Bus Driver

Duke University; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible part-time

Competitive pay

Paid training

Diversity-friendly environment

Job summary

Duke University is seeking a Part-Time Transit Bus Driver to safely operate campus transit vehicles and deliver outstanding customer service to students, staff, patients, and visitors. You will adhere to schedules, perform inspections, and uphold safety standards while working with dispatch and campus teams.

This role emphasizes reliability, teamwork, and strong communication, with shifts that may include evenings, weekends, and holidays to support Duke Transit operations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Valid North Carolina Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class B with Passenger Endorsement and Air Brake Endorsement.
• Ability to meet driver qualification requirements and transit operating standards.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate transit vehicles along established routes and schedules.
• Adhere to safety regulations, traffic laws, and procedures.
• Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections and document findings.
• Maintain awareness of traffic conditions and route changes.
• Provide courteous, professional customer service to all passengers.
• Coordinate with dispatchers and team members to meet service demands.

Skills

Customer service

Defensive driving

Communication

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Be You. Be Bold. Choose Duke.

Be You.

At Duke, we celebrate individuality and the unique perspectives that each member of our community brings. As a Part-Time Transit Bus Driver, you will play an important role in keeping the Duke community connected through safe, reliable, and customer-focused transportation services. Whether transporting students, faculty, staff, patients, or visitors, your professionalism and commitment to service help create a positive experience for everyone who relies on Duke Transit.

Your dedication to safety, customer care, and operational excellence directly supports Duke's mission of education, healthcare, research, and service.

Be Bold.

As a Part-Time Transit Bus Driver, you will safely operate transit vehicles across assigned routes while providing exceptional customer service and ensuring compliance with all transportation regulations and University policies. This position requires strong judgment, attention to safety, effective communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with dispatchers, supervisors, and fellow team members to meet transportation needs across the Duke community.

What You'll Do

Safe Vehicle Operations

• Safely operate transit vehicles along established routes and schedules.
• Adhere to all federal, state, local, and University safety regulations, traffic laws, and operating procedures.
• Conduct pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections and document findings accurately.
• Maintain awareness of traffic conditions, road hazards, and changing operational requirements.
• Operate vehicles during varying shifts, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and other hours as required by service demands.

Passenger Service Excellence

• Provide courteous, professional, and helpful customer service to all passengers.
• Assist students, faculty, staff, patients, visitors, and individuals requiring additional support.
• Answer questions regarding routes, schedules, transfer locations, eligibility requirements, and transit services.
• Ensure passengers experience a safe, comfortable, and welcoming ride.

Route & Transit Operations

• Follow dispatch instructions and utilize sound judgment when coordinating passenger pick-ups and drop-offs.
• Maintain familiarity with assigned routes, transfer locations, service areas, roadways, and operational procedures.
• Stay current on route changes, service updates, and transportation regulations.
• Support efficient transit operations while maintaining schedule adherence and service reliability.

Communication & Emergency Response

• Receive and transmit information using two-way radio communication systems.
• Communicate effectively regarding accidents, emergencies, service disruptions, criminal activities, and other operational matters.
• Exercise sound judgment and discretion during incidents to help ensure customer and public safety.
• Collaborate with dispatch personnel and team members to support daily operations.

Documentation & Compliance

• Accurately complete required documentation, including:
• Manifests
• Pre- and post-trip inspection reports
• Accident and incident reports
• Vehicle condition reports
• Service-related forms and records
• Prepare detailed reports regarding accidents, incidents, breakdowns, and mechanical concerns as required.
• Maintain compliance with all federal transit regulations and Duke Transit operating standards.

Training & Professional Development

• Successfully complete required training programs and certifications.
• Maintain current knowledge of transit operations, vehicle systems, safety procedures, and customer service practices.
• Participate in ongoing training to support safe, efficient, and professional service delivery.

What You'll Bring

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Valid North Carolina Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class B with:
  • Passenger Endorsement
  • Air Brake Endorsement
• Ability to successfully meet all driver qualification requirements and transit operating standards.

Experience

• At least one year of experience operating public transportation vehicles, buses, heavy trucks, or other commercial vehicles.
• Experience interacting with customers or the public in a professional setting preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience may be considered.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of safe vehicle operation practices and defensive driving techniques.
• Ability to work effectively in a transit operations environment.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and respond appropriately during emergencies.
• Familiarity with dispatch procedures, route navigation, and transportation regulations.
• Strong attention to detail and documentation requirements.
• Commitment to safety, reliability, teamwork, and customer service excellence.

Choose Duke.

At Duke, you'll join a nationally recognized institution committed to excellence in education, healthcare, research, and service. Duke Transit professionals are essential members of the campus community, helping thousands of passengers travel safely and efficiently each day.

Why Duke?

• Flexible part-time work opportunities
• Competitive compensation
• Supportive team environment
• Paid training and professional development opportunities
• Opportunity to serve a diverse campus and healthcare community
• Meaningful work that positively impacts students, employees, patients, and visitors

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.