Bus Cleaner - $1000 Sign-on Bonus

Centre Area Transportation Authority; Bloomsdorf (PA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Health insurance

401(a)

457 plan

Roth IRA

Health Savings Account

Flexible Spending Account

Life insurance

Long-term disability

Short-term disability

EAP

Free gym membership

Free transit pass

Job summary

The Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA) is seeking a Bus Cleaner to keep our fleet clean and presentable for riders in the Centre Region. Starting salary is $18.07 per hour with annual increases to $19.13 after Year Two and $21.26 thereafter. Eligible employees who start by December 31, 2026 receive a $1,000 bonus.

Benefits include PTO, health insurance, retirement plans, HSAs and more. Hours are 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m., emphasizing safety and reliability.

Qualifications

• Attention to detail and a strong work ethic.
• Physical stamina for standing, bending, lifting.
• Able to manage time and complete tasks within shifts.

Responsibilities

• Thoroughly clean and sanitize interior and exterior of buses.
• Remove trash, wipe surfaces, vacuum carpets, and wash windows.
• Report maintenance issues to the supervisor to keep fleet in peak condition.

Skills

Attention to detail

Physical stamina

Time management

Teamwork

Communication

Job description

Join Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA) as Bus Cleaner. You'll play an essential role in maintaining the cleanliness of our fleet, contributing to the overall image of public transit in the Centre Region.

Candidates who start employment on or before December 31, 2026, are eligible for a $1,000 bonus!

Starting salary: $18.07 per hour

Year Two: $19.13 per hour

After Year Two: $21.26 per hour

Benefits

• paid time off (vacation, sick, holiday, etc.)
• health insurance (medical, dental, and vision)
• 401(a)
• 457
• Roth IRA
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Account
• life insurance
• long-term disability
• short-term disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• free gym membership
• free transit pass

CATA is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.

What does a Bus Cleaner do?

As a Bus Cleaner at the CATA, your day-to-day responsibilities will include thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing the interior and exterior of buses. You will remove trash, wipe down surfaces, vacuum carpets, and wash windows.

Collaboration with fellow team members is essential, as you'll work closely to maintain efficient operations. Attention to detail is crucial in this role, as a clean bus ensures the satisfaction of our riders. You'll also be responsible for reporting any maintenance issues to the supervisor, helping keep our fleet in peak condition.

Are you a good fit for Bus Cleaner?

To thrive as a Bus Cleaner at CATA, you'll need a keen eye for detail and a strong work ethic. Physical stamina is essential, as the role involves long periods of standing, bending, and lifting. Effective time management skills will help you efficiently complete cleaning tasks within scheduled shifts. Hours worked will be between 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m.

Excellent communication skills are also important for collaborating with your teammates and reporting any issues or concerns to supervisors. Additionally, a genuine passion for public service will contribute to your success in this role.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

About CATA

CATA is a joint municipal authority established in 1974, proudly celebrating its 50th anniversary. CATA serves portions of Centre County, Pennsylvania, including Penn State's 60,000 students and employees at the University Park Campus. CATA provides a critical transportation network that facilitates more than 5 million annual rides through fixed-route, microtransit, paratransit, and commuter services programs. Renowned for its innovative approach to sustainable transportation, CATA was the first public transportation agency operating an entirely compressed natural gas (CNG) fixed-route fleet on the East Coast. The authority also boasts the highest farebox recovery ratio in Pennsylvania, recovering nearly 40% of its fixed-route operating expenses in 2023.

CATA participates in E-Verify. For more information on E-Verify, please contact DHS at 888-897-7787 or dhs.gov/e-verify.

CATA is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business needs.

Selected candidate will be subject to drug and alcohol testing and criminal background check.