Bus Operator

AC Transit is hiring Bus Operators in Oakland, CA. The role involves safely operating buses, providing customer service, performing vehicle inspections, and managing fare collection. No prior experience is required, as comprehensive training is provided. The position offers full-time employment with benefits including medical, dental, and pension plans. Ideal candidates are courteous and dependable individuals committed to serving the community.
About the position

AC Transit is actively seeking courteous, customer service-oriented and dependable individuals to safely operate our buses and provide the highest quality of service to our customers and community. Previous Bus Operator Experience is NOT REQUIRED. AC Transit offers a full-time, comprehensive paid training program to selected candidates who demonstrate the aptitude, interpersonal skills, and desire for a career as an AC Transit Bus Operator. Under the supervision of Transportation Supervisors, Division Superintendent and/or Division Assistant Superintendent, operates a variety of District vehicles to transport passengers in a safe and courteous manner along a fixed route; performs customer service activities; inspects transit vehicles; operates and monitors farebox; completes reports and forms; reports incidents or events during route that may impact efficient transit operation; assists passengers requiring special assistance. This is an excellent opportunity to work at the largest bus agency in California. In addition to working with some of the best in the business, AC Transit also has an excellent benefits package that includes pension, medical, dental, and vision coverage, flexible spending, and a 457 savings plan. As an AC Transit employee, you would become part of an extended family of individuals who take great pride in making a difference in the communities that they service.

Responsibilities
• Operates a variety of District vehicles to transport passengers in a safe and courteous manner along a fixed route; transports buses between Divisions, and to other District locations as required.
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• Performs customer service activities; assists passengers with directions; answers questions regarding District operations, rules, and regulations; responds to conflicts and disruptive/hostile/abusive passengers consistent with AC Transit provided training and instruction.
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• Performs pre-trip transit vehicle inspections; identifies and reports safety concerns, defects and malfunctions, and other needed repairs.
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• Operates equipment including computerized fare-box, electronic head sign, doors, tailgate, windows, emergency escape hatch, rear lift (vans only), mirrors, seats, emergency brake system, and rear start.
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• Collects passenger fares consistent with District fare collection policy; operates and monitors fare box; distributes, collects, and inspects transfers, and passes; ensures accurate fares for seniors, adults, youth, and persons with disabilities.
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• Prepares a variety of written reports and forms completely and legibly including accident/incident reports; defect card regarding equipment malfunction/failure; and reports of medical emergencies.
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• Communicates with Operations Central Control (OCC) to provide information regarding 911 emergency situations; traffic problems, road hazards, and accidents; and unusual activities or occurrences.
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• Assists passengers requiring special assistance in a professional manner to ensure access to public transportation for all and to promote passenger safety; consistent with District instruction, assists all passengers in compliance with applicable civil rights statutes, regulations, and policies.
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• In compliance with AC Transit provided training regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), operates passenger lift and kneeler to provide access to disabled passengers in boarding and de-boarding, and safely secures disabled passengers.
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• Performs related duties as required.

Requirements
• Graduation from high school or has attained a General Education Diploma (GED), California High School Proficiency Certificate or equivalent.
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• A minimum of three (3) years operating a motor vehicle and one (1) year of public contact or customer service experience.
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• Must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.
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• Applicants must meet the District's safe driving standards including: 21 years of age, 3 years of driving with a regular license, not more than one (1) moving violation in the past three (3) years, no At-Fault accidents in the past three (3) years, no 'Failures to Appear' or 'Failures to Pay' in the last three (3) years, no suspensions in the last three (3) years, no Reckless Driving or DUI in the last seven (7) years.

Nice-to-haves
• Exceptional verbal communication skills.
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• Professional interaction with customers.
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• Ability to courteously diffuse conflict.
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• Motivated, dependable, punctual and assumes pride in representing AC Transit.
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• Ability to work independently, follow safety rules and company policies at all times.

Benefits
• Medical - Choice of two Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs): Kaiser Permanente and Health Net.
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• Dental - MetLife Preferred Provider Organization (PPO).
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• Vision - Vision Service Plan.
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• Employer paid Basic Life Insurance.
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• Employee paid Voluntary Term Life Insurance.
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• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
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• Medical premium reimbursement for eligible retirees.
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• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for Health Care, Dependent Care, Parking, Transit.
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• Free AC Transit Bus Pass.
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• Federal Credit Union.
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• Vacation and Sick Leave or Personal Time Off.
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• Ten (10) paid holidays; 2 paid floating holidays; 1 paid birthday holiday.
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• Five (5) bereavement days.
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• Tuition Reimbursement - up to $2500 per fiscal year on approved courses.
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• Wellness Program.
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• Pension - All AC Transit employees participate in a lifetime defined benefit pension.