator - Hourly Salary effective July 1, 2026.
Step 1: $27.58
Step 2: $29.55
Step 3: $31.52
Step 4: $33.49
Step 5: $35.46
Step 6: $39.40
DEFINITION:
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.
SUPERVISION:
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.
Representative Duties
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 stops 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.
Requirements
Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:
Knowledge of:
Effective customer service techniques
Basic mathematics
Driver and vehicle safety rules and regulations
Ability to:
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
Skill in:
Reading, and writing and communicating in English at an appropriate level
Driving a passenger vehicle
Education, Training and Experience:
Education
Graduation from high school or the equivalent. Minimum 21 years of age at time of application.
Experience:
One year of recent, paid customer service work experience assisting and providing information to the public.
Licenses and Certificates:
Possession of a valid California Class C driver license with a minimum of two (2) years of continuous safe driving. If hired, and prior to the first day of training, must possess a California Class A or B commercial driver permit with appropriate medical certification, passenger endorsement, and with no restrictions for weight, number of passengers or air brakes. Must also be able to obtain a Verification of Transit Training Document at the conclusion of training.
Additional Requirements:
In order to qualify for the position of Motor Coach Operator Trainee and to complete probation as a Motor Coach Operator, you must not have any of the following convictions, violations, and/or causes:
(1) Within the preceding 12 months from the date of application, been involved as a driver in three or more accidents in which the driver caused or contributed to the accidents.
(2) Within the preceding three years from the date of application, had committed any violation that resulted in a conviction with a DMV 2 Point count or more.
(3) Within the preceding three years from the date of application, had committed three or more DMV 1 Point count violations.
(4) Within the preceding three years from the date of application, had driving privileges revoked, suspended, or placed on probation.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work is performed sometimes indoors but regularly outside in seasonal climate and weather conditions. Work may require exposure to odors, fumes, oil and fuel. Drives for prolonged periods of time with no rest period. Heavy city traffic conditions are encountered on a daily basis. Follows a schedule to leave and pick up passengers. Noise from traffic and a two-way radio, slippery surfaces and dust are conditions often encountered. Position requires availability to work variable shifts, weekends, evenings, holidays, on-call and overtime. Physical demands include driving, walking, constant arm and leg movements, and sitting for long periods of time. Stooping, bending and lifting up to 30 lbs may be required. This is a safety sensitive position subject to drug and alcohol testing according to City policy and Federal Transit Administration regulations
HOW TO APPLY: All applicants must submit an online City application and required supplemental questions to be considered for this position. Please note, applications may be rejected if incomplete. Resumes, CVs and cover letters are not reviewed as part of the application screening process and should not be submitted.
NOTE: Upon offer of employment, candidates will be subject to a US Department of Transportation (DOT) pre-employment screen for alcohol and controlled substances set forth in DOT regulation 49 CFR Parts 40 and 655. Candidates will be required to provide written consent to obtain drug and alcohol testing records from all prior employers in the last two (2) years.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION: To receive consideration, you must submit a current copy of your K-4 or online driving record print-out from the Department of Motor Vehicles with your application. It must be a K-4 or online driving record print out obtained from the Department of Motor Vehicles office, Department of Motor Vehicles Kiosk or website. Printouts from other agencies such as AAA will not be accepted. "Current" is defined as being issued within 30 days of the date of your application submittal. All materials must be received in the Human Resources Department . Failure to do so will result in your application being disqualified.
The DMV online driving record can be obtained by clicking the website below:
PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU SUBMITTED AN ONLINE DRIVING RECORD AND YOU ARE INVITED TO THE DEPARTMENT INTERVIEW, YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO OBTAIN AND PRESENT A K4 PRINTOUT FROM THE DMV AT THE TIME OF YOUR INTERVIEW. FURTHER MATERIALS/DOCUMENTS MAY BE REQUIRED THROUGHOUT THE PROCESS.
NOTE: Veterans Preference points shall be applied to this entry level civil service position in accordance with the City of Santa Monica Human Resources Department guidelines. To be considered for Veterans Preference points, you must submit a copy of your discharge papers (DD214) at the time of application.
SELECTION PROCESS: All applicants will be reviewed and only those determined to meet Minimum Qualifications, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process.
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS: Candidates who have successfully completed all prior phases of the selection process will be subject to a thorough background investigation.
NOTE: If three or more qualified City employees apply and pass the examination, a promotional list will be established in addition to an open-competitive list.
Supplemental Information
The City of Santa Monica is a progressive, inclusive and culturally-rich community. As leaders in public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a highly-talented workforce where people of diverse races, religions, cultures and lifestyles thrive. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and where their differences make a positive impact.
The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our employees. Join us!
Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for persons with disabilities. Call (310) 458-8246, TDD (310) 458-8696 (Hearing Impaired Only).
Please note the request for reasonable accommodations must be made to Human Resources at least three work days prior to the examination.
The Citys liberal fringe benefits for full-time employment include sick leave, holiday and vacation pay, the Public Employees Retirement System, medical, dental and vision insurance, credit union, deferred compensation, tuition reimbursement, Dependent Care Assistance Plan and priority enrollment consideration at Hill & Dale Family Learning Center, Marine Park Child Development Center, and Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School.
01
Have you previously been employed as a Motor Coach Operator Trainee by the City of Santa Monica?
02
Do you possess a High School diploma or a GED?
03
The Motor Coach Operator Trainee position requires possession of a valid California Class C driver license. Do you meet this requirement?
04
The Motor Coach Operator Trainee position requires candidates to be at least 21 years of age at the time of the application filing deadline. Are you 21 years of age or older?
05
To receive consideration, you must submit a current copy of your K-4 or online driving record print-out from the Department of Motor Vehicles with your application. It must be a K-4 or online driving record print out obtained from the DMV office or website. Printouts from other agencies such as AAA will not be accepted. The DMV online driving record can be obtained from the website below: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/customer-service/request-vehicle-or-driver-records/online-driver-record-request/ "Current" is defined as being issued within 30 days of the date of your application submittal. It must include the entire record (including where it says "End").
Please scan and upload your K-4 or online driving record print-out to your on-line application. All materials must be received in the Human Resources Department by the application filing deadline. If you need to email the form, please send it via email to gilberto.sanchez@santamonica.gov .FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN YOUR APPLICATION BEING DISQUALIFIED. Please note: If you submitted an online driving record and you are invited to the department interview, you will be required to obtain and present a physical K4 printout from the DMV at the time of your interview. Further materials/documents may be required throughout the process. I acknowledge that I must submit a recent K-4 or online driving record printout to the HR Department in order for my application to be considered.
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How/Where did you first see or hear about this job opportunity?
Required Question
Employer City of Santa Monica
Address 1685 Main Street, Room 101
P.O. Box 2200
Santa Monica, California, 90401
Phone 310-458-8697
Website https://www.santamonica.gov/departments/human-resources