Coach Operator

Coach Operator

The primary responsibilities of the Coach Operator are to operate public transit buses, transport passengers, provide customer service, and perform safety inspections of bus equipment to assure their safe, efficient, and on-time operation. Per the collective bargaining agreement, the salary for this position is $26.06 per hour. Effective October 1, 2026 the hourly rate increases to $26.58. This position is distinguished by the skills required to operate a bus along designated routes, ensuring passenger safety and comfort, and providing customer service while maintaining on time performance goals. Operators are required to have a valid California Class B driver's license with airbrakes and Passenger Endorsement and must be able to navigate the complex city streets of San Diego County, handling various traffic and weather conditions. They assist passengers, including those with special needs, and manage potentially stressful situations. The role requires strong communication and customer service skills, physical stamina, and adherence to North County Transit District's (NCTD's) safety protocols. NCTD offers comprehensive paid training, including permit, classroom, and hands-on instruction, along with ongoing further educational opportunities. The position also requires flexibility in work hours, as shifts may include nights, weekends, and holidays. This position is represented by Teamsters Local Union #542.

A Coach Operator at NCTD receives direct supervision from the Bus Operations Managers who monitor performance, ensure adherence to schedules, and provide ongoing training and feedback. While operators do not exercise direct supervision over other employees, they are responsible for independently managing passenger safety and handling situations that may arise during their shift. Operators follow established protocols and guidelines set by their supervisors to ensure safe and efficient service delivery.

Normal working conditions for this position are working with regular exposure to odors or fumes, working on slippery or uneven surfaces, exposure to moving machinery and/or vehicles, exposure to outdoor weather including extreme heat, cold, dampness and/or humidity, extensive safety training and/or use of protective devices and personal protective gear, work irregular hours, split shifts, weekends, holidays, and work after designated regular hours in case of special assignments or emergencies.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Collects fares and transports passengers on public transit buses.
• Operators a transit bus safely, courteously, and efficiently, while maintaining schedule adherence.
• Knowledgeable about all routes, transfer points, and fare structures at assigned division.
• Performs a complete pre-trip inspection of the bus, safety checks on equipment, and informs maintenance when adjustments or repairs are necessary, at completion of assignment.
• Refers to and implements route maps, time schedules, and instructions for pull-outs, pull-ins, and detours.
• Provides schedule, route, and fare information to passengers seeking assistance.
• Operates wheelchair ramp and assists passengers with disabilities in boarding, riding, and alighting in a safe manner, which may include pushing a wheelchair up and down the ramp.
• Secures wheelchairs of passengers with disabilities and clearly communicates the actions being taken.
• Receives and transmits two-way radio messages involving accidents, emergencies, or bus related matters.
• Reports hazardous or dangerous conditions along bus routes and at passenger loading zones, including such hazards as unusual traffic, road conditions, obstructions, construction, and potential criminal activity; alters route if required and approved.
• Maintains an acceptable driving record and complies with all state and local traffic regulations and NCTD policies and procedures.
• Completes any reports as necessary or requested by division management.
• Contributes to ensuring that the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies and programs of NCTD are carried out.
• Other duties as assigned.

Experience/Education: A combination of education and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Additional experience, as outlined below, may be substituted for required education on a year-for-year basis. A typical combination includes: Education High School diploma or equivalent preferred Bilingual in English/Spanish preferred Experience Must be 21 years or older Certificates/Licenses Possession of and the ability to maintain a California driver's license, Class C, with less than 6 points in the prior 36 - month period and no DUIs in the prior 7 years. Must be able to obtain and maintain access to Marine Corp Base Camp Pendleton. Must be able to obtain a permit and a valid California Class B Commercial Driver License with P (Passenger) and airbrake endorsement before completion of training Valid California Verification of Transit Training (VTT) Card Valid Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC) Must pass NCTD Coach Operator course at Operations Central Instruction (OCI) Positions in this job classification are considered safety-sensitive and subject to drug and alcohol testing, including random testing, under Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulations General Requirements Exhibits a friendly, professional, and customer-service oriented demeanor continuously. Exceptional relationship-building skills to deal competently with individuals at all levels of responsibility and authority. Exercise sound judgment in stressful situations within scope of responsibility. Communicate courteously and effectively with other employees and the general public. Push, pull, and secure wheelchairs up to 275 pounds. Lift up to 35 pounds Ability to work in all weather conditions and temperatures and be able to step, climb, walk, and sit for long periods. Understand and follow detailed oral and written instructions. Follow safety rules and ensure passengers are safe. Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.

Physical Requirements The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Ability to sit for long periods of time, operate a radio or other telecommunications device and communicate through the medium, stand, bend or twist at the neck, waist and/or knees, push and/or pull, moderate lifting or carrying 26-50lbs, drive and/or operate heavy equipment, use equipment requiring high hand and finger dexterity, operate foot pedals, and communicate through speech in the English language required. Machines / Tools / Equipment Driving and/or operating heavy equipment Using equipment requiring high hand and finger dexterity Operating foot pedals