Motor Coach Operator Trainee

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* You’ll receive an email notification regarding the status of your application on Tuesday, February 17th 2026
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We are looking for customer service and safety‑minded Motor Coach Operators to join our growing team.

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.

• Step 1: $26.78
• Step 2: $28.69
• Step 3: $30.60
• Step 4: $32.51
• Step 5: $34.43
• Step 6: $38.25

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.

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. 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 stop 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.

• Effective customer service techniques
• Basic mathematics
• Driver and vehicle safety rules and regulations
• 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
• Reading, and writing and communicating in English at an appropriate level
• Driving a passenger vehicle

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

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

• Possession of a valid California Class C driver license with a minimum of two (2) years of continuous safe driving.
• 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.

• (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…