During the eight (8) week training period the salary is $16.63 per hour. Upon successful completion of the training program and a proficiency examination, MCOT's are eligible to become part-time Motor Coach Operators at a rate of $21.18 per hour. Motor Coach Operators serve a one year probationary period. 
 

Participates in a formal classroom and motor coach operation training program. Motor Coach Operator Trainee is expected to successfully complete the training program as prescribed by the Santa Monica Big Blue Department to be eligible to become a Motor Coach Operator. 

 
 

 
 
 

MAJOR DUTIES: 

 
 

 
 

Participates in a formal training program to learn techniques and safety procedures for operating a motor coach. 
 
Learns and observes traffic laws, vehicle code regulations, and appropriate safety rules and regulations. 
 
Learns pre-operation vehicle preparation and inspection procedures. 
 
Learns and practices defensive driving techniques. 
 
Follows department standards and procedures for maintaining motor coach appearance and cleanliness while in service. 
 
Operates wheelchair lift and bike rack equipment. 
 
Provides directions and information to the public concerning routes, schedules, and transfers. Makes stops announcements. Assists passengers, when needed. 
 
Prepares various reports, including detailed accident reports, daily operation reports, forms for lost articles, and witness/courtesy cards. 
 
Performs various duties related to fare collection, tariff acceptance, fare box reading and recording, and transfer issuance and receipt. 
 
Performs other related duties, as assigned. 
 

 
 
 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 
 

 
 

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills: 
 
Knowledge of: 
Effective customer service techniques. 
Basic mathematics. 
Driver and vehicle safety rules and regulations. 
 
Ability to: 
Learn to operate a motor coach safely and properly. 
Respond to inquiries from the public in a courteous and tactful manner. 
Deal effectively with the public. 
Work with others in a cooperative, patient, and professional manner. 
Follow written and oral instructions. 
Perform simple mathematical computations. 
Prepare simple reports. 
Read maps. 
Conduct safety checks. 
Communicate on a two-way radio. 
 
Skill in: 
Reading, and writing and communicating in English at an appropriate level. 
Driving a passenger vehicle. 
 
Education, Training and Experience: 
 
Graduation from high school or the equivalent. Minimum 21 years of age at time of application. 
 
One year of recent, paid customer service work experience assisting and providing information to the public. 
 
Licenses and Certificates: 
 
Possession of a valid California Class C driver license. If hired, and prior to the first day of training, must possess a California Class A or B commercial driver permit with appropriate medical certification, passenger endorsement, and with no restrictions for weight, number of passengers or air brakes. Must also be able to obtain a Verification of Transit Training Document at the conclusion of training. 
 
Additional Requirements: 
 
In order to qualify for the position of Motor Coach Operator Trainee and to complete probation as a Motor Coach Operator, you must not have any of the following convictions, violations, and/or causes: 
 
(1) Been convicted of a sex offense as defined in Section 44010 of the Education Code. 
(2) Been convicted of a felony offense within the preceding seven years from the date of application. 
(3) Been convicted of an offense involving the use, possession, transportation or sale of narcotics or drugs within the preceding seven years from the date of application. 
(4) Been convicted of an offense involving the use, possession, transportation or sale of marijuana within the preceding two years from the date of application. 
(5) Within the preceding 12 months from the date of application, been involved as a driver in three or more accidents in which the driver caused or contributed to the accidents. 
(6) Failed to pass the DMV written or driving test. 
(7) Within the preceding three years from the date of application, had committed any violation that resulted in a conviction with a DMV 2 Point count or more. 
(8) Within the preceding three years from the date of application, had committed three or more DMV 1 Point count violations. 
(9) Within the preceding three years from the date of application, had driving privileges revoked, suspended, or placed on probation. 
 

 
 
 

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION: 
 

 
 

HOW TO APPLY: All applicants must submit an online City application and required supplemental questions to be considered for this position. Please note, applications may be rejected if incomplete. Resumes, CVs and cover letters are not reviewed as part of the application screening process and should not be submitted. 
 
NOTE: Upon offer of employment, candidates will be subject to a US Department of Transportation (DOT) pre-employment screen for alcohol and controlled substances set forth in DOT regulation 49 CFR Parts 40 and 655. Candidates will be required to provide written consent to obtain drug and alcohol testing records from all prior employers in the last two (2) years. 
 
REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION: To receive consideration, you must submit a current copy of your K-4 print-out from the Department of Motor Vehicles with your application. It must be a K-4 print out obtained from a DMV office. Printouts from the DMV website and other agencies such as AAA will not be accepted. "Current" is defined as being issued within 30 days of the date of your application submittal. All materials must be received in the Human Resources Department no later than 5:00 p.m. of the application closing date. You may bring a copy of your K-4 print-out to the Human Resources Department, or scan and upload your K-4 print-out to your on-line application, e-mail it to rosie.cruz@smgov.net, or fax it to Attn: Rosie Cruz at (310) 656-5705. Failure to do so will result in your application being disqualified. 
 
NOTE: Veterans' Preference points shall be applied to this entry level civil service position in accordance with the City of Santa Monica Human Resources Department guidelines. To be considered for Veterans' Preference points, you must submit a copy of your discharge papers (DD214) at the time of application. 
 
SELECTION PROCESS: All applicants will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience, training and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process. 
 
Testing will consist of: 
 
Written Examination: 100% 
 
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS: Candidates who have successfully completed all prior phases of the selection process will be subject to a thorough background investigation. 
 
NOTE: If three or more qualified City employees apply and pass the examination, a promotional list will be established in addition to an open-competitive list. 
 
The City of Santa Monica is a progressive, inclusive and culturally-rich community. As leaders in public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a workforce where people of diverse races, religions, cultures and lifestyles thrive. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where our employees are empowered to perform at their highest level and where their differences make a positive impact. 
 
The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced 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. We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our employees. Join us! 
 
Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for persons with disabilities. Call (310) 458-8246, TDD (310) 458-8696 (Hearing Impaired Only). 
 
Please note the request for reasonable accommodations must be made to Human Resources at least three work days prior to the examination.