Bus Operator Trainee Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $27.70 - $33.59 Hourly
Location : Los Angeles, CA
Job Type: Part-Time
Job Number: 2400654-2
Cabinet: OPERATIONS
Cost Center: 3200 - OPERATIONS CENTRAL INSTRUCTION
Opening Date: 03/23/2026
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: SMART
Metro's mission is to provide a world-class transportation system that enhances the quality of life for all who live, work, and play within LA County.
Description
Under direct supervision, operates public transit buses, transports passengers, provides customer service, and performs safety inspections of bus equipment to assure their safe, efficient, and on-time operation.
Differs from Bus Operator (Full-time) in that Bus Operator (Part-time) works less than 40 hours per week.
Salary Range: You'll earn $27.58/hour, plus room to grow (top rate for part-time is $33.47/hour after 5+ years)
Other Info: Metro is a 24-hour / 7 day a week operation. You may be assigned to any Metro Operating Division within L.A. County and be assigned to any shift. This bulletin is posted to establish an Eligibility List for both part-time and full-time positions.
Examples of Duties

• Collects and counts fares, and transports passengers on public transit buses
• Knowledgeable about routes, transfer points, and fare structures for all lines assigned divisions
• Performs a complete pre-pull-out inspection of bus, safety checks equipment, and informs maintenance when adjustments or repairs are necessary; at completion of assignment
• Refers to and implements route maps, time schedules, and instructions for pull-outs, line service, pull-ins, and off-route trips
• Provides schedule, route, and fare information to passengers seeking assistance
• Operates wheelchair ramp and assists passengers with disabilities in boarding, riding, and alighting in a safe manner, which may include pushing a wheelchair up and down the ramp
• Secures wheelchairs of passengers with disabilities and clearly communicates the actions being taken
• Receives and transmits two-way radio messages involving accidents, emergencies, or criminal activities
• If promoted to Line Instructor/Mentor, instructs bus operator student trainees on all job duties and responsibilities
• Reports hazardous or dangerous conditions along bus route and at passenger loading zones, including such hazards as unusual traffic, road conditions, obstructions, construction, and potential criminal activity; alters route if required and approved
• Maintains an acceptable driving record and complies with all state and local traffic regulations and Metro policies and procedures
• Completes any reports as necessary or requested by division management

May be required to perform other related job duties
Minimum Qualifications
A combination of education and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Additional experience, as outlined below, may be substituted for required education on a year-for-year basis. A typical combination includes:
Education

• None Required

Experience

• None Required

Certification/Licenses/Special Requirements

• Minimum of 21 years of age
• Valid California Class C Driver License
• Possess a valid U.S. driver license for at least two years
• Satisfactory driving record for the past five years as verified by a K-4 DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) printout
• Must be able to obtain a valid California Class B Driver License with P (Passenger) endorsement before completion of training
• Valid California Verification of Transit Training (VTT) Card
• Valid Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC)
• Must pass Metro Bus Operator course at Operations Central Instruction (OCI)
• Positions in this job classification are considered safety-sensitive and subject to drug and alcohol testing, including random testing, under Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulations

Important Notice for Applicants
All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States and eligible to obtain and maintain a California Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class B with Passenger endorsement.
Applicants must provide valid documentation verifying identity and work authorization in accordance with federal law.
Please note: CDL validity may be limited to the duration of your work authorization. Employees must maintain valid work authorization and CDL status throughout employment.
For additional information please visit the DMV website at:
Essential Knowledge
Knowledge of (defined as a learned body of information that is required for and applied in the performance of job tasks)

• Vehicle operations and on-bus technology
• State and local traffic laws, ordinances, and regulations involved in the operation of transit vehicles
• Vehicle safety rules, regulations, policies, and procedures
• Metro Rule Book for Bus Operators and Standard Operations Procedures
• Metro Issued Route and Schedule Material
• Basic money and time concepts

Skill in (defined as the proficient manual, verbal, or mental utilization of data, people, or things)

• Operating Metro vehicles and equipment safely and efficiently
• Working independently in a highly structured environment
• Recognizing existing or potential mechanical defects and problems
• Communicating effectively orally and in writing

Ability to (defined as a present competence to perform an observable behavior or produce an observable result)

• Exercise sound judgment in stressful situations within scope of responsibility
• Communicate courteously and effectively with other employees and the general public
• Push, pull, and secure wheelchairs up to 275 pounds
• Lift up to 35 pounds
• Understand and follow detailed oral and written instructions
• Follow safety rules and ensure passengers are safe
• Read, write, speak, and understand English

Special Conditions

• This job specification is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or requirements
• The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job
• Metro provides reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
• Contributes to ensuring that the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies and programs of Metro are carried out

Working Conditions

• Work with regular exposure to odors or fumes
• Work on slippery or uneven surfaces
• Exposure to moving machinery and/or vehicles
• Exposure to physical and verbal abuse by clients/customers and/or general public
• Exposure to outdoor weather including extreme heat, cold, dampness and/or humidity
• Extensive safety training and/or use of protective devices and personal protective gear
• Work irregular hours, split shifts, weekends, holidays, or 24-hour-a-day on-call assignments
• Work after designated regular hours in case of special assignments or emergencies

Physical Effort Required

• Sitting for long periods of time
• Operate a telephone or other telecommunications device and communicate through the medium
• Standing
• Bending or twisting at the neck, waist and/or knees
• Pushing and/or pulling
• Moderate lifting or carrying 26-50 lbs.
• Driving and/or operating heavy equipment
• Using equipment requiring high hand and finger dexterity
• Operating foot pedals
• Communicating through speech in the English language required

Metro is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, age, veteran status, or disability. Learn more about Metro does not deny participation in the application process to anyone with prior justice system involvement, in line with hiring practices.
Selection Procedure
Applicants who best meet job-related qualifications will be invited to participate in the examination process that may consist of any combination of written, performance, or oral appraisal to further evaluate job-related experience, knowledge, skills and abilities.
Application Procedure
To apply, visit Metro's website at www.metro.net and complete an online Employment Application.
Computers are available to complete online Employment Applications at the following Metro locations:
METRO Headquarters, Employment Office
One Gateway Plaza
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Open: Monday through Friday, 8am-4pm
(Closed Sat & Sun)
Metro Talent Hub
8501 S. Evermont Place
Los Angeles, CA 90044
Open: Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm
(Closed Sat & Sun)
East Los Angeles Customer Center
4501 B Whittier Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90022
Open: Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 6pm
(Closed Sun & Mon)
Wilshire/Vermont Customer Center
3183 Wilshire Blvd, Ste 174
Los Angeles, CA 90010
Open: Monday through Friday, 10am-6pm
(Closed Sat & Sun)
Rosa Parks Customer Center
Willowbrook/Rosa Parks Station
11720 Wilmington Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90059
Open: Monday through Friday, 6am to 6:30pm
(Closed Sat & Sun)
Telephone: (213) 922-6217 or persons with hearing or speech impairments can use California Relay Service 711 to contact Metro.
All completed online Employment Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on the closing date. Late applications will not be considered.
*Open to the public and all Metro employees
This job bulletin is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Employees may be required to perform other related job duties.
LACMTA BENEFITS FOR FULL-TIME

• Medical, Dental, Vision plans
• Group Life Insurance
• Holidays
• Sick time
• Vacation time
• Pension plan
• Social Security coverage
• Transportation passes
• Credit union
• Tuition assistance
• Deferred Compensation 401 (k)
• Thrift plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible medical spending account
• Flexible dependent care account
• Jury duty
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance

LACMTA BENEFITS FOR PART-TIME OPERATORS

• Medical, Dental, Vision plans
• Group Life Insurance
• Holidays
• Sick time
• Vacation time
• Social Security coverage
• Transportation passes
• Credit union
• Tuition assistance
• Deferred Compensation 401 (k)
• Thrift plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Jury duty
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance

01
Are you a former RTD, LACTC, MTA or PTSC employee?

• Yes
• No

02
Are you a current MTA/PTSC employee?

• Yes
• No

03
If yes to Question #1 or #2, please enter your badge number. If no, please enter N/A.
04
If you worked at any time during the past two years, you must include those jobs in your work history before submitting this application. Is your employment history for the past two years complete, accurate and free of omissions?

• Yes
• No

05
I understand this posting is for the recruitment and selection of Part-Time Bus Operators, and that all newly hired Bus Operators will be placed at the first salary step, which is the lowest rate within the posted salary range, regardless of prior experience.

• Yes
• No

06
After a conditional offer of employment, can you provide a California DMV K-4 driving record for review of your driving history (covering up to the past five years)?

• Yes
• No

07
Do you possess a valid driver license?

• Yes, Class A
• Yes, Class B
• Yes, Class C
• Yes, out of state
• No, I do not have a valid driver license

08
Have you held a valid driver's license for at least two years?

• Yes
• No

09
At the time of the application, are you at least 21 years of age?

• Yes
• No

10
The information you provide on these supplemental questions will be evaluated and used to determine your eligibility to participate in the next phase of the recruitment process. Please note that all information is subject to verification. Falsification of any information may result in disqualification or dismissal. I understand the above information and instructions.

• Yes
• No

Required Question