Placer County

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.

Bus Driver I 
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.

Bus Driver II 
This is the full journey level class within the Bus Driver series.  This class is distinguished from the Bus Driver I by the assignment of the full range of duties.  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 within the work unit.  Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the entry level.

 
This class is distinguished from the Senior Bus Driver in that the latter performs Bus Driver training and various administrative duties.

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

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

• 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.

Bus Driver I

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.

Required License or Certificate:

• Possession of valid CPR and First Aid certificates is desirable.
• 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.

Bus Driver II

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: One (1) year of responsible paid driving experience involving the carrying of passengers or six (6) months of training as a Bus Driver I in a Placer County transit system.

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 with passenger endorsements and no air brake restrictions. 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 within 90 (ninety) days of employment.

Bus Driver I

Knowledge of:

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

Ability to:

• On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job; observe safety rules; analyze driving conditions; identify safety hazards; read, interpret, and explain maps and schedules; recall street/road names and general geographic areas; analyze situations quickly and objectively to determine proper course of action within established guidelines and parameters; focus on a single task for long periods of time; work timely within a bus schedule; work with frequent interruptions.
• Intermittently sit while driving a bus; stand, walk, stoop, kneel, squat, crouch, reach, twist in varying climatic and temperature conditions; perform simple and power grasping, pushing, pulling, and fine manipulation; speak, write, and use a telephone, radio, and keyboard to communicate; see, smell, and hear with sufficient acuity to perform essential job functions; regularly lift very heavy weight.
• Relate well to passengers and maintain order among passengers, when necessary.
• Act quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
• Work in isolation or in close proximity to members of the public.
• Work assigned shift, including weekends, holidays, and odd or irregular hours; work unusual work schedules, including rotating shifts and overtime. 
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.

Bus Driver II

In addition to the qualifications for Bus Driver I:

Knowledge of:

• California Vehicle Code applicable to the operation of vehicles for the transportation of passengers. Applicable Placer County policies and regulations.
• Safe driving practices related to the operation of public transit vehicles. 
• Methods and techniques of conducting vehicle safety inspections.
• Emergency procedures; elements of first aid and CPR.

Ability to:

• Drive a transit vehicle safely and efficiently including the use of specialized equipment to assist passengers with vehicle accessibility.