Bus Operations Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $43,680.00 - $64,480.00 Annually
Location : Bakersfield
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202600003
Department: Operations
Opening Date: 03/18/2026
Description
Under general direction, the Bus Operations Training Coordinator provides bus operator training for District employees; performs daily bus and bus operator safety training activities and scheduling, conducts Bus Operator skills assessments, including safety protocols, trains new employees and re-trains Bus Operators following accidents, and/or extended periods of non-driving; schedules and conducts annual Bus Operator VTT training. Plans and conducts training regarding the implementation of the District's bus operations safety and training programs. Plans and oversees the daily activities of the Bus Operators training. Conducts training of newly hired and existing drivers, and other District staff in fleet and maintenance operations.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:
This is a journey-level classification with the responsibility of providing specialized technical bus operator training to multiple classifications, including, but not limited to Bus Operators, Mechanics, and Servicers. Incumbents exercise limited autonomy in conducting required training consistent with District, federal, state, and local policies, rules, regulations, standards and safety protocols.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:
This classification reports to the Bus Operations Training Supervisor, Operations Manager and the Director of Operations. This classification does not supervise, however, the classification provides technical training and regulatory information, including functional and procedural skills guidance, direction and assessment for assigned trainees.
CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Effective Communication and Collaboration
• Exceptional Customer Service
• Technical Expertise in Functional Area

Examples of Duties
These functions may not be present in all positions in this class. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind work assignments as needed.

• Conduct behind the wheel driving instruction.
• Teach student operators routes and schedules using proper driving techniques.
• Ensure training operators are familiar with all District rules, regulations, procedures, DMV laws and equipment as required to provide safe, courteous, reliable service.
• Complete on-board evaluations of trainee operating abilities.
• Provide critical evaluation of trainees during training to determine employment viability and any need for additional training.
• Provides all required training on all vehicle models and support equipment; including but not limited to policies and procedures, defensive driving, requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and paratransit and in-service route training.
• Assist in the development, evaluation, modification and implementation of the District's Drivers' Training programs including the development of training manuals, lesson plans, and related teaching support materials, technical training and testing materials; plans, organizes, and implements established training programs and provides input and expertise for the potential revision of programs and training materials.

• Provides training and preparation to new hires/employees to qualify for their commercial Driver License.
• Implements the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Employer Testing Program to administer the Certificate of Driving Skills forms (DL170) testing.
• Maintains accurate records of annual Bus Operator training on forms required for the documentation of drivers' training hours (DL260); as well as requirements for Verification of Transit Training Certification (VTT).
• Participates in the planning, organizing, and support of internal and external training activities.
• Participates in seminars and workshops, as required, in relation to the duties and functions described above to maintain currency in technical knowledge and expertise.
• Provides training in escalated or emergency situations, as assigned.
• Develops driver-related training materials, lesson plans, and training instruction for newly hired/promoted Transportation Supervisors, Dispatchers, and other fleet maintenance staff.
• Coordinates, develops and oversees the application of training materials, lesson plans and training instruction for Employer DMV testing, state mandated annual CDL training and various required safety and security specialized courses.

• May be called upon to assist with accident investigations and to assist in determining accident preventability for operator retraining and mitigation.
• Develops, maintains and submits CHP and DMV required reporting elements. Reviews DMV required records to ensure compliance with CHP, DMV, and Federal requirements
• Assesses and counsels new Bus Operator trainees on bus operator skills and safety standards; conducts training assessment reviews for driver trainees. Observes and evaluates each trainee's performance and recommends remedial actions.

• Interpret, apply and enforce District rules, regulations, policies and procedures; answer inquiries regarding District policies, rules and regulations related to and impacting Training operations, including the Agency Safety Plan.
• Assist Operations management to establish training work schedules/assignments; reviews scheduling to ensure drivers are completing training in a timely manner.

• Provide bus operator training and compliance regarding De-escalation Techniques, Drug-Free Workplace Initiatives, Amber Alert/Human Trafficking and Community Safe House Programs, Employee Assistance Programs, and Workplace Violence Prevention and Awareness Programs
• Train staff to comply with Federal, State, and local requirements related to bus operator safety; perform Safety/OSHA related training (e.g., first aid, personal protective equipment, etc.)
• Include training regarding best practices in customer service
• Maintain documentation of training (e.g. sign-in sheets, certificates, signed acknowledgements of training, etc.)
• Retrain drivers as needed and document training.
• Deliver assigned driver safety programs to reduce accidents and injuries and heighten overall safety awareness.
• May participate in bus operator recruitment.

• Collaborates with others to facilitate the management, implementation and coordination of the District's safety programs to reduce or eliminate occupational injuries, illnesses, deaths, and financial losses;
• Attends safety meetings and reviews action plans to resolve or mitigate any issues that are identified.
• Lead and guide by example, establishing and maintaining quality standards, and encouraging professionalism and pride of service.

• Facilitate timely and effective internal and external communications as necessary.
• Reports to work consistently, as assigned.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Typical Qualifications
A typical way to obtain the requisite knowledge and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of this classification is as follows:
EDUCATION, TRAINING AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Associate's Degree or education equivalent to completion of two (2) years of college-level coursework (or 60 semester units/90 quarter units) from an accredited college/university, desirable.
• Three (3) years of directly related transit bus operations experience
• Three (3) years as a Commercial Drivers' License holder.
  LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATES, REGULATIONS:
• Possession of a valid California commercial driver's license (Class A or B) with air brake and passenger endorsement
• Valid Medical Examiner's Certificate and D.O.T. and D.D.C. certificates
• Driving record acceptable to the District. Certified to teach defensive driving. Must meet minimum standards specified by California State Law AB 1787, California DMV Code 40099 for a transit bus vehicle driver instructor within one (1) year of appointment.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS:
Positions in this job classification are considered safety-sensitive and subject to drug and alcohol testing, including random testing, under DOT/Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulations.
REQUISITE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL LEVELS:

• Knowledge of transit operations including equipment, bus operation procedures, safety regulations and federal and state public transportation regulations.
• Knowledge of basic accident investigation procedures.
• Knowledge of teaching methods and practices for adult learners.
• Knowledge of effective public service principles and superior communication skills.
• Knowledge of modern office methods, practices, procedures, and equipment.
• Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheet and database applications, including standard business software (e.g. MS Word/Excel/PowerPoint/Outlook).
• Knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of filing and record keeping.
• Knowledge of proper English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Knowledge of training techniques.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of transit operations.

REQUISITE ABILITIES:

• Ability to instruct adults in the safe operation of transit vehicles and related equipment.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and apply regulatory requirements related to driver safety and training.
• Ability to learn and instruct others regarding the District's transit schedules, routes, and programs.
• Ability to demonstrate sensitivity, tact, and provide outstanding customer service to both internal and external persons contacted in the course and scope of work.
• Ability to train, coordinate, and assess the work of others.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with District staff and others contacted in the course and scope of work.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and composure while training and instructing drivers and maintenance staff.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate and clear written documents such as reports, records, memoranda, forms, and correspondence.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities, organize work, and meet frequently changing deadlines.
• Ability to learn, interpret, explain, apply and effectively implement District policies and procedures.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to work early morning, late evening and/or weekend assignments.
• Perform work requiring accuracy and attention to detail.
• Organize, write, and maintain accurate records and clear and concise reports.
• Work independently.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL TASKS & ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
Exposure to extreme heat, 100°+, for up to 10 hours duration when performing repair work in summer weather. (District requires that employees wear appropriate light clothing and drink liquids to prevent dehydration). (O)Exposure to extreme temperature swings, 70°-110°, for up to 4 hours duration, when leaving air-conditioned office to work outside in summer heat. (District advises that employees drink liquids to prevent dehydration). (O)Exposure to extreme noise, up to 90 decibels, when using steam cleaning equipment, blowers and etc. (District requires that employees wear protective ear devices and obey all safety rules). (F) Work outdoors to perform cleaning duties on shelters, benches, bus terminals and etc. (F) Work indoors to clean offices. (O) Exposure to health hazards when cleaning public facilities and street furniture. (District requires that employees use all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while performing job duties.(F) (F) = Frequent (O) = Occasional (S) = Seldom
Ability to use the phone and computer for extended periods, sitting at a desk or table, type and use a keyboard and mouse to perform necessary computer-based functions, and communicating through speech in the English language is required.
Exposure to explosions when fueling equipment. Risk involves the possibility of being burned. (District requires proper ventilation to dispenser fumes and strict adherence to all safety rules). (S) Exposure to fumes, unpleasant odors, and potentially health hazards when using cleaning chemicals. Risk of throat or lung irritation and/or loss of consciousness. (District requires proper ventilation, the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and adherence to all required and recommended safety rules). (F) Exposure to dust when performing grounds maintenance. Risk of respiratory discomfort. (District requires the use of a facemask). (S) Exposure to chemical hazards when working with cleaning products.
Risk of eye or skin irritation. (District requires use of rubber gloves, safety glasses and conformance to hazardous waste/MSDS requirements). (F) Exposure to extreme cold, 30°, for up to 4 hours duration, to clean shelters and benches, empty trash cans, etc. (District advises employees to wear clothing suitable for weather conditions). (O) Sit to perform record keeping and drive vehicles, (F) Climb hand-over-hand to climb ladder to clean the tops of shelters. (F) Climb a ladder hand over hand - grasp and climb (F) Sit to complete work orders - sit and twist. (F) (F) = Frequent (O) = Occasional (S) = Seldom
Lift and move heavy or awkward items up to 50 pounds; safely operate a variety of tools and machines common to light construction and industrial maintenance; safely perform repetitive physical tasks such as manual shoveling, twisting and pushing/pulling, walking, standing bending, squatting, and kneeling; See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read printed documents. Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction; hearing sufficient to utilize telephone and/or two-way radio equipment.
Reasonable accommodation(s) for an individual with a qualified disability will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Supplemental Information
A background check will be conducted for this classification.
...