Summary

AC Transit 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. Previous Bus Operator Experience is NOT REQUIRED. AC Transit offers a full-time, comprehensive paid training program to selected candidates who demonstrate the aptitude, interpersonal skills, and desire for a career as an AC Transit Bus Operator.

Under the supervision of Transportation Supervisors, Division Superintendent and/or Division Assistant Superintendent, operates a variety of District vehicles to transport passengers in a safe and courteous manner along a fixed route; performs customer service activities; inspects transit vehicles; operates and monitors farebox; completes reports and forms; reports incidents or events during route that may impact efficient transit operation; assists passengers requiring special assistance.

This is an excellent opportunity to work at the largest bus agency in California. In addition to working with some of the best in the business, AC Transit also has an excellent benefits package that includes pension, medical, dental, and vision coverage, flexible spending, and a 457 savings plan. As an AC Transit employee, you would become part of an extended family of individuals who take great pride in making a difference in the communities that they service.

****$2,000 SIGN-ON BONUS****To learn more about Becoming a Bus Operator with AC Transit, please view the link . http://www.actransit.org/be-an-ac-transit-bus-operator/

To apply online view the link Careers | Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (actransit.org)

Representative Functions

Operates a variety of District vehicles to transport passengers in a safe and courteous manner along a fixed route; transports buses between Divisions, and to other District locations as required.
Performs customer service activities; assists passengers with directions; answers questions regarding District operations, rules, and regulations; responds to conflicts and disruptive/hostile/abusive passengers consistent with AC Transit provided training and instruction.
Performs pre-trip transit vehicle inspections; identifies and reports safety concerns, defects and malfunctions, and other needed repairs.
Operates equipment including computerized fare-box, electronic head sign, doors, tailgate, windows, emergency escape hatch, rear lift (vans only), mirrors, seats, emergency brake system, and rear start.
Collects passenger fares consistent with District fare collection policy; operates and monitors fare box; distributes, collects, and inspects transfers, and passes; ensures accurate fares for seniors, adults, youth, and persons with disabilities.
Prepares a variety of written reports and forms completely and legibly including accident/incident reports; defect card regarding equipment malfunction/failure; and reports of medical emergencies.
Communicates with Operations Central Control (OCC) to provide information regarding 911 emergency situations; traffic problems, road hazards, and accidents; and unusual activities or occurrences.
Assists passengers requiring special assistance in a professional manner to ensure access to public transportation for all and to promote passenger safety; consistent with District instruction, assists all passengers in compliance with applicable civil rights statutes, regulations, and policies.
In compliance with AC Transit provided training regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), operates passenger lift and kneeler to provide access to disabled passengers in boarding and de-boarding, and safely secures disabled passengers.
Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Graduation from high school or has attained a General Education Diploma (GED), California High School Proficiency Certificate or equivalent.

Experience: A minimum of three (3) years operating a motor vehicle and one (1) year of public contact or customer service experience; must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.

Desirable Qualifications: Exceptional verbal communication skills, professional interaction with customers, and the ability to courteously diffuse conflict. Motivated, dependable, punctual and assumes pride in representing AC Transit. Ability to work independently, follow safety rules and company policies at all times.

Applicants must meet the District's safe driving standards including: 21 years of age. 3 years of driving with a regular license. Not more than one (1) moving violation in the past three(3) years. No At-Fault accidents in the past three (3) years. No "Failures to Appear" or "Failures to Pay" in the last three (3) years. No suspensions in the last three (3) years. No Reckless Driving or DUI (driving under the influence) in the last seven (7) years.

Additional Information

Physical Requirements For Driving (by federal regulation): Applicants must complete a DOT Physical to establish their physical qualifications to perform the essential functions of the position. Those physical qualifications are set forth in49 C.F.R. Section 391.41. https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/title49/section/391.41.

For Wheel Chair Tie-Downs: Ability to balance while simultaneously working low to the ground to manipulate and fasten tie-down straps.

Medical: Must pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination, including drug and alcohol screening tests.

Licensing: To apply, a regular Class C license is required. Commercial driver's license/permits are not required to apply.

Criminal History: All eligible candidates will be fingerprinted and screened for criminal history with the Department of Justice. Conviction of a crime is not necessarily a bar to employment. Each case will be given individual consideration on a case-by-case basis.

THIS POSITION IS A UNION POSITION, REPRESENTED BY ATU

The Selection Process: The Human Resources department must receive a completed online application by the filling date. If this recruitment is "Continuous," it may be closed at any time without notice. Applications will be screened for job related qualifications, and those candidates who best meeting the qualifications listed on this Job Announcement will be invited to participate in an examination process that may include written, oral and/or performance segments. Current District employees must have satisfactory attendance and performance records. Finalists will be placed on an Eligibility List. When filling vacancies, the Human Resources Department will refer the top candidates to the hiring department for final screening and recommendation.

Vaccination Requirement for Candidates Seeking Employment: Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District has implemented a requirement that requires all candidates for District employment to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, including variants, prior to being employed by the District, subject to limited exceptions. AC Transit adopted this vaccination policy as an emergency public health response to mitigate the negative public health consequences associated with increased incidence and test positivity rates and the prevalence of new virus variants, including increased hospitalizations, intensive care unit admissions, and deaths.

As such, candidates seeking District employment will be required to: (1) be fully vaccinated (two weeks after completion of the entire recommended COVID-19 vaccination series) and (2) submit a copy of their COVID-19 vaccination card prior to their start date, unless a reasonable accommodation request for a medical or religious exemption has been approved.

Benefits: The transit professionals who call AC Transit home represent the rich cultural diversity of the Bay Area. For more than 60 years, we have been an equal opportunity employer honoring religion, ethnic background, national origin, gender, gender expression, genetic information, disabilities, age, and veteran status.

We are not only an inclusive employer but also offer a comprehensive benefits package rooted in choice, flexibility, and affordability. Most Benefits are effective the first of the month following your hire date. Employees and eligible dependents have access to the following benefits*:

Medical - Choice of two Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs): Kaiser Permanente and Health Net. $10.00 office visit co-pays; $5.00 - $35.00 prescription co-pays.
Dental – MetLife Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) $50 annual deductible per person/$150 per family; $3,000 per person annual maximum; preventative care covered at 100%; basic and major care covered at 90%; $4,000 lifetime maximum orthodontia covered at 50%.
Vision - Vision Service Plan - $10.00 copay; eligible for an exam, lenses, frames or contact lenses every 12 months – based on the last date of service. $200 frame allowance or $120 allowance for contact lenses.
Employer paid Basic Life Insurance
Employee paid Voluntary Term Life Insurance
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Medical premium reimbursement for eligible retirees
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for Health Care, Dependent Care, Parking, Transit
AC Transit contributes up to $50.00/month towards an employee’s FSA Transit costs
Free AC Transit Bus Pass
Federal Credit Union
Vacation and Sick Leave or Personal Time Off
Ten (10) paid holidays; 2 paid floating holidays; 1 paid birthday holiday
Five (5) bereavement days
Tuition Reimbursement – up to $2500 per fiscal year on approved courses
Wellness Program
*AC Transit benefits are negotiated and subject to change based on collective bargaining agreements.

Pension: All AC Transit employees participate in a lifetime defined benefit pension. All employees hired on or after January 1, 2020, may be in the District's Tier II pension plan covered by the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA). As such, he/she may be required to contribute a small portion of annual income towards the cost of his/hers District pension.

ADA Compliant and Drug Free Workplace: The Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the recruitment/examination process to accommodate applicants with disabilities. If you have a need for an accommodation, please call Human Resources at (510) 891-4783.

The Alameda Contra Costa Transit District has established the goal of a 100 percent drug and alcohol-free workplace. Applicants will be required to undergo drug and alcohol testing prior to employment and those in safety sensitive positions will be subject to further drug and alcohol testing through their period of employment, including random drug and alcohol testing.

In accordance with federal requirements, all job applicants selected for appointments in a safety sensitive position are subject to pre-employment drug and alcohol testing. A final job applicant will be tested for five prohibited drugs: Cocaine, PCP, Amphetamines, Marijuana and Opiates. During employment, employees holding safety sensitive positions are subject to random, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, return-to-duty, and follow-up drug and alcohol testing. Additionally, in the event of an absence of more than 90 days from a safety sensitive position, pre-employment drug testing will be performed.

Equal Opportunity Employer
PEPRA: As an employee hired after January 1, 2020, you are in the District’s Tier II Pension plan covered by the Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA). You will be responsible for 100% of the employee contribution up to the annual limit on pensionable compensation. The contribution rate will be determined each fiscal year. Medical, dental, orthodontic, vision, and prescription insurance coverage for employees and qualified dependents; plus regular pension plan with an five (5) year vesting. Vacation: Up to six (6) weeks, depending upon length of service. Sick Leave: up to twelve (12) days per year. Holidays: eleven (11) per year. Free transportation on AC Transit system. Group Life Insurance.