Bus Driver Trainee

This is a continuous recruitment. Applications are accepted on an on- going basis; interviews conducted and hires made as needed. This job opening will remain OPEN until filled. We're accepting applications after Initial Review Date (IRD).

HOW TO APPLY

For full consideration, applicants should attach their resume and cover letter when applying for a job opening. For guidance related to the application process or if you are experiencing difficulties when applying, please review the on our website.

INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

UC Santa Cruz jobs are posted until filled. All application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration. NOTE: Applicants who miss the IRD are still encouraged to apply; their materials will still be forwarded for consideration if requested by the hiring team. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, . This job opening will remain OPEN until filled. We're accepting applications after Initial Review Date (IRD).

The IRD for this job is: 2/18/2026

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS) supports the University's mission by providing access to UC Santa Cruz, acting as fiscal stewards, and managing the sustainable planning, design, and operation of safe and equitable bicycle/pedestrian programs, transit services, parking, and other transportation-related needs. TAPS provides thousands of rides each day and keeps UCSC moving with a variety of transit services including Disability Van Service, Campus Shuttles, and Bus Reservations. Be a part of a motivated and dedicated unit that contributes to one of the most sustainable universities in the U.S.

More information can be found at:

JOB SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS) Transit Operations Manager and Assistant Transit Managers, the trainee will prepare to obtain the CA Class B Commercial License with Passenger Endorsement and air brake certification to operate a variety of passenger vehicles in support of the campus transportation services. Current valid Class C Driver's License holders will be trained by University staff over approximately one month.

Upon successful completion of obtaining the Class B Commercial Driver's License with passenger endorsement and airbrake certification, Trainees will be eligible to apply for vacant Senior Auto Equipment Operator positions. As a condition of continuing employment, the Auto Equipment Operator must take and pass all required DMV testing for Class B licensing. In addition to training, this position operates vans to safely transport and provide excellent customer service to campus affiliates, staff, faculty, and students who are required to travel on campus and between campus sites to fulfill their work and school-related obligations.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $25/hour.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Core benefits

Schedule Information:

• Part-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 50%, 20 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Sun, TBD
• Shift Includes: Day, Evening, Night, Weekend

Employee Classification: Limited appointment

Job End Date: 3 months from the date of hire, with the possibility of extension

Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus

Union Representation: SX, Service Unit

Job Code Classification: AUTO EQUIP OPR (008487)

Travel: Never or Rarely

JOB DUTIES

45% - Obtain CA Class B License with passenger endorsement

Class B Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP):

1. Download and complete a Form (DL 939) - the 10 year history driving record check.
2. Visit the nearest CA DMV and pick up form (DL 44C) (not available online).
3. Fill out form DL 44C and take and pass a vision exam.
4. Download a medical examination report (DL 51), take it to an authorized medical examiner, complete the medical examiner, and have the examiner fill out the form and place it in a sealed envelope.
5. Return to the CA DMV with completed forms (DL 44C, DL 939 and DL 51, along with the results of your vision exam. Have your thumbprint taken at the CA DMV and present your social security card or other proof of your social security number, verify your birthday and legal presence in the United States by presenting identification to the CA DMV.
6. Take and pass a written road test. You will have three (3) attempts to pass each of the required knowledge tests. If you fail the same test three (3) times, your application is no longer valid and you need to reapply.
7. After the issuance of the Class B Commercial Driver's Permit, you can drive Class B vehicles if a licensed Class B driver is present in the vehicle with you.
8. The CLP is valid for a maximum of 180 days from the date issued. It can be renewed for an additional 180 days if the expiration date is not more than one (1) year from the initial application date.
9. Complete and pass the Transportation (DOT) Drug and Alcohol Testing Program before they are permitted to drive University vehicles. Employees will then be placed in the random testing pool list for drug and alcohol testing.

Class B Commercial Driving Practice:

1. Practice driving the type of Class B vehicles on campus in preparation for the road test.

Class B Commercial Skills Test:

After holding a commercial learner's permit (CLP) for fourteen (14) days, you can apply to take the skills test.

1. Call the local CA DMV and schedule an appointment for a road test.
   
2. Bring in the UCSC vehicle (with a UCSC licensed Class B driver present), along with the Class B permit and photo identification. The skills test includes a vehicle inspection, basic control skills test, and a road test. If you fail any part of the skills test, all other testing is postponed. You have three (3) tries to pass the skills test. You must pass this within three (3) tries and/or within 180 days from the date of issuance of your Commercial Learner's Permit.
3. If you pass the road test, you will be issued a temporary 60-day license that you can use until the photo license is mailed to you.

Class B Passenger Endorsement Certification:
Drivers who qualify to operate a passenger transportation vehicle are subject to : vehicle code 23152d VC, the commercial DUI law, and vehicle code 21702 VC, the law regulating driving hours for bus drivers.

1. Complete a medical exam and have the physician complete DMV Form 546A, the Physician's Health Report. This screening must identify that you do not have any conditions that would adversely affect your ability to safely drive a passenger vehicle.
2. Fill out CA-DMV form (DL44).
3. Pass the Class B passenger endorsement written test.
4. Pass the driver's skill test and road test in a passenger vehicle.

Air Brake Endorsement Certification:

1. Pass the air brakes test.
2. Pass the driver's skill test and road test in an airbrake vehicle.

CA-DMV charges and medical exams charges (provided by Occupational Health Services) will be provided at no charge to the applicant for initial licenses. Continued payments to retain a current license/medical certification upon expiration will be paid by the employee.

45% - Operation of Vehicles and Transporting of Passengers

• With a licensed Class B driver is present in the vehicle with you, drive/operate a 20 - 41+ passenger shuttle bus, 7-15 passenger van, and a 5 passenger automobile, as assigned.
• Operate vehicles in a safe manner, observing traffic regulations and maintaining assigned routes, headways and schedules while making passenger pick ups and drop offs at designated locations on campus.
• Maintain time points for all routes and schedules, running on time, traffic conditions permitting.
• Maintain accurate driver logs, passenger counts, ride schedule and other records, as assigned and as required for compliance with all UC, State, & Federal Agencies.
• Communicate via two-way radio system following the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules and regulations governing radio frequency use.
• Operate hydraulic wheelchair lifts, ramps and securing systems on applicable shuttle buses and vans.
• Maintain a cooperative working relationship by exercising diplomacy, remaining calm under stressful situations.
• Interact in a professional and courteous manner with the campus community and the public.
• Comply with the Department of Transportation (DOT) Title VI regulation, 49 CFR Part 21.9, and including Federal Transportation Administration (FTA) Circular 4702.1A regarding nondiscrimination as required.

5% - Disability Van Service (DVS) Paratransit Support

• Drive/operate any vehicle permissible with a valid Basic Class C License.
• Operate vehicles and towed trailers in a safe manner, observing traffic regulations and maintaining assigned routes, headways and schedules while making passenger pick ups and drop offs at designated locations on campus.
• Maintain time points for all routes and schedules, running on time, traffic conditions permitting.
• Maintain accurate driver logs, passenger counts, ride schedule and other records, as assigned and as required for compliance with all UC, State, & Federal Agencies.
• Communicate via two-way radio system following the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules and regulations governing radio frequency use.
• Operate wheelchair ramps and se