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Bus Operator Trainee Jobs in Compton, CA (NOW HIRING)

Bus Operator Trainee

Culver City, CA ยท On-site

$20.17/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Our Bus Operators safely transport passengers daily, between the hours of 5:00 AM and 12:30 PM. THE POSITION Join our team and receive a $3,000 sign-on bonus, paid out in three easy milestones ...

Bus Operator Trainee

Culver City, CA ยท On-site

$27.07/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Our bus operators safely transport passengers daily, between the hours of 5:00 AM and 12:30 PM. The Position Join our team and receive a $3,000 sign-on bonus, paid out in three easy milestones ...

BUS OPERATOR

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$28.81 - $34.93/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

BUS OPERATOR

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$33.47/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Bus Operator Trainee information

See Compton, CA salary details

$25.9K

$44.2K

$64.5K

How much do bus operator trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for bus operator trainee in Compton, CA is $44,210.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,500.00 and $51,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a bus operator trainee?

Bus Operator Trainees are individuals who are in the process of learning how to safely and efficiently operate public transit buses. They undergo specialized training that includes classroom instruction, hands-on driving practice, and learning customer service skills. The goal is to prepare them for the responsibility of transporting passengers, adhering to routes and schedules, and ensuring the safety and comfort of riders. Once training is complete and all requirements are met, trainees can become full-fledged bus operators.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a bus operator trainee?

To thrive as a Bus Operator Trainee, you need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL), a clean driving record, and knowledge of traffic laws and safety regulations. Familiarity with fare collection systems, route navigation tools, and basic vehicle inspection procedures is typically required. Excellent customer service, patience, and strong communication skills help build rapport with passengers and handle stressful situations. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensuring passenger safety, maintaining reliable service, and representing the transit agency professionally.

What are some common challenges bus operator trainees face during the training period?

Bus Operator Trainees often encounter challenges such as mastering large vehicle handling, learning complex route navigation, and adapting to strict schedules. Additionally, trainees need to quickly develop strong customer service skills to handle diverse passenger situations and maintain safety standards. Supportive trainers, hands-on practice, and constructive feedback are typically provided to help overcome these challenges and ensure trainees are well-prepared for independent operation.

What is the difference between Bus Operator Trainee vs Bus Driver?

AspectBus Operator TraineeBus Driver
Required CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL), training programCDL, experience driving buses
Work EnvironmentTraining sessions, supervised drivingOperating buses independently
Employer & Industry UsagePublic transit agencies, private bus companiesPublic transit, charter services, school buses
Search & Comparison IntentLearning about entry-level roles, training processJob responsibilities, experience requirements

The main difference is that a Bus Operator Trainee is in training and gaining experience, while a Bus Driver has completed training and is actively operating buses independently. The trainee role focuses on learning and certification, whereas the bus driver role involves actual driving duties in the industry.

What are popular job titles related to Bus Operator Trainee jobs in Compton, CA?

For Bus Operator Trainee jobs in Compton, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Bus Operator Trainee jobs in Compton, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Bus Operator Trainee jobs in Compton, CA are:

What cities near Compton, CA are hiring for Bus Operator Trainee jobs?

Cities near Compton, CA with the most Bus Operator Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Bus Operator Trainee job openings in Compton, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 52% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,210 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

Bus Operator Trainee

City of Culver City, CA

Culver City, CA โ€ข On-site

$20.17/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Salary: $20.17 Hourly
Location : Transportation Facility, 4343 Duquesne Ave., Culver City, CA 90232, CA
Job Type: Part-Time
Job Number: 00965
Department: Transportation
Division: Transit Operations
Opening Date: 08/03/2026
Closing Date: 8/28/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
THE CITY
Take a Closer Look at the City of Culver City Transportation Department.
Culver City is a Charter City incorporated in 1917, and is a destination filled with outdoor cafes unique shops, and galleries opening onto pedestrian-friendly boulevards. Culver City has a dedicated staff of approximately 800 employees. The City provides a full range of municipal services including Fire, Police, Housing and Human Services, Planning and Development, Public Works, Parks, Recreation and Community Services, and Transportation.
The City's Transportation Department manages seven (7) Bus Routes serving Culver City and approximately 33 square miles in West Los Angeles County including the Westside communities of Venice, Westchester, Westwood, West Los Angeles, Palms, Playa Vista, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, and Century City. Our Bus Operators safely transport passengers daily, between the hours of 5:00 AM and 12:30 PM.
THE POSITION
Join our team and receive a $3,000 sign-on bonus, paid out in three easy milestones:
  • $750 after successful completion of 8-week training program.
  • $750 upon successful completion of 6 months of employment with the City.
  • $750 upon successful completion of 12 months of employment with the City.
  • $750 incentive, after successful completion of 8-week training program, for possessing (upon hire) or for obtaining (during 8-week training program) a valid California Class B license driver's license
*Please Note: Incentive payments will only be issues after the specified milestones are successfully verified.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
1. High school graduation or equivalent.
2. Three (3) years prior to closing date and up to the date of appointment (hire) to the position:
  • NO more than one (1) moving violation.
  • NO traffic accidents reported on the DMV (K-4) printout. If a traffic accident reported on your DMV K-4 printout was not your fault, you must attach acceptable proof to your application to be given further consideration.
  • NO arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs that result in a criminal conviction.
  • NO administrative suspension or revocation of driver's license for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
NOTE: Applicants may be disqualified for any of the following reasons: A conviction record, and/or negative employment references. A conviction shall include a plea, verdict, or finding of guilt regardless of whether sentence is imposed by the court.
LICENSE & CERTIFICATES
  1. A valid California Class "C" driver's license is required at time of application.
A valid California Class "B" driver's license with passenger endorsement and medical certificate card will be required during training. A Railroad Approved Watch (approval must be noted on the watch face) will be required at the successful completion of the training.
TO APPLY:
Applicants must attach copies of all relevant licenses and/or certificates to their application. Incomplete applications will be disqualified. Please submit an online application by the filing deadline of 5:00 PM, Friday, August 28, 2026. Your Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) driving record must be dated within the last 30 days. To obtain a California DMV Driving record (K4), go to: Applications submitted without the required K-4 document, or with an outdated K-4, will not be considered. AN ORIGINAL K4 DRIVING RECORD THAT HAS BEEN PRINTED AND ISSUED BY A DMV WITH THE OFFICIAL CA DMV WATER SEAL WILL BE ACCEPTED.
Application Assistance For assistance with your online application, please select "Help & Support" from the menu to access an Online Employment Application Guide. If you have technical problems with your online account, you can call Government Jobs.com Applicant Support at
EXAMINATION PROCEDURES
WRITTEN TEST (Weighted at 100%): The Written Examination measures reading comprehension, written communication skills, judgment, decision making and public relations skill. Applicants who meet minimum requirements will be invited to the written test, tentatively scheduled for the week of September 7, 2026, applicants who pass the Written Exam will be placed on an eligible list.
SELECTION PROCESS
The selection process will include the following to determine suitability for the position:
  • Selection Interview with the Transportation Department.
  • Background and Reference check, including Live Scan fingerprinting.
  • Medical Examination; candidates must pass a pre-employment medical examination, which will include a drug screen. A positive pre-employment drug test, refusal, or failure to test may result in rejection of the candidate. NOTE: Positions in this job classification are considered safety sensitive under Department of Transportation (DOT) drug and alcohol regulations and are, therefore, subject to specific employment reference verifications prior to employment and random drug and alcohol screenings during the course of employment
What Happens After Successfully Completing Training: Candidates who successfully complete the training program will be appointed to a benefited Regular Part-Time (RPT)position, with scheduled work hours of up to 38 hours per week.
Regular Part-Time (RPT) Position Details:
  • Hourly Pay Rate: $27.07 per hour (Step 3)
  • Benefits: Health care and other employee benefits are provided.
  • Schedule: Employees must be available to work any time between 4:30 AM and 1:00 AM, seven (7) days a week, including holidays.
  • Hours: Employees may be scheduled to work up to 39 hours per week.
  • Employment Status: Regular Part-Time positions are at-will, and work schedules are based on operational needs.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The provisions of this job posting do not constitute a contract, express or implied, and any provisions in this posting maybe modified or revoked without notice. Continuation in the examination process and subsequent placement on the eligible list of a person convicted of a crime depends upon the nature of the conviction and the conduct of the applicant subsequent to the offense. Convictions will be evaluated on a job related basis and will not automatically disqualify someone from further consideration.
Equal Opportunity Employer The City of Culver City is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against employees or applicants on the basis of race, sex, age, disability, veteran status, national origin, religion, political affiliation, or sexual orientation/identification.
Conditions of Employment:
  • Background/ Reference Check: Upon a conditional job offer, a live scan finger printing must be completed with acceptable results. Your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI). Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with the City. If you are selected as a finalist, you will be contacted to schedule a fingerprinting appointment. Upon hire, employee is subject to further reporting from DOJ via subsequent arrest notification.
  • Pre-employment medical evaluation including drug screen (select positions).
  • E-Verify: Proof of U.S. citizenship, alien residency or authorization to work in the U.S. will be required at time of appointment (hire).
Please direct all inquiries to Josseline Hernandez at or Amy Webber at or by calling Human Resources at (310) 253-5640.
The City of Culver City intends to provide reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If a special accommodation is desired, please contact the Human Resources Department three (3) business days prior to the test at (310) 253-5640.
The City of Culver City offers a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, and vision.
This position is represented by Culver City Employees' Association (CCEA).
The City of Culver City offers a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, and vision. For more detailed information regarding the benefits associated with this position please visit the
  • Refer to the '' page to view the current Benefit Summary Guide.
  • Refer to the '' page to view the applicable MOU.

01
Do you possess a High School Diploma or equivalent?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you possess a valid California Class C driver license?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Do you possess a valid California Class B driver license or higher class? Note: A valid California Class C driver license is required at time of application.
  • Yes
  • No

04
To receive consideration, you must submit a current, original copy of your DMV K4 driving record from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) with your application. Your original DMV K4 driving record must be: 1) from a DMV office including a DMV kiosk, or 2) online version mailed to you. **Only an original copy of your DMV K4 driving record that has been issued by the California DMV with the official CA DMV water seal or seal will be accepted.** Current is defined as dated within 30 days of your application submission. Complete application materials, including a current CA DMV K4 driving record and copies of relevant degrees and/or certificates, must be submitted for consideration. Please scan and upload your DMV K4 driving record to your on-line application. Individuals that submit incomplete application materials may not receive full consideration for the position. By answering YES, I acknowledge that I must submit a current, original copy of my CA DMV K4 driving record by the filing deadline in order for my application to be considered.
  • Yes
  • No

05
By acknowledging receipt of this statement you are confirming your agreement to the supplemental question requirement: availability to work any hours between 4:30 AM and 1:00 AM, seven days a week, including holidays, up to 39 hours per week.
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question