Working for Unitrans, An Equal Opportunity Employer!
Apply to be a transit driver today! Pay starts at $19/hour! Apply at vacancy.ucdavis.edu.
Considering being a driver? Here are some frequently asked questions! For more info, you can always reach out to our Human Resources Manager who is an undergraduate just like you! Email hrm@unitrans.ucdavis.edu.
FAQs
- Are there any requirements to apply?
- Only two! You need to have a Class C Driver’s License (your regular driver's license for a car) for at least one year at the time you apply and you must be a UC Davis undergraduate student graduating no earlier than Fall 2025.
- What if I don't have a Class C Driver's License yet or haven't had one for a full year?
- Not to worry...we have other student jobs available such as administrative and office clerks, marketing assistants, and shop/support services assistants that do not require a driver's license. Check out all of Unitrans' job postings at vacancy.ucdavis.edu.
- What is the starting wage?
- The current training wage is $16.00/hour and the current driving wage is $19.00-$20.50/hour. Starting January 1, 2025, the training wage is $16.50/hour and the driving wage is $19.50-$21.00/hour.
- How long is training?
- About 140 Hours total. 70 hours of "Driver Training" as known as behind the wheel training + 70 hours of in-service training also known as "Route Training". For all training, you are with an assigned trainer.
- What is Driver Training?
- Driver Training is when you work one-on-one with a driver trainer as they teach you how to drive a bus and get you accustomed to Unitrans policy and procedure. They also help prepare you for your DMV permit test and your Class B License test which is what you will need to be able to drive a bus in service. It may seem intimidating but it's actually fun and you have a trainer nearby at all times to help out.
- What is Route Training?
- Route Training is when you drive buses in service under the guidance of a Route Trainer. You will be working on learning how to drive the bus safely and efficiently in service with customers, as well as solidifying your knowledge on company policies, routes, and practicing your multi-tasking and problem-solving skills. By route training, you know how to drive the bus and you have your license. We focus on making you comfortable with customers and on being the best, safest driver possible.
- What is the training process like?
- The process starts with Driver Training. This training is divided into 15 phases of 2-4 hours each. Each phase focuses on a different set of routes to drive, procedures, and / or skills. At the end of Driver Trainer, a driver should be able to conduct a DMV Pre-Trip Inspection (checking out the bus before you start driving to make sure its safe), maneuver the bus around objects (skills), and operate the bus safely on the streets of Davis. Then you move on to Route Training. In this part of training, you will be evaluated each week by the Route Trainer to see if you are capable of driving busses in service by yourself. You will finish training when you pass the evaluation.
- How does scheduling shifts work?
- You get to pick your shifts on a seniority basis through the company website once you've become a solo driver. Your shift picking time known as your "Priority" time is based primarily on the amount of hours you have spent working in the company. The process itself is very similar to how to register for classes here at UC Davis. Because you get to pick your own shifts, you are able to work around your class schedule and have the flexibility of choosing how your work day looks! Shifts typically come in one hour increments.
- How long are shifts?
- Most shifts are one hour long to best fit into busy student schedules but we have some shifts that are also 2-3 hours long.
- How many hours would I work a week?
- It depends on the quarter! A safe estimate would be around 14-15 hours per week. However, you may also ask for reduced hours if needed and there are many other drivers who are willing to cover your shifts!
Got more questions? Reach out to us at hrm@unitrans.ucdavis.edu.
Ready to apply? Go to vacancy.ucdavis.edu!
Unitrans is an Equal Opportunity Employer!
Unitrans does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class in any of its policies, procedures, or practices. This nondiscrimination policy includes fair treatment in all Unitrans programs and activities including the application process, employment, promotion, and termination. Unitrans is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. More information on Unitrans' equal employment opportunity practices can be found in the ASUCD-Unitrans Equal Employment Opportunity Program. Click here for our Equal Employment Opportunity policy statement.
We get many inquiries from folks in South Africa seeking employment with Unitrans Supply Chain Solutions or Unitrans Passenger, which are not affiliated in any way with ASUCD-Unitrans here at the University of California-Davis. Please refer to this link for more information.