Bus Operator Trainee Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $22.95 - $29.83 Hourly
Location : City Hall 12700 Norwalk Blvd., CA
Job Type: Hourly/At-Will/Part-Time
Job Number: 26-88EZ/CE
Department: Transportation
Opening Date: 07/07/2026
Closing Date: 8/7/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
Max Number of Applicants: 30
Applications are being accepted continuously. Recruitment may close at any time without notice. Only applicants selected to continue in the examination process will be notified.
A current Driving Record printout from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 30 days must be submitted along with the application. Applications submitted without a Driving Record printout will be considered incomplete and will not be given consideration.
The Bus Operator Trainee is under supervision and learns to drive a bus safely to transport passengers along an assigned route. Upon successful completion of a six to eight week paid training program, trainees will be eligible for hire as an hourly/at-will/part-time Bus Operator ($28.22 - $34.30 per hour); and eligible for: Sign-on BONUS of $1,000 (after 6 months of employment).
NOTE: The classroom training will be 30 hours per week; however, the exact hours may vary. The behind-the-wheel training may be conducted Monday through Sunday at various times. This position will require working a variety of hours, including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Training hours are subject to change.
Essential Duties
Essential duties include, but are not limited to, the following:
Learns to complete pre-trip safety inspection of exterior of bus, noticing its general condition and looking for damage and leaks. Learns to check the engine compartment for condition of belts, hoses, wiring and fluid levels. Learns to check condition of tires, tread, wheel walls, etc. Learns to conduct an interior safety inspection, checking the drivers compartment for condition of controls such as steering wheel, accelerator and brake pedals, gauges, horn, wipers, lights, mirrors, etc. Learns to conduct air brake system tests, wheelchair lift operation, emergency equipment conditions, seats, securements, etc. Learns to complete the necessary inspection forms as required by law.
Learns to drive bus over an assigned route in accordance with a time schedule.
Learns to collect and record fares and issue transfers.
Learns to prepare various reports related to accidents, lost articles, ridership, etc.
Learns to operate two-way mobile bus radio in accordance with established operating rules and procedures.
Qualification Guidelines
Knowledge of: State and local traffic laws and speed limits; safe driving practices.
Ability to: learn how to drive a bus and conduct pre-trip safety inspections; prepare accurate reports and meet the public in situations requiring diplomacy and tact; work independently; follow oral and written instructions; communicate effectively; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
Education and/or Experience
Any combination of education and/or experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary. Example combinations include:
Graduation from high school or equivalent, experience in dealing with the general public and a good driving record. Minimum age of 21 years.
Licenses and Certificates
Possession of or ability to obtain a Class A, B or C California driver's license at the time of appointment and a satisfactory driving record. Ability to obtain a Class B Commercial (CDL) Permit with Air Brake and Passenger Endorsement during the training period. Possession of or ability to obtain a valid medical examiner's certificate. May also be required to obtain a SPAB (School Pupil Activity Bus) certificate during the training period. Pass DMV drive test and pre-trip inspection and/or California Highway Patrol (CHP) drive test and pre-trip inspection.
Supplemental Information
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, an incumbent is regularly required to use hands to finger, grasp, feel, and use repetitive motions in order to operate office equipment. Incumbents are frequently required to sit, talk and hear. Incumbents are very occasionally required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch or reach. Incumbents perform sedentary work. Specific vision abilities required by these positions are those required to perform office machine operations. There is an occasional need to lift up to 50 pounds.
SELECTION PROCESS
Apply online at Employment application and supplemental questions must be completed. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a City application. Applicant must be specific in describing qualifications for this position on application. Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. Faxed materials or postmarks will not be accepted. Following the closing date, application packets will be screened in relation to the criteria outlined in the job announcement. Candidates with qualifications that best relate to the position will be invited to participate in the selection process. Possession of the minimum qualifications does not ensure continuing in the recruitment process. The selection process may include an oral interview and other testing processes designed to predict successful job performance.
The City provides preference to military veterans under consideration for initial employment. To claim veteran's preference an applicant must submit their most recent DD214 form. An eligible veteran is one who has served in the United States armed forces and who has received an honorable discharge.
Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities may be requested by calling the Department of Human Resources at least three (3) business days in advance of the scheduled examination/interview date. City appointments are contingent upon successful completion of a post-offer medical examination, including drug screening to comply with our Drug Free Workplace policy, and a Live Scan fingerprint check through the Department of Justice. The successful candidate will be required to provide identification and employment eligibility as outlined in the Immigration Reform and Control Act. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.
The City of Norwalk, in compliance with all applicable Federal and State laws, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, age, religion, disability, sex, or sexual orientation in its employment actions, policies, procedures or practices.
BENEFITS FOR HOURLY/AT-WILL/PART-TIME EMPLOYEES
Terms of Employment: All employees hired as Hourly/At-Will/Part-Time are employed "at-will" throughout the term of their employment with the City. Consequently, the services of a Hourly/At-Will/Part-Time employee can be discontinued at anytime without cause, regardless of the number of hours worked for the City by the employee.
Retirement: Membership in the Public Agency Retirement System (PARS) is required. The employee pays the 7.5% retirement contribution.
Credit Union: The City is affiliated with the Los Angles County F & A Federal Credit Union. Please check with the Department of Human Resources for details.
Employee Assistance Program: An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to provide help to employees and members of their families who are experiencing personal problems. For more information, contact the Department of Human Resources.
Paid Holidays: After 3,000 hours of employment, an hourly employee is entitled to six hours pay for specified holidays designated in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
Vacation Leave: After 3,000 hours of employment, vacation leave is accumulated at the rate of .046 hours for each hour of straight time worked.
Sick Leave: Beginning on the 30th day of employment with the City, employee will accrue sick leave at the rate of .033 hours for each hour of straight time worked. No sick leave shall be taken until the 90th day of employment. After 3,000 hours of employment, sick leave is accumulated at the rate of .046 hours for each hour of straight time worked.
Medical Plan: Eligibility for medical coverage is determined using the Affordable Care Act guidelines. Employees may also qualify after 3,000 hours of employment.
Voluntary Insurance Plans: Optional Short Term Disability, Hospitalization, Accident and Cancer insurance policies are available at the employee's cost.
Veteran's Preference: The City provides preference to military veterans under consideration for initial employment. To claim veteran's preference an applicant must submit their most recent DD214 form. An eligible veteran is one who has served in the United States armed forces and who has received an honorable discharge.
01
Do you possess a valid California driver's license?

• Yes
• No

02
Are you at least 21 years old?

• Yes
• No

03
Have you attached a current Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Driver History Report also known as K4 printout (within 30 days)?

• Yes
• No

04
How did you hear about this opportunity? Please select one.

• Governmentjobs.com
• City's Website
• Indeed
• City of Norwalk Employee
• Other

05
If you selected option 4 on previous question, please provide the name of the City of Norwalk employee
Required Question