Under general direction, this position is responsible for managing the design and development of classroom and field training programs/curriculum for BREEZE and LIFT/ FLEX Operators in accordance with applicable federal, state, local, and regulatory laws, rules, and regulations, and per NCTD policies and procedures. This position leads the training of new and veteran Operators and is highly accountable for ensuring well-trained, customer-friendly, and safety-focused outcomes. This position also supports training for the Operations Control Center and Maintenance of Facilities in collaboration with the Rail Training Manager.
Distinguishing CharacteristicsThis position requires an individual with strong training management knowledge to ensure the delivery of both instructor-led and interactive virtual training. The individual in this position manages the delivery of all bus and paratransit operational and regulatory training in compliance with applicable rules, procedures, and policies both internal and those required by external agencies. This position is designated as Safety-Sensitive under DOT authority and will participate in a random testing pool under those guidelines.
Supervision Received and ExercisedThis position reports to and works under general direction from the Director of Learning and Development, with a dotted line reporting to other Divisoin Chiefs whose training functions are also supported as noted below. This position has direct supervisory responsibility for the staff directly assigned to support bus and paratransit operations training. Further, this position is expected to participate in the sharing of expert knowledge and as a vital member of various project teams that may be instituted.
Working ConditionsNormal working conditions for this position are in both an office and field setting. Business travel may be required periodically between District sites, governmental agencies, consultants' facilities, and other locations as required. Transit operations are 24/7/365 which requires this individual to work a variety of days and shifts to ensure training is being properly implemented; this includes evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
Essential FunctionsDuties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Establishes training standards by developing and implementing a high-quality training program that supports the achievement of the District’s mission and vision, meeting applicable regulatory requirements, including the development of short and long-range training objectives.
- Fills in as a Bus Operator Classroom Instructor as needed.
- Oversees the design, implementation, maintenance, and monitoring of classroom and on-the-job training programs and curriculum for Bus Operators. Ensures that the Bus Operations training curriculum meets the requirements of the Entry Level Driver Training Program (ELDT) per FMCSA and 49 CFR part 380.
- For instructional purposes, analyzes material on schedule changes, fare structure, transfer policy, and changes in routes or special movements.
- Observes, evaluates, and recommends improvements in teaching techniques of subordinate instructors.
- Approves, in collaboration with the Director of Bus Operations, candidates for Revenue Instructor, Behind the Wheel (BTW) Instructor, and Classroom Instructor Certification.
- Coordinates with stakeholders to ensure training records for operations and maintenance employees are properly maintained in the District’s Learning Management System.
- Collaborates with stakeholders to ensure alignment with overall learning and development strategy and customer service standards.
- Develops and implements procedures to evaluate the effectiveness of training programs, identify opportunities for continuous improvement, and make recommendations for change.
- Prepares for and participates in regulatory agency audits with an emphasis on ensuring the highest possible results.
- Maintains up-to-date knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local transit industry regulations, rules, standards, and accepted best practices to ensure ongoing NCTD compliance from a training perspective.
- Hires, trains, supervises, reviews, disciplines, and terminates subordinate staff as needed and in accordance with District policy and union rules per the CBA.
- Participates in the review of accident/incident reports and shares recommendations regarding preventability/non-preventability.
- Administers the Department of Motor Vehicles Employer Testing Program.
- Ensures compliance with Department of Motor Vehicles, and Department of Transportation State and Federal laws, and the record-keeping of training and medical certificates.
- Functions as a resource, facilitator, or instructor, and participates in operator and other technical training as needed.
- Prepares correspondence and reports with recommendations.
- Participates as an active member in the development and management of rules and procedures for Bus Operations.
- Develops and monitors the training budget.
- Oversees the development, administration, tracking, and training for the Verified Transit Training (VTT) program for Bus Operators
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Education/ExperienceUpon being hired, the employee will be required to successfully complete the Department of Transportation (DOT) transit instructor course.
A candidate for this position must possess the following:
- A high school diploma or General Education Development (GED) equivalent.
- Five (5) years of experience as a Transit Bus Driver OR two (2) years of experience as a Transit Bus Driver and three (3) years equivalent experience driving vehicles that require a class A or B driver's license.
In addition, a candidate for this position would typically possess training and experience equivalent to:
- Graduation from an accredited college with a degree in business, education, organizational development, or a related field.
- Two years of experience training bus operators. This experience must have included determining training needs, developing course content, and training methods, giving group instructions using several training methods, and evaluating training needs.
Additional experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis. Graduation from a four-year college is preferred.
Certificates/Licenses
- Current or ability to possess a California class "B" commercial driver's license with passenger endorsement within 6 months of hire. Verification of Transit Training (VTT) Certificate is preferred, but not required.
- A driving record with no chargeable accidents (in accordance with the California Vehicle Code) within the past three years preceding the date of application for the DOT certification (if applicable). If no current or former Class B, then a California Class C Driver's License with less than 6 points in the preceding 36-month period, and no DUIs in the prior seven years.
- Maintain compliance with the District’s policy regarding Conflict of Interest and Ethics.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain annual access to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.
General RequirementsKnowledge of:- Federal, State, and local laws and regulations regarding transit buses.
- Principles of supervision, training, and employee development.
- Principles and techniques of curriculum development.
- Principles of organization and administration, fiscal and program management.
- Current teaching theory and methods.
- Safe and proper operation of transit buses.
- Mechanical features of transit buses.
- Procedures of operator evaluation, counseling, and discipline.
- Union rules and collective bargaining agreements.
- Typical provisions found in public transit labor agreements.
- Transit lines, schedules, and fares.
- NCTD policies and procedures as they relate to the proper and safe operations of transit buses.
- ADA rules and regulations as related to the use of public transportation.
- Training involving the medical aspects of disabilities.
- Training involving psycho-social aspects of disabilities.
- HIPAA and other data privacy regulations.
- Region's regular route transit system.
Ability to:- Develop, organize, and coordinate an effective bus operator training program.
- Plan, direct, supervise, motivate, and evaluate personnel.
- Formulate specific objectives against which to compare and evaluate training results.
- Research, analyze, and evaluate new training methods and techniques.
- Prepare and monitor a budget.
- Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Interpret and apply laws, regulations, and labor contract provisions.
- Define problem areas and evaluate, recommend, and implement alternative solutions to complex issues and problems.
- Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
- Manage and maintain simultaneous, transitional, and emerging priorities.
- Demonstrated proficiency in computer software programs including the Microsoft Office Suite.
- Train staff in areas of working with diverse groups.
- Train in areas of interaction with service/therapy animals as needed.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The employee must possess the ability to use the phone and computer for extended periods, manual dexterity to complete clerical functions, and work with office equipment and lift equipment up to 50 pounds on a periodic basis. The employee must be able to hear, see, and communicate verbally to exchange information. The employee must be able to physically travel between District locations and other destinations, work in evenings when required, work in hazardous conditions, and negotiate a variety of different and irregular terrain as is typical along a railway right of way. The employee may be subject to fumes, odors, dusts, gases, and chemicals. The employee must be able to walk, climb, balance, bend, carry, push, reach, sit, and stand.
Machines / Tools / Equipment
- Ability to operate a personal computer and Microsoft Office Suite programs.
- Ability to operate standard office equipment, including a fax and scanner machine, copy machine, and telephone.
- Ability to carry and operate a mobile on-call device.
Application Information: All applicants must complete and submit an online application at www.gonctd.com/careers. A job offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen and background check. Salary based upon experience, not to exceed midpoint of stated range. NCTD is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
