Bus Driver - Senior

Job Description:

Bus Driver - Senior

Description

POSITION INFORMATION

Why Placer : TART Bus Driver Bruce Hall from Placer County Video Portal on Vimeo.
Tahoe Area Regional Transit (TART) is currently accepting applications for a permanent, full-time Senior Bus Driver. This recruitment is for a Senior Bus Driver in Tahoe only. The Senior Bus Driver provides direct supervision to Bus Drivers in terms of training of staff and directing day-to-day operations.

For more information regarding TART's services and routes, please click TART Services and Routes. TART provides safe and direct means of transportation service for North Lake Tahoe residents and visitors. TART is committed to providing comprehensive and reliable transit service to its passengers.

The selection process includes an interview and a criminal background check. Candidates are then required to pass a physical and DOT drug clearance. Safety sensitive positions are subject to random ongoing DOT drug testing including for marijuana.

Tahoe Branch Assignment Premium: Tahoe Bus Driver positions are eligible for salary plus up to an additional $1,100 per month Tahoe Branch Assignment Premium for employees who are permanently assigned to a position located in the North Lake Tahoe Area.

Please note: This position is scheduled to receive a 3% wage increase effective June 13, 2026 (pay date July 10, 2026).

BENEFITS

Placer County offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees. The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change. Applicants should inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Human Resources Department.

Click here to view Placer Public Employees Organization (PPEO) benefits.

For more information regarding the benefits Placer County has to offer, please visit Placer County's Human Resources website.

DEFINITION

To coordinate driver training; to train Bus Drivers to required standards for operating buses in Placer County transit systems; to operate a bus in transporting passengers on Placer County transit systems; and to assist in transit system administration.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the advanced journey level class in the Bus Driver series. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Bus Driver by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned including training of Bus Drivers. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Employees in this class provide direct supervision to Bus Drivers in terms of training of staff and directing day-to-day operations. This class is distinguished from the Transportation Supervisor in that the Senior Bus Driver does not conduct performance evaluations; recommend discipline or implement discipline procedures as directed.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the Transportation Supervisor. Exercises direct supervision over Bus Drivers.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plan and conduct classroom and behind-the-wheel training for new drivers; plan and conduct refresher and safety training for experienced drivers; document training provided in driver files.
  
• Acquire and maintain training and safety materials.
  
• Drive bus in the transportation of passengers on a fixed-route or request basis; maintain on-time service and safe operation; clean bus and perform routine bus maintenance as required.
  
• Perform communication and dispatch duties on a relief basis or when assigned.
  
• Maintain records and statistics and enter data in a computer.
  
• When assigned, count fare-box receipts; prepare and make bank deposits.
  
• When assigned, assist in maintenance of bus shelters, stops and the transit system office.
  
• When assigned, order and pick-up supplies.
  
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
  
• Perform related duties as assigned.
  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: Two years of responsible journey level experience equivalent to a Bus Driver for one of the Placer County transit systems.

Training: Successful completion of the experience requirement is proof of sufficient training for this class.

Required License or Certificate:

• Possession of a valid Class A or B driver's license or the equivalent with passenger endorsements and no air brake restrictions. Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.
  
• Possession of, or ability to obtain prior to completion of the probationary period, a Mass Transit Training Certificate issued by the Transportation Safety Institute or California Department of Education.
  
• Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a Verification of Transit Training (VTT) certificate issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles or the equivalent training to operate a public transit vehicle in passenger service prior to the completion of the probationary period.
  
• Possession of valid CPR and First Aid certificate is desirable.
  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of transit system operation.
  
• Principles and methods of training.
  
• Large vehicle operation and maintenance.
  
• Safety and emergency procedures.
  
• Principles of customer service.
  
• Transit-related laws and regulations.
  
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.
  

Ability to:

• Drive a bus and maintain the necessary licensing and physical standards.
  
• Train others through classroom presentations and behind-the-wheel instruction.
  
• On a continuous basis, know and understand bus driving activities and observe safety rules. Intermittently analyze driving conditions; identify safety hazards; and remember how to operate a bus.
  
• Intermittently sit while driving a bus; stand and walk while performing routine maintenance on a bus; regularly lift very heavy weight.
  
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
  
• Act quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
  

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Training & Experience Rating (100%)

Based upon responses to the supplemental questionnaire, the applicant’s education, training, and experience will be evaluated using a pre-determined formula. Scores from this evaluation will determine applicant ranking and placement on the eligible list.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT

Prior to the date of hire, applicants must undergo a fingerprint test by the Department of Justice, pass a medical examination (which may include a drug screening and possibly a psychological evaluation), sign a constitutional oath, and submit proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to remain and work in the U.S. For some positions, applicants may also be required to submit proof of age, undergo a background investigation (which may include a credit check, voice stress analysis, and/or a polygraph), and/or be bonded. Additionally, positions in law enforcement classifications and those supporting law enforcement functions will be required to complete a conviction history questionnaire prior to or during the interview process. Applicants for positions with access to Medi-Cal billing software or who are licensed providers must clear the Federal Exclusion List, credentialing, and social security verification. Failure to clear these requirements may result in an employment offer being withdrawn.

EMPLOYEES OF OTHER PUBLIC AGENCIES

Placer County offers an expedited process for qualifying certain applicants for interviews. Candidates currently employed, or employed within the last year, by a public agency operating under a personnel civil service or merit system may be eligible to be placed on a Public Agency Eligible List and certified as eligible for appointment to a similar job assignment without going through the examination process. For more information on the Public Agency Eligible List, to download forms, or to apply, please click here.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active nondiscrimination program. It is the stated policy of Placer County that unlawful harassment, discrimination, and retaliation are prohibited and that all employees, applicants, agents, contractors, and interns/volunteers shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, transfer, and promotion will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of the following characteristics: gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, race (including traits associated with race, which include, but are not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, ancestry, religion (including creed and belief), national origin, citizenship, primary language, immigration status, physical disability (Including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (including cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over), marital status, military and/or veteran status, sex (including parental status, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), reproductive health decision making, the person’s use of cannabis off the job and away from the workplace, political orientation, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law or any combination of two or more characteristics stated herein. Please contact the Human Resources Department at least 5 working days before a scheduled examination if you require accommodation in the examination process. Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation.

Conclusion

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Bethany Clinkenbeard, Administrative Technician, at [email protected] or at (530) 886-4669.

Closing Date/Time: Open Until Filled

Salary:

$29.83 - $37.26/hour $62,046.40 - $77,500.80/year+ $1,100/mo Tahoe Assignment Premium