* You'll receive an email notification regarding the status of your application on Monday, November 24th 2025*

Join Big Blue Bus - We are looking for customer service and safety-minded Motor Coach Operators to join our growing team.

Blue Awaits You! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ra3l6EAo4BA

Looking to steer your career in a new direction? Driving for Big Blue Bus can be a long-lasting career with company-covered benefits and training opportunities. Every day, Big Blue Bus connects thousands of people to new opportunities that await them. As a Motor Coach Operator, you will have a unique opportunity to enrich the lives of our customers, by ensuring they arrive safely and on time to their destinations. Further, you’ll meet new people, be an ambassador for the City of Santa Monica, and experience growth opportunities at every stop! If you enjoy driving, seek real opportunities for career advancement, and are passionate about making a difference in the community, then we invite you to drive Blue.

A Motor Coach Operator operates a motor coach (bus) on an assigned route and schedule. In order to become a Motor Coach Operator, successful candidates must complete an eight-week formal training program as a Motor Coach Operator Trainee after which they are eligible to be promoted from a part-time Motor Coach Operator to a Motor Coach Operator. The training program is administered by the Santa Monica Department of Transportation. During the 8-weeks of training, the hourly rate is $22.50. Upon successful completion of the training program, the candidate will advance to the classification of part-time Motor Coach Operator at salary Step 1 ($26.78) and will serve a one-year probationary period.

Motor Coach Operator - Hourly Salary

Step 1: $26.78

Step 2: $28.69

Step 3: $30.60

Step 4: $32.51

Step 5: $34.43

Step 6: $38.25

DEFINITION:
Participates in a formal classroom and motor coach operation training program. Motor Coach Operator Trainee is expected to successfully complete the training program as prescribed by the Santa Monica Big Blue Department to be eligible to become a Motor Coach Operator.

SUPERVISION:
Works under close supervision of a Motor Coach Operator Training Coordinator. Detailed instructions are provided. Routine work is performed under direction of a Motor Coach Operator Training Coordinator and/or designee.Participates in a formal training program to learn techniques and safety procedures for operating a motor coach.

Learns and observes traffic laws, vehicle code regulations, and appropriate safety rules and regulations.

Learns pre-operation vehicle preparation and inspection procedures.

Learns and practices defensive driving techniques.

Follows department standards and procedures for maintaining motor coach appearance and cleanliness while in service.

Operates wheelchair lift and bike rack equipment.

Provides directions and information to the public concerning routes, schedules, and transfers. Makes stops announcements. Assists passengers, when needed.

Prepares various reports, including detailed accident reports, daily operation reports, forms for lost articles, and witness/courtesy cards.

Performs various duties related to fare collection, tariff acceptance, fare box reading and recording, and transfer issuance and receipt.

Performs other duties, as assigned.Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:

Knowledge of:
Effective customer service techniques
Basic mathematics
Driver and vehicle safety rules and regulations

Ability to:
Learn to operate a motor coach safely and properly
Respond to inquiries from the public in a courteous and tactful manner
Deal effectively with the public
Work with others in a cooperative, patient, and professional manner
Follow written and oral instructions
Perform simple mathematical computations
Prepare simple reports
Read maps
Conduct safety checks
Communicate on a two-way radio
Work with persons from diverse social, cultural and economic backgrounds as well as a
variety of work styles, personalities, and approaches

Skill in:
Reading, and writing and communicating in English at an appropriate level
Driving a passenger vehicle

Education, Training and Experience:

Education

Graduation from high school or the equivalent. Minimum 21 years of age at time of application.

Experience:

One year of recent, paid customer service work experience assisting and providing information to the public.

Licenses and Certificates:

Possession of a valid California Class C driver license with a minimum of two (2) years of continuous safe driving. If hired, and prior to the first day of training, must possess a California Class A or B commercial driver permit with appropriate medical certification, passenger endorsement, and with no restrictions for weight, number of passengers or air brakes. Must also be able to obtain a Verification of Transit Training Document at the conclusion of training.

Additional Requirements:

In order to qualify for the position of Motor Coach Operator Trainee and to complete probation as a Motor Coach Operator, you must not have any of the following convictions, violations, and/or causes:

(1) Within the preceding 12 months from the date of application, been involved as a driver in three or more accidents in which the driver caused or contributed to the accidents.
(2) Within the preceding three years from the date of application, had committed any violation that resulted in a conviction with a DMV 2 Point count or more.
(3) Within the preceding three years from the date of application, had committed three or more DMV 1 Point count violations.
(4) Within the preceding three years from the date of application, had driving privileges revoked, suspended, or placed on probation.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work is performed sometimes indoors but regularly outside in seasonal climate and weather conditions. Work may require exposure to odors, fumes, oil and fuel. Drives for prolonged periods of time with no rest period. Heavy city traffic conditions are encountered on a daily basis. Follows a schedule to leave and pick up passengers. Noise from traffic and a two-way radio, slippery surfaces and dust are conditions often encountered. Position requires availability to work variable shifts, weekends, evenings, holidays, on-call and overtime. Physical demands include driving, walking, constant arm and leg movements, and sitting for long periods of time. Stooping, bending and lifting up to 30 lbs may be required. This is a safety sensitive position subject to drug and alcohol testing according to City policy and Federal Transit Administration regulations

HOW TO APPLY: All applicants must submit an online City application and required supplemental questions to be considered for this position. Please note, applications may be rejected if incomplete. Resumes, CVs and cover letters are not reviewed as part of the application screening process and should not be submitted.

NOTE: Upon offer of employment, candidates will be subject to a US Department of Transportation (DOT) pre-employment screen for alcohol and controlled substances set forth in DOT regulation 49 CFR Parts 40 and 655. Candidates will be required to provide written consent to obtain drug and alcohol testing records from all prior employers in the last two (2) years.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION: To receive consideration, you must submit a current copy of your K-4 or online driving record print-out from the Department of Motor Vehicles with your application. It must be a K-4 or online driving record print out obtained from the Department of Motor Vehicles office, Department of Motor Vehicles Kiosk or website. Printouts from other agencies such as AAA will not be accepted. "Current" is defined as being issued within 30 days of the date of your application submittal. All materials must be received in the Human Resources Department . Failure to do so will result in your application being disqualified.

The DMV online driving record can be obtained by clicking the website below:
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/customer-service/request-vehicle-or-driver-records/online-driver-record-request/

PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU SUBMITTED AN ONLINE DRIVING RECORD AND YOU ARE INVITED TO THE DEPARTMENT INTERVIEW, YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO OBTAIN AND PRESENT A K4 PRINTOUT FROM THE DMV AT THE TIME OF YOUR INTERVIEW. FURTHER MATERIALS/DOCUMENTS MAY BE REQUIRED THROUGHOUT THE PROCESS.

NOTE: Veterans' Preference points shall be applied to this entry level civil service position in accordance with the City of Santa Monica Human Resources Department guidelines. To be considered for Veterans' Preference points, you must submit a copy of your discharge papers (DD214) at the time of application.

SELECTION PROCESS:All applicants will be reviewed and only those determined to meet Minimum Qualifications, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS: Candidates who have successfully completed all prior phases of the selection process will be subject to a thorough background investigation.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

SALARY RANGE: Composed of 6 steps—Step 1 through Step 6. Each step represents an increase of approximately 5%.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: Choice of Kaiser plan, two HMO plans, PPO plan, and High Deductible Plan. City pays 92% of medical insurance premium for employee and eligible dependents. Employee contributes 8% toward premium. Part-time employees will have the option of electing from one of the City-provided HMO medical insurance "employee-only" plans. The enrollment of dependents or in the PPO plans will increase the cost-share.

CASH-IN-LIEU: Employees who elect to waive medical coverage due to other group coverage are entitled to a bi-weekly taxable payment of $69.23 ($1800 annually).DENTAL INSURANCE: An HMO and PPO plan are available. Premiums fully paid by the city for employee and eligible dependents.

VISION INSURANCE: One plan available.Premiums fully paid by the city for employee and eligible dependents.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:Premiums fully paid by the city for employee and household members.VACATION: 12 days (96 hours) per year, increases with each 5 years of services, maximum of 21 days per year.

Up to 40 hours of vacation leave accrued can be cashed out at the end of the fiscal year.

SICK LEAVE: One sick leave day per month (96 hours per year).

Sick leave accrued but not used can be cashed out at the end of the fiscal year based on the formula outlined in the SMART-TD MOU.

HOLIDAYS: 8 holidays per year plus two floating holidays.

LIFE INSURANCE: City-paid term life insurance coverage of $10,000 with the option to enroll in additional employee paid life insurance for employee and eligible dependents.

LONG TERM DISABILITY (LTD): Premiums fully paid by the City.

CalPERS Retirement: Retirement formula and employee contributions are based on appointment date and membership status with CalPERS. City employees are vested after 5 years and do not participate in Social Security.

Supplemental Retirement Plan: A 457b plan is available for voluntary participation.

The City contributes $30/bi-weekly ($780 annually) to the 457(b) plan.
Effective July 1, 2022, the City contributes $32.50/bi-weekly ($845 annually) to the 457(b)plan.

PREMIUM REIMBURSEMENT PLAN: The City makes a contribution of $176.56 into a retiree medical trust to allow eligible separated employees to reimburse healthcare premiums.

UNUSED SICK LEAVE UPON RETIREMENT:

Each Motor Coach Operator with 10 or more years of service with the City and who has 50 days of unused sick leave, can convert unused sick leave into dollars to purchase medical insurance coverage for the employee and spouse upon retirement.

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT: Full-time employees who have passed probation will be reimbursed for the cost of tuition and study materials for career improvement or job enhancement courses that meet the policy guidelines.

The maximum amount shall not exceed $2750 per fiscal year.

UNIFORM ALLOWANCE: Motor Coach Operators will receive a one-time lump sum voucher of $500. Once an employee becomes full-time and completes six months as a regularly authorized full-time Motor Coach Operator, a $580 voucher is provided.

BILINGUAL SKILL PAY: Employees who regularly utilize skill during the course of duties will receives bi-weekly amount of $23.08 upon certification of examination process.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS: Flexible Spending Account; On-Site Fitness Center; Transit Passes or Reimbursement.

NOTE:If three or more qualified City employees apply and pass the examination, a promotional list will be established in addition to an open-competitive list.

The City of Santa Monica is a progressive, inclusive and culturally-rich community. As leaders in public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a highly-talented workforce where people of diverse races, religions, cultures and lifestyles thrive. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and where their differences make a positive impact.

The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our employees. Join us!

Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for persons with disabilities. Call (310) 458-8246, TDD (310) 458-8696 (Hearing Impaired Only).

Please note the request for reasonable accommodations must be made to Human Resources at least three work days prior to the examination.

City of Santa Monica

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Motor Coach Operator Trainee