Bus Driver - I

The current recruitment is for TEMPORARY/EXTRA HELP assignments only.

Temporary/Extra Help assignments are limited to 999 hours (or 960 hours for CalPERS retired annuitants) in a fiscal year and are not eligible for benefits.

Appointments made from this eligible list may transition to permanent status, should vacancies arise, with approval from the County Executive Officer.

To operate and perform routine maintenance on a public transit vehicle in passenger service; to operate a public transit vehicle safely and legally; and to practice principles of good customer service.

This is the entry level class in the Bus Driver series.  This class is distinguished from the journey by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within this series.  Employees at this level are not expected to perform with the same independence of direction and judgment on matters allocated to the journey level.  Since this class is typically used as a training class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience.  Employees work under immediate supervision while learning job tasks.

Receives immediate supervision from the Transportation Supervisor and technical and functional supervision from a Senior Bus Driver.

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

• Drive a bus or other transit vehicle in passenger service over designated routes in accordance with time schedules or dispatcher instructions.
• When assigned, transport passengers on field trips and to special events.
• Assist passengers in entering and leaving the vehicle, as necessary; load and secure wheelchairs.
• Assist passengers with schedule, route and direction information.
• When applicable, make sure safety belts are properly fastened.
• Observe behavior of passengers and maintain order as necessary.
• Render emergency aid to passengers, when necessary.
• Conduct safety inspections of transit vehicle prior to operation in accordance with Department of Motor Vehicles and other applicable standards.
• Perform minor maintenance, repair and cleaning work on transit vehicles; fuel vehicles and check fluids.
• Collect fares, sell tickets, count passengers and keep records of bus operation.
• Operate a two-way radio.
• Install and remove tire chains, when necessary.
• 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.

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: No related experience is required.

Training: Formal or informal education or training which ensures the ability to read and write at a level necessary for successful job performance.

License or Certificate:

• Possession of valid CPR and First Aid certificates is desireable.
• Possession of a valid Class C, and the ability to obtain a valid Commercial Class A or B, driver's license, or the equivalent, with passenger endorsement and no air brake restrictions as required by the position. Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.
• 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.

Knowledge of:

• Principles of good customer service.
• Vehicle maintenance practices and techniques used in making minor repairs.

Ability to:

• Relate well to passengers and maintain order among passengers, when necessary.
• Act quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
• 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.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Understand and follow written and oral instructions.

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.

Prior to the date of hire, applicants for regular full and part-time positions must pass a medical examination which may include a drug screening and possibly a psychological evaluation. Applicants for extra help positions may be subject to a drug screening. All applicants must sign a constitutional oath, submit proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to remain and work in the U.S. and be fingerprinted. For some positions, applicants may also be required to submit proof of age, be bonded or undergo a background check.

All new permanent employees, with the exception of sworn law enforcement and management, shall be required to join the employee organization or pay an 'Agency Fee' as a condition of employment.

The eligible list(s) resulting from this recruitment may be certified as a substitute list for a substantially similar classification.  For this purpose, a substantially similar classification is one at a lower level in the same classification (example: entry level vs. journey) and/or a similar classification (similar work performed, similar training and experience qualifications required). If you are contacted for an interview by a County department, you will be informed of the classification and other relevant information. If you choose not to interview for a substantially similar classification, you will remain on the eligible list for which you originally applied.

Placer County now 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 visit our website at: http://www.jobaps.com/placer/sup/abfreenames.asp.

Thank you for your interest in employment with Placer County. Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active nondiscrimination program. It is the stated policy of Placer County that harassment and retaliation is prohibited and that all employees and applicants shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All recruitment, hiring, transfer and promotion will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of sex, sexual orientation, race, color, ancestry, religious creed, national origin, physical disability (Including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over), marital status, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, or any other classification protected by federal, state or local laws or ordinance. Please contact the Personnel 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.

The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change.  It is advisable that applicants inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Personnel Department.

Click here to view benefits for General bargaining unit