Bus Operator

VTA is hiring Bus Operators! 

We're looking for customer service focused drivers who are searching for a rewarding career in public service. Joining the VTA team opens a wealth of opportunities. We promote work-life balance for all employees, offer career advancement opportunities, and have generous benefits and pension plans.  

The Ideal Candidate:
A people person who is friendly, punctual, and prioritizes safety above all else.

No need to have a commercial license - We provide the training!

Minimum Qualifications:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a High School Diploma or equivalent
• Have a valid California Class C Driver’s License with a good driving record
• Must be able to work any shift, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Must be flexible with schedule changes. VTA is a 24/7 operation.
  

About VTA 

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority employs more than 2,000 people dedicated to providing solutions that move Silicon Valley. Unique among transportation organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area, VTA is Santa Clara County’s authority for transit development and operations (light rail and bus), congestion management, transportation-related funding, highway design and construction, real estate and transit-oriented development, and bicycle and pedestrian planning. With local, state, and federal partners, VTA works to innovate the way Silicon Valley moves and provide mobility solutions for all.

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is an independent special district that provides sustainable, accessible, community-focused, innovative, and environmentally responsible transportation options promoting the region's vitality. VTA provides bus, light rail, and paratransit services and participates as a funding partner in regional rail services, including Caltrain, Capital Corridor, and the Altamont Corridor Express.

To learn more, go to: vta.org

About the Operation Division:

Under the direction of the Chief Operating Officer, the Operations Division operates, analyzes, maintains, and manages VTA's bus and rail transit system and facilities. It also oversees contracted shuttle and ADA paratransit services.

Operations consists of the Chief Operating Officer's Administrative unit - Operations Administration - as well as Bus & Rail Transit Operations, Special Event Service, Facilities Maintenance, Operations Analysis Reporting & Systems, and Regional Transportation Services.

Together, Operations comprises 14 functional units - Operations Administration; Bus & Rail Transit Operations; Service Management; Rail Maintenance; Bus Maintenance; Way, Power & Signal Maintenance; Facilities Maintenance; Maintenance Engineering; Warranty & Quality Assurance; Regional Transportation Services; and Operations Analysis, Reporting and Systems.  

Our Community: 

Santa Clara County, sometimes referred to as “Silicon Valley”, is unique for its innovation, natural attractions, and social diversity. With numerous amenities and perfect weather, it has long been considered one of the best places in the United States to live and work. calendar of festivals and celebrations supports the community spirit. Nearby open space provides easy access to mountain parks, trails, lakes, streams, and beautiful coastal beaches. San José has received accolades for its vibrant neighborhoods, healthy lifestyle, and diverse attractions from national media, including Business Week and Money magazines.

The county’s population of 1.9 million is the largest in Northern California and is rich in ethnic culture and diversity. Enjoy access and the option to explore our closely neighboring counties of San Francisco and Alameda.

VTA Offers Competitive Benefits:

• NEW Starting/Training Pay of $26.80/hour
• Progress to make $41.23/hour in 3 years or less.
• Career development opportunities within VTA
• Pay for higher education with tuition reimbursement
• Great no or low cost medical plan options
• Dental and vision plans paid by VTA
• Great Pension & Retirement benefits

Application Process

1. Apply Online
2. In-Person Written Examination
3. In-Person Performance Examination 
4. Interview

After successful completion of the application steps above, you will move on to a pre-employment process that includes obtaining a commercial Class B permit with Passenger (P) and Air Brakes endorsements AND DOT physical clearance that is valid for a minimum of three months. VTA will assist you in this process.

What To Expect After The Application Process: 
YOU WILL RECIEVE AN EMAIL INDICATING IF YOUR APPLICATION WAS ACCEPTED. IF ACCEPTED, YOU WILL BE SCHEDULED FOR OUR WRITTEN EXAM AND RECIEVE AN INVITATION TO THE EXAM WITH A SPECIFIC DATE AND TIME. PLEASE CHECK YOUR SPAM FOLDER IF YOU DO NOT HEAR BACK FROM US.

The Operator career at VTA begins as an Operator Trainee. During the paid 9-week training period, your salary will be $26.80/hour. After successful completion of the training program you will be promoted to the Operator classification where your salary will progress to $41.23/hour after 3 years or less.

Please note: VTA makes reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities to ensure the accessibility of VTA’s employment recruitment, application, and selection process. Upon request, accommodations are provided to people who need assistance in obtaining position availability information, completion of employment applications, position testing, and interviewing processes. Requests must be received prior to an applicants' scheduled examination date.
 
Definition
Under general supervision, an Operator transports passengers in a motor coach on a fixed route.

Classification Bargaining Unit: ATU 

This recruitment will close on Monday, 02/26/2024 @ 5:00PM OR when we reach the maximum amount of candidates. Typical Tasks

• Operates a motor coach safely and in accordance with a designated schedule;
• Picks up and drops off passengers at designated bus stops;
• Collects fares and sells day passes;
• Aids passengers in boarding or departing the motor coach as needed;
• Operates the wheelchair lift when necessary and secures passengers' wheelchairs;
• Calls out stops and provides information to passengers;
• Maintains order on the motor coach;
• Operates a two-way radio;
• Prepares accident and incident reports;
• Keeps records;
• Performs related work as required.

Employment Standards
Training and experience equivalent to a High School Diploma and possession of a valid California Class C driver's license at the time of appointment, and the ability to obtain and maintain a valid California Class B license. 

Driving record may not have more than three (3) moving violations or one (1) cell phone violation within the last three (3) years.  No recent DUI violations.

Must be eighteen (18) years of age at the time of application.

Must have a good attendance record at school and/or previous job.

Must be available to work weekends, holidays, and odd and unusual hours. 

Interested applicants may only meet some of the requirements. We encourage applications from any person who believes they can thrive and grow within VTA. While we’re welcoming to a variety of different candidates, this position could be an excellent role for a number of different profiles, including those who:

· Want to be team players with strong interpersonal skills, working within the community and VTA to help elevate and integrate equitable transit initiatives throughout our work

· Are passionate, adaptable, and innovative team players who want to learn and contribute to the development of a visionary transit network through an equity lens

· Are interested in collaborative and impactful, transformative change; working with supportive diverse teams to help grow our service and lead our region.

Knowledge of:

• Safe driving practices.

Ability to:

• Learn to operate a motor coach in a safe manner;
• Learn to operate a two-way radio;
• Read maps;
• Follow a schedule;
• Follow oral and written instructions which are given in English;
• Prepare accident, incident, and other reports in English;
• Maintain simple records;
• Deal courteously and effectively with the public;
• Perform simple arithmetic.

What’s in it for You? 

Health: VTA participates in a CalPERS-sponsored medical plan with VTA contribution to employee and dependent premium health insurance premiums. Employees pay a monthly contribution of any amount in excess of the Kaiser Bay Area Family rate.

Vision: VSP full premium for employees and eligible dependents

Dental: Delta Dental full premium for employees and eligible dependents

Leave: 10 days of vacation (accrued), 96 Hours of sick time, and 12 paid holidays per year.

Additional perks:

- All active full-time employees and their eligible dependents are eligible for transit passes for use over VTA lines, including VTA Paratransit services.

- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to each employee, eligible dependent, and household member, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

- Tuition Reimbursement

- Professional Development Fund

- Wellness Programs

As we continue to implement our VTA Forward Plan, we aim to strengthen and increase our workforce to take on future opportunities and challenges by elevating our people and our services. For more information about our VTA Forward Plan, visit: https://www.vta.org/VTAForward

General Instructions

Please read this entire job announcement before applying for the position. Print and keep a copy of this announcement so that you can refer to it. Questions not answered within this job announcement may be sent to personnel@vta.org.

To ensure consideration, completed applications must be submitted online to the Human Resources department by the stated closing time and date posted. When the stated closing date is “continuous,” apply immediately; the position may close without notice. You will receive an immediate email confirming receipt of your submitted application. If you do not receive this email, contact NEOGOV's Applicant Assistance Line at (855) 524-5627 between 8:00AM to 5:00PM (PST) Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

Only on-line applications will be accepted for this recruitment (paper applications or resumes will not be accepted). Job Interest Notification Cards, or copies of previous, partial, or un-submitted applications, are not an acceptable substitute to a completed application.

ALL APPLICATION AND TESTING NOTIFICATIONS WILL BE SENT BY E-MAIL. Applicants should select e-mail as the preferred method of notification. Candidates must maintain an up-to-date, valid and reliable e-mail address. Candidates are also responsible for maintaining up-to-date phone numbers and addresses on their on-line account. Due to the number of applications received, candidates must check their application status through their on-line account. Contact NeoGov for assistance if needed.

Information on how to apply for jobs at the VTA is available on the VTA Employment website and from the NEOGOV's Applicant Assistance Line (855) 524-5627. NeoGov Applicant support is available from 8:00AM to 5:00PM (PST) Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

Americans with Disabilities Act Accommodations

The Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the recruitment/examination process to accommodate applicants with disabilities. If you wish to request an accommodation, please click here.

Application Processing Information

All related current and past work experience (including VTA experience) must be listed and fully described in the Work Experience section of the application ("See Resume" is not acceptable). Incomplete or improperly completed online applications may be rejected even if you are qualified for the position for which you are applying. It is your responsibility to ensure that the online application reflects the work experience and education needed to meet the requirements for the position you are applying for. Although your resume may

have all your experience and education details, please make sure to complete each section of the online application to ensure that your information is accurately captured during our screening process.

All applications are subject to review as to meeting minimum qualifications at any point in the recruitment process. Passing any step is no guarantee of continuation if it is determined that the applicant does not meet the minimum qualifications as stated in the class specification.

Candidates found to have exaggerated/falsified their qualifications, experience, training, and/or education may be disqualified at any point in the recruitment process and may be denied future employment with the VTA.

If selected for the position, candidates will be required to complete a criminal conviction disclosure form. Candidates who successfully become VTA employees, and fail to disclose any of the criminal background information as required may be subject to discipline up to and including discharge.

Eligible Lists typically remain in effect for six (6) months. However, Human Resources may abolish Eligible Lists at any time during the six (6) month period. Human Resources may extend eligible Lists for up to two (2) years. Eligible Lists may be used for more than one recruitment. If you have questions related to an Eligible List you might be on or were on, you should contact Human Resources.

If you have questions regarding your status as an applicant for this position, please call the Human Resources Department at (408) 321-5575 or email at Personnel@vta.org.

VTA is an equal employment opportunity employer. VTA does not and will not tolerate discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age, ancestry, color, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, national origin, immigration status, political affiliation, race, religion, creed, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, medical condition, disabled veteran or veteran status, etc.

Salary : $41