BUS OPERATOR (FULL-TIME)

Company:  City of Torrance, CA
Location: Torrance
Closing Date: 07/11/2024
Hours: Full Time
Type: Permanent
Job Requirements / Description
Salary : $4,721.60 - $5,739.07 Monthly
Location : Torrance, CA
Job Type: Permanent Full-time
Job Number: FBO-2024
Department: Transit
Division: Transit Operations
Opening Date: 07/15/2024
Closing Date: Continuous
DESCRIPTION
WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE APPLICANTS TO READ THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION.
The City of Torrance recognizes the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to the City of Torrance today.
The Transit Department invites applications for Bus Operator!
Create a career with Torrance Transit NOW!
is a municipally operated public transportation agency in the region of Los Angeles County. The agency directly operates a fleet of 63, 40-foot buses and a network of eleven (11) fixed-route bus lines. The mission of Torrance Transit is to provide safe, reliable, inexpensive, and courteous transportation to our customers - the people who live, work, and do business in the City of Torrance and the region.
The City of Torrance 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. Torrance Transit is known for its impeccable service, 100% alternative fuel-fleet, exceedingly clean buses, and friendly patrons. Torrance Transit takes pride in transporting passengers to their destinations in a safe and efficient manner.
Transit Bus Operators are responsible for the safe operation of a passenger bus on assigned routes and schedules. The position requires an individual with a courteous and positive attitude toward the public at all times. Bus Operators must drive safely, answer questions about all routes and schedules, ensure passengers deposit fares in the fare box, and report any items that may be deficient using proper forms and procedures.
SALARY and BENEFITS
Bus Operators will be hired at Step 1 of the salary grid, which is $27.24 per hour. Premiums include Longevity Pay (based on years of service), night shift differential of 5%, and a 2% premium for completion of a course in customer relations. This position is represented by
In addition to working with some of the best in the business, the City of Torrance also has an excellent benefits package that includes a pension, medical, dental, and vision coverage, flexible spending, and a 457 savings plan. As a Torrance Transit employee, you will become part of an extended family of individuals who take great pride in making a difference in the communities that they service.
If you are an experienced bus driver who enjoys providing transportation to passengers and values safety above all else, this may be your next career opportunity!
QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES
Education and Experience:
Any combination of education and experience that would have provided the knowledge and skills required is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills would be:
Minimum one year driving as Class A or B, with Passenger endorsement or successful completion of 12 months of service as a Relief Bus Operator for the City of Torrance; and, a satisfactory driving record for the past three years.
In addition, one (1) year experience driving a public transit bus is preferred.
License and/or Certificates:
Possess and maintain a current California Class A or B Drivers License with a P endorsement and air brakes. Current VTT (Verification of Transit Training), SPAB card (School Pupil Activity Bus Certificate), or School Bus Driver's Certificate is desirable.
What you contribute to the Torrance Transit Team
  • Strong work ethic and customer service skills;
  • Work history of stability, reliability, dependability, punctuality, and flexibility; and
  • Safe-driving record.
What Torrance Transit provides
  • State of the Art Transit Park and Ride Regional Transit Center;
  • Routes to high profile areas, such as SoFi Stadium, Redondo Beach Pier, Downtown Los Angeles; Downtown Long Beach, LAX, and the Del Amo Fashion Center;
  • Possibility of overtime hours;
  • Hours of operation 4 a.m. to 12 a.m.;
  • Safe routes;
  • Work-Life balance with a family-oriented work environment.
HOW TO APPLY & EXAM PROCESS
Interested candidates must submit an online application and supplemental questionnaire at Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis and reviewed every Monday until positions are filled. A current DMV K-4 record showing a 10-year driving history is required at time of application. Driving records will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis within the guidelines listed below:
  • NO more than one (1) moving violation.
  • NO arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs that result in a criminal conviction.
  • NO administrative suspension or revocation of driver's license for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • NO traffic accidents reported on the DMV K-4 printout. If a traffic accident reported on your DMV K-4 printout was not your fault, you must attach acceptable proof to your application to be given further consideration.
The DMV driving record must be dated within the last 30 days. To obtain a California DMV Driving record (K4), go to:
Only those candidates who best meet the City and Department's needs will be invited to participate in the examination process, which will consist of the following components:
Performance Test: Pass/Fail (Test date to be determined)
Interview Panel: 100 % (Test date to be determined)
PLEASE NOTE: If you have NO experience operating a commercial passenger vehicle/bus, please apply to the Apprentice Relief Bus Operator position by clickin g here. If you have experience and would like Part-Time work, please apply to the Relief Bus Operator position by clicking here .
SPECIAL NOTES
Positions under this classification perform "Safety Sensitive" functions as defined by the US Department of Transportation (DOT) and are subject to Federal drug and alcohol testing. Pursuant to the US DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulations - 49 CFR Part 40, Federal Regulations do not authorize the use of Schedule 1 drugs, including marijuana and CBD products, for any reason. As a condition of employment, applicants will be required to pass a pre-employment medical examination, a DOT drug and alcohol test, and a background investigation. The background check will include the requirement for a signed release of information to obtain DOT regulated drug and alcohol testing records from previous employers to be provided to the City of Torrance in accordance with DOT Regulation 49 CFR Part 40, Section 40.25.
In accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding between TME-AFSCME and the City of Torrance, new employees covered under that memorandum shall become members in good standing and pay the required service fee to said Local.
Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources prior to the exam dates.
The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.
City of Torrance Inclusion Statement
The City of Torrance is a welcoming and culturally-rich community. As a pillar of public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a talented workforce where people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, religions, and lifestyles are valued. Our mission is to create an inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and contribute towards making a positive impact.
The City is an equal opportunity employer and works towards building collaborative teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. Come join us to help cultivate a workplace that welcomes and celebrates the diversity of our employees!
BENEFIT SUMMARY FOR TORRANCE MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES (TME-AFSCME)
Note: Not all benefits listed may be applicable to all positions with in the unit. Please refer to the MOU for specifics.
Health, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance (sec. 4.9)
The City's monthly contribution for health insurance is as follows:
Employee Only Emp. +1 Emp. +2 or more
Full Time 597.68 1,140.36 1,595.96
Part-Time
(hired prior to 1/1/08) 483.29 912.98 1,248.16
Part-Time
(hired after 1/1/08) 356.34 619.68 829.48
The City's monthly contribution for vision insurance is $3.33
The City's monthly contribution for dental insurance is $33.71/EE only and $67.42/EE +1 or more
City provides a $50,000 life insurance policy
Longevity (based on years of service) (Sec. 2.5)
Crafts and Trades employees** shall receive longevity pay in the following manner:
7 YOS: 2.5% above base pay.
11 YOS: 5% above base pay
15 YOS: 7.5% above base pay
19 YOS: 10% above base pay
*YOS= Years Of Service
**Except Public Safety Dispatcher and Animal Control Officer
Permanent Part-Time Employees (Sec. 2.8)
Permanent part time employees working 20 hours or more per week are entitled to all benefits. Accrual of time and money shall be ½ the amount received by full-time employees.
Premiums (sec. 3.1)
Varies by position and assignment. Varies (see Sec 3.1)
Night (sec. 3.5)
Swing Shift: 5% over base pay when ½ or more of the shift is worked after 4:00 p.m.
Graveyard Shift: 7 ½% over base when ½ or more of the shift is worked after midnight
Weekend Shift (sec. 3.6)
Weekend Shift: 5% over base pay for hours worked on Saturday and Sunday only
Applicable only to employees within the Community Services Department, Park Services Division
Holidays (sec. 4.1)
13 paid holidays (New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Lincoln's Birthday, Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day, The Friday after Thanksgiving, Last working day before Christmas, Christmas Day & last working day before New Year's).
Vacation Leave (sec. 4.2)
Accrual rate per month:
Years 1 -2 : 9.33 hours; Year 3: 10 hours; Year 4: 10.67 hours; Years 5 - 9: 12.67.hours; Years 10 - 20: 16.02 hours; Years 21 - 24: 17.33 hours; Year 25+: 18 hours
Maximum Accrual up to the amount earned over the preceding thirty-six (36) months
Sick Leave (sec. 4.3)
Accural rate is six (6) hours per month
Maximum Accrual: of 600 hours.
Bereavement Leave (sec. 4.6)
Up to five (5) work shifts of bereavement leave; three (3) shifts with pay and two (2) shifts without pay per death of eligible family members
Disability Insurance (sec. 4.9)
Employee receives 2/3 base pay after elimination period (14 consecutive days for STD and 180 consecutive days for LTD)
*(See Sec 4.9.B for details on coverage for employees who don't qualify for commercial policy).
Retirement (sec. 4.10)
PERS
Employees hired prior to 2/01/2011, City pays 7% EPMC*
Employees hired on or after 2/01/2011 pay 7% EPMC*
*Employer Paid Member Contribution (EPMC)
PERS
"New members" hired on or after 1/01/2013, pay (50%) of normal cost with three year average final compensation.
Uniforms (Sec. 4.11)
$80 each 6 months**: Telecommunications Techs, Wireless Techs, and Water Tech III incumbants (acting in capacity of Water Quality Inspectors)
$225 each 6 months**: Bus Operator, Transit Dispatchers, Police Services Officer and Animal Control Officer.
**Payable during June and December of each year
Tool Allowance (Sec. 4.12)
$250 every 6 months*: (Mechanic, Senior Mechanic, and Senior Welder)
$175 tool and educational material allowance**: Animal Control Officer
$100 one-time reimbursement: Mechanic or Senior Mechanic required to use metric tools (upon proof of purchase)
*Payable during June and December of each year
**Payable in February

Safety Shoes (Sec. 4.14)
$125 allowance: every six (6) months of employment payable during June and December of each year for employees required to wear safety shoes
$250 allowance: per year for Animal Control Officer payable during September
Deferred Compensation (sec 4.15)
457 Plan: Enrollment is voluntary.
Upon completion of year one, employees receive a non-matching deferred City contribution of $300 ($11.54 per pay period) per calendar year.
01
The following supplemental questions will be used to evaluate your qualifications for the position for which you are applying. Resumes are encouraged but will NOT be used in lieu of the application or supplemental questions. Please read each question carefully and provide a thorough and complete response. Do NOT state "see resume" or "see application" to respond to any of the following questions. Failure to respond to all questions will be considered an incomplete application and may not be considered for further processing. Do you understand the foregoing?
  • Yes
  • No

02
I UNDERSTAND that I am required to describe IN DETAIL my qualifying experience in the Work Experience Section of my application. In addition to including my qualifying experience, I UNDERSTAND that I should list ALL JOBS, regardless of duration, including part-time jobs, military service and any volunteer experience during my entire work history.I UNDERSTAND that when providing my work history, ALL DATES should be UPDATED, starting with my most recent job.I UNDERSTAND that answers that I provide to the supplemental questions should be reflected in the Work Experience Section of my application.I UNDERSTAND that if I am currently employed by the City of Torrance, I MUST provide my appropriate job classification/title and provide a description of my duties in the Work Experience Section of my application.I have read these statements in their entirety and understand them completely and to their fullest.
  • Yes
  • No

03
Do you have a current California A or B Driver's License with Passenger endorsement and air brakes at the time of application? (if you answer no and have no commercial passenger vehicle experience, please submit an application for the Apprentice Relief Bus Operator position.)
  • Yes
  • No

04
If yes, provide your driver's license expiration date.
05
How many months or years of full-time (40 hours per week or more) experience do you have operating a commercial passenger vehicle which requires a Class A or B license with Passenger endorsement? (If you answer None to question 5 or 6, please submit an application for the Apprentice Relief Bus Operator position.)
  • None
  • Less than 6 months
  • More than 6 months, but less than 1 year
  • More than 1 year, but less than 3 years
  • More than 3 years

06
How many years of Part-time (less than 40 hours per week) experience do you have operating a commercial passenger vehicle which requires a Class A or B license with Passenger endorsement? (If you answer None to question 5 or 6, please submit an application for the Apprentice Relief Bus Operator position.)
  • None
  • Less than 1 years
  • More than 1 year, but less than 2 years
  • More than 2 years, but less than 3 years
  • More than 3 years

07
Do you possess any of the following certificates? (Check all that apply)
  • None
  • Verification of Transit Training (VTT)
  • School Activity Bus Certificate (SPAB)
  • School Bus Driver's Certificate

08
How many points do you have on your driving record (DMV K4) in the last three years?
  • 0
  • 1
  • 2 or more

09
Are you available to work various shifts Sunday through Saturday from 4:00 a.m. to midnight, as well as holidays?
  • Yes
  • No

10
I certify that the information I have provided is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I understand that this information is subject to verification with my former employers, and that misrepresentation may cause me to forfeit all opportunities to be considered for employment with the City of Torrance
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question
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