City and County of San Francisco

Under general supervision, the Transit Training Specialist conducts classroom and hands-on road training to new and existing Transit Operators on the safe and efficient operation of revenue vehicles.

Positions allocated to the Transit Training Specialist function at the level of a first-line supervisor. Positions in this job code are distinguished from the 9140 Transit Manager I in that the latter has responsibility for management functions.

Most positions in this job code supervise Transit Operator trainees, Transit Operators and other personnel during the training period.

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 409, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

1. Conducts classroom and hands-on road training /instruction on revenue vehicles including assessing training needs, consulting with departments on specialized training, reviewing industry standards, designing and developing orientation programs, recommending training plans and instructional methodologies, selecting appropriate aids and recommending changes to training evaluation standards and procedures. 

2. Supervises, monitors and instructs trainees’ use of tools and equipment in real and simulated environments in compliance with all appropriate rules and procedures.  

3. Plans, develops and prepares classroom and hands-on training instruction for new Transit Operator trainees, experienced Operators and other San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) staff in the safe and efficient operation of transit vehicles.  The training content includes new Operator training, in-service training, operation of SFMTA public transit vehicles, operating rules and regulations, collision prevention, customer relations, and other public transit-related activities.  

4. Prepares trainee/operator evaluation reports and other correspondence in compliance with applicable agency requirements and regulatory guidelines utilizing computer software applications, databases and specialized software applications.

5. Investigates, analyzes and makes determinations on incidents, collisions etc. and implements corrective action plans.

6.  Writes and/or revises training lesson plans based on oversight guidelines.  Coordinates, instructs and develops lesson/training plans for new and modified equipment training. 

7. Assesses retraining needs and conducts classroom and on-road/in-vehicle retraining, when necessary.  Rides along with Transit Operators to evaluate and monitor Operator’s operational performance.

8. Performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge of: fixed-route/guideways, schedules, associated equipment and safety procedures necessary to coordinate and maintain safe and effective transit operations; techniques for training and motivation of trainees; applicable safety, environmental, federal, state, and local laws, agency-specific policies, procedures, rules and regulations related to the operation of public transit vehicles and the application of these when necessary.

Ability to: develop effective training modules and successfully deliver training modules, applicable laws, regulations and other information to trainees using audio-visual and specialized equipment; schedule, monitor, and evaluate the performance of trainees and  provide leadership and issue orders when necessary; analyze data and information to make recommendations and sound decisions; communicate verbally in a clear, concise and effective manner with trainees, peers, supervisors, representatives of other agencies and members of the public; effectively and courteously interact using discretion and sound judgement even in difficult and stressful situations; prepare written materials such as training modules and correspondence in a clear, concise and effective manner; comprehend written materials; use computer software applications such as Microsoft Office, other specialized software applications and audio-visual equipment; and lift/transport and/or operate work-related materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.

These minimum qualifications establish the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license(s) which are required for employment in the classification.  Please note, additional qualifications (i.e., special conditions) may apply to a particular position and will be stated on the exam/job announcement.

Education:

Possession of a valid High School Diploma, GED or California High School Proficiency Certificate;

Experience:

Five (5) years of full-time verifiable experience as a commercial motor vehicle driver/operator with a fixed route agency; AND

Possession of a driving record with no chargeable accidents within the past three (3) years immediately preceding the application final filing date; AND

Ability to utilize software applications (to be tested at the time of appointment and/or during the probationary period).

License and Certification:

Possession of a valid Class B California Driver License with a valid DMV Medical Examiner’s certificate, Passenger (P) endorsement and no restrictions that prohibit the operation of SFMTA public transit vehicles.

Incumbents must obtain Verification of Transit Training (VTT) during the training period.

Incumbents must maintain certificates throughout the course of employment.  

Nature of work: requires incumbents to work rotating shifts, holidays, nights and weekends; work  outdoors in all weather conditions; stand and/or sit for prolonged periods of time; walk on uneven grounds; may require the performance of different physical activities such as lifting/transporting/operating work-related materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds; pulling poles, manually setting switches on surface streets, resetting retrievers to return disabled transit vehicles to service; assisting in the movement of disabled vehicles when required; and use computer software applications and audio-visual equipment.

All City and County of San Francisco employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.