7 Riverside Transit Agency Bus Operator Jobs Hiring Near You

Salary : $82,223.00 - $123,336.00 Annually
Location : RTA Administrative Offices, 1825 Third Street, Riverside, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 27-1029-02
Department: Operations
Opening Date: 08/03/2026
Closing Date: 8/31/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt
RTA'S MISSION STATEMENT
We enrich lives by removing barriers to connect our community to more.
JOB SUMMARY
THIS POSITION IS DESIGNATED AS NON-BARGAINING UNIT AND THE INCUMBENT SHALL SERVE IN AN "AT-WILL" CAPACITY.
The Riverside Transit Agency is recruiting for the position of Operations Supervisor assigned to work in our Operations Department managing the Agency's transit system from base operations to on-street service. Please be advised that this position may be assigned to either our Riverside or Hemet locations. Applicants must be available to work 7 days per week, including holidays and all shifts.
Applications will be reviewed in the order received and the posting may close at any time.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
Essential job duties include but not limited to:

• Manages coach operator fitness-for-duty as they report to work, including observing for divergence from normal behavior patterns, uniform appearance, grooming and possession of driving credentials and medical card.
• Assigns work runs and buses, ensuring that bus rollout adheres to prepared schedules and meets on time performance objectives. Recommends and employs procedures for more efficient utilization of labor and vehicle assignments.
• Dispatches extra-board operators and fills vacant work assignments, providing efficient allocation of work and maximum staffing levels for all bus routes on a daily basis.
• Coordinates with contracted fixed route service provider in order to minimize disruptions or loss of service to ensure safe, reliable seamless service to the customer.
• Coaches, counsels and disciplines operators and documents actions that may lead to further discipline, training or compliment(s)/commendations(s).
• Implements, communicates and/or enforces policies, rules, regulations and procedures relating to the daily operation of the transit system.
• Supervises and monitors operator performance including compliance with RTA employee rules, regulations and safety requirements.
• Records and tracks operator attendance in order to ensure that union contract is upheld.
• Generates, records events in, and communicates incidents via dispatch log. Distributes the dispatch log at the end of the day to several departments.
• Coordinates seniority work assignment selection process (bid processing). Bidding includes ensuring assignments are accurately matched and assigned by seniority order per the MOU and meet DOT rules for hours of service.
• Coordinates vacation and floating holiday bidding ensuring accuracy while operators select their time off using the seniority system.
• Evaluates, establishes and maintains a safe working environment. Inspects and evaluates transit terminals, major connections, bases, Agency building and equipment, bus stops and transit corridors to ensure they are operational and safe.
• Monitors and communicates with the operators through radio and computer aided dispatch / automated vehicle locator system in dispatch. Based on the situation, initiates and coordinates the appropriate level of communication, emergency assistance or service recovery techniques in order to minimize disruptions or loss of service to ensure safe, reliable service.
• Responds to, manages and investigates accidents, incidents and emergency situations involving Agency vehicles/facilities and or personnel, by directing resources and coordinating activities at an accident/incident scene. May include emergency medical coordination and documentation for the injured, setting up detours, photographing and documenting the scene, taking a comprehensive report, determining extent of damage to all vehicles involved, determining if a post-accident drug screen is necessary and if so coordinating that process.
• Determines if reasonable suspicion drug and/or alcohol testing is necessary following training and DOT/FTA guidelines.
• Updates and maintains the operational files necessary to run the Intelligent Transportation System.
• Assists the public in using the Agency's transportation system.
• Assists coach operators with passenger relations and miscellaneous malfunctions by providing clear, accurate responses.
• Researches customer complaints and compliments and determines if discipline/recognition is warranted. Research includes utilizing tools and resources available, ordering and reviewing footage available, speaking with passengers, and coordinating information with other Agency departments.
• Creates, implements, posts and maintains planned and unplanned detours while assuring they are safe, effective and clearly communicated to customers, coach operators and affected agencies.
• Troubleshoots bus maintenance problems. Inspects and reports on defective equipment (bus and supervisor vehicles). Initiates repairs, clean ups, and secures hazardous areas when necessary within the established guidelines. Inspect supervisor vehicle to ensure it is stocked with the necessary tools and equipment.
• Provides transportation to passengers. Including lost or stranded passengers, safe house youth transport and other occasions as needed.
• Operates Agency buses in revenue service in emergencies or when service cannot be met with the current coach operator staffing levels
• Assists with route and schedule development.
• Assists in the training of coach operators when necessary.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Manages coach operators, and may assist in supervising stops and zones groundskeepers. Counsels, supervises and evaluates the performance of operators and other department subordinates; issues disciplinary warnings and assists in grievance procedures. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's values, policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance including field assessments; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
Associate's Degree and three years of supervisory/management experience (one of which should be in a public transit/transportation environment), or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A minimum of one year as a coach operator/driver in a public transit/transportation environment is required. Previous supervision of a unionized workforce highly desired.
OR
High School Diploma required (Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree preferred). At least two years of experience at a public transit agency in the capacity of a Coach Operator/Bus Driver. Must have a minimum of 40 hours of line instruction*, behind-the-wheel (BTW), and/or classroom instruction experience that can be verified directly by the public transit agency where the experience was obtained. Must submit at least one letter of recommendation from the public transit agency where the 40 hours of experience was obtained.
OR
At least two years at Riverside Transit Agency in the capacity of a Coach Operator. High School Diploma required (Associates' Degree or Bachelors' Degree preferred) and a minimum of 40 hours of verifiable line instruction, dispatch, or training experience required, preferable in a public transit environment. Other supervisory, management or lead experience in a different industry may be accepted in lieu of line instruction/dispatch/training experience in public transit. Previous supervisory/management experience and/or supervision of a unionized workforce is highly desired.
*Also known as cadeting or route familiarization
A current DMV Drivers History Report (30 days or less) must be provided with the application and must show no suspensions within the past five (5) years, no more than three (3) points within the past three (3) years and no two (2) point violations within the past three (3) years. FAILURE TO PROVIDE A CURRENT DMV Driver's History Report WILL RESULT IN YOUR APPLICATION BEING INCOMPLETE.
Prior to appointment to the position: Candidates must provide proof of a Class B Permit with the Passenger and Air Brake endorsements; or a current Class A or B License with the proper endorsements.
For information regarding non-domiciled commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) holders. Please select FMSCA presser, using the link below:
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to create and communicate by way of visual representation (i.e. bar graphs, pie charts).
COMPUTER SKILLS
Knowledge of basic office equipment and personal computers. Familiarity with software programs such as Microsoft Office, to include Word, Excel, Access, etc.
REASONING ABILITY
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Requires proper license(s) with endorsements and certifications to operate a passenger motor coach. Must possess a safe driving record. Ability to obtain a valid California Class A/B Commercial License with Passenger and Air Brake Endorsements within 90 days of employment. Ability to complete and pass the company's Driver Certification program by the completion of the introductory period. Class B Permit is required at the time of hire.
OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of transit operations. Knowledge of union contracts, rulebooks and progressive disciplinary procedures. Knowledge of basic accident investigation procedures. Knowledge of Riverside City streets and routes. Basic knowledge of electronic communication functions. Ability to prepare reports. Ability to handle pressure or emergency situations. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Ability to effectively supervise, evaluate and counsel subordinates. Basic first aide and CPR.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Note to Internal Candidates:
The following areas will be reviewed as part of the selection process:

• Will be required to pass job related skills test(s).Testing may include, but is not limited to:
  • Written test(s)
  • Oral test(s)
  • Practical test(s)
• Past year performance record will be reviewed:
  • Discipline other than attendance & accidents - only 1 written warning in last year. Excludes accidents and attendance, which are described below.
  • Must have zero additional disciplinary actions, i.e. no:
    • Further Written Warnings
    • Final Warnings
    • Suspension
  • Must have no more than 1 Late Arrival within the last 12 months.
  • Must have no more than 1 Attendance Point in the last year.
  • Must have zero preventable accidents / max of 1 written warning in the last year.
  • Performance Appraisal ratings must be at or above "Meets Standards."

SELECTION PROCEDURES
Applications will be evaluated and only qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the selection process which may include: a written exam (pass/fail), a performance exam (pass/fail), and an oral interview (100% weight). The examinations will be used to assess the applicant's knowledge, skills and abilities as they relate to the position. The selection procedures may change depending on the needs of the Agency; if such changes apply, qualified applicants will be notified prior to the administration of examinations.
The Riverside Transit Agency complies with State and Federal obligations to make reasonable accommodation for applicants and employees with disabilities. The Human Resources Department asks that it be advised of accommodation requests prior to the first test part. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the Riverside Transit Agency requires that all new employees provide documentation to establish both work authori