Shuttle Driver-Senior Recreation Leader (Part Time)

The Position

The City Carlsbad is conveniently located between L.A. and San Diego and features nearly seven miles of coastline, three lagoons, world-class resorts, well-planned neighborhoods and a diverse business community. Covering nearly 40 square miles, the City of Carlsbad is currently home to about 115,000 residents. Thanks to an award-winning growth management plan, the city's infrastructure and services keep pace with development and promote an excellent quality of life. A full-service city, Carlsbad has its own police and fire services, a water district, parks and recreation, and library and cultural arts departments, in addition to standard administrative and public works functions.

The City of Carlsbad embraces and recognizes the vital relationship of an inclusive, engaged work environment and innovative excellence. An equitable and inclusive work climate comprises personal experiences, values, and views shaped from differences of culture and circumstance. Our organization appreciates belonging, creativity, recognition and retention of its employees and is committed to hiring and developing motivated, productive and talented employees who provide services and enhance our quality of life. We work to embrace open and equitable access to opportunities for learning and development as our responsibility and goal.

The Carlsbad Parks & Recreation Department is nationally accredited (and one of only five agencies in the State of California) by the Commission for the Accreditation of Parks & Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). The department is the steward of approximately 450 acres of parkland, featuring community and historic parks, senior services, playgrounds, multigenerational facilities, aquatic centers, tennis courts, and multi-use fields. Nearly 40 percent of the city is dedicated open space, and the department maintains approximately 40 linear miles of recreational trails. The department is a leading provider of world-class projects, programs, and events that strengthen and build community connectivity.

The Carlsbad Senior Center is seeking a part-time Shuttle Bus Driver to join our team. Candidates must hold a valid California Class B Driver's License with Passenger Endorsement.

Under the direction of the Recreation Supervisor and the Recreation Services Coordinator, the Shuttle Driver is responsible for safely transporting seniors to and from the Center for weekday lunch service, weekly grocery shopping, and special events and programs. Scheduled hours are primarily on Thursdays and Fridays, between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., with opportunities for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday shifts as needed.

This position requires independent judgment, reliability, and excellent customer service. The safety and comfort of our senior passengers is the highest priorities. Candidates should enjoy working with the public, especially older adults, and demonstrate a friendly, patient, and caring approach.

You must possess a Class B Driver's License with Passenger Endorsement. Part-time employees cannot exceed 980 total hours worked within on fiscal year.

Key Responsibilities

• Safely transport seniors for scheduled programs, services, and events.
• Assist passengers on and off the shuttle as needed.
• Conduct daily vehicle safety inspections and maintain accurate logs.
• Keep vehicles fueled, clean, and report maintenance or safety concerns.
• Drive vehicles to Fleet Maintenance for scheduled service.
• Support congregate lunch service by assisting in the kitchen and dining room.

Qualifications

• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Friendly, calm, and patient demeanor when assisting seniors.
• Comfortable responding to and resolving emergency situations.
• Reliable, punctual, and able to exercise sound judgment.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to follow instructions while also taking initiative when needed.
• Team-oriented, with the ability to work independently and cooperatively.

Experience & Education

• California Class B Driver's License with Passenger Endorsement and a good driving record.
• CPR & First Aid Certification (may be obtained through City-provided training).
• Experience driving a 20-passenger bus and 9-passenger van/bus.
• Basic computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook).

Physical/Mental Requirements

• Ability to stand, sit, walk, kneel, crouch, stoop, reach.
• Ability to lift 25 lbs. and assist seniors with mobility needs.
• Must meet the state of California tuberculosis test requirements.
• Must wear standard apparel as prescribed by the Recreation Department.
• May be exposed to various weather conditions and occasional loud or unexpected noises.