Bus Handler - $25.89/hr & FT paid CDL training

Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit; City of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 36,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent benefits with medical,Dental

Fully employer-paid dental, vision,.

PTO and holidays

Union shop with job security

Living wage certified employer

Job summary

Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit is seeking a hands-on Bus Handler in Ithaca, NY to fuel, clean, and prep buses for daily service. You’ll perform light mechanical tasks, assist mechanics, and help move buses through washes while maintaining safety and punctuality in a fast-paced environment.

The role requires dependable teamwork, willingness to work four 10-hour night shifts, and a CDL-B or related endorsements are preferred but not required as training is provided.

Qualifications

• CDL-B with air brake and passenger endorsement preferred.
• Commercial permit holders preferred.
• No CDL required – we’ll train you.
• Dependable & reliable in all weather conditions.
• Basic mechanical skills and ability to use tools.

Responsibilities

• Fuel, clean, and prep buses for daily service.
• Assist with minor service tasks and mechanics as needed.
• Move buses through the wash and into designated spots.
• Drive & park buses and handle fare vaults at shift end.
• Support the team and train new hires.

Skills

Safe driving

CDL-B endorsement

Commercial permits

No CDL required

Mechanical aptitude

Tool use

Communication & teamwork

Night shift willing

Tools

Basic tools

Job description

Are you someone who takes pride in keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes? Do you enjoy working independently, staying active, and being part of a team that keeps our community moving? TCAT is looking for a reliable, hands-on individual to join our Fleet Maintenance crew as a Bus Handler!Location: Ithaca, NYPosition: Full-time benefits-eligibleShift: 5:00 PM to 3:30 AM, four nights a weekRate: $25.89 per hour (then $26.67 in 2027)What You’ll Do:As a Bus Handler, you’ll be a key part of our operations—fueling, cleaning, and prepping our buses so they’re ready to hit the road each day. You’ll also help with minor service tasks, move buses through the wash, and assist mechanics when needed. It’s a mix of physical work, mechanical know-how, and teamwork.Clean & Detail Buses – Inside and out! From sweeping and wiping down seats to handling biohazards and washing the wheelchair lift.Light Mechanical Work – Fueling, checking fluid levels, inspecting belts & brakes, and logging vehicle info.Drive & Park Buses – Move buses through the wash and into their designated spots.Handle Fare Vaults – Remove, install, and secure fare vaults at the end of each shift.Support the Team – Help mechanics & supervisors, and train new hires.We’re Looking For:Safe Drivers!CDL-B with air brake/passenger endorsement preferredCommercial Permit-holders preferredNo CDL is required – we’ll train you!Dependable & reliable in all weather conditionsBasic mechanical skills and ability to use toolsStrong communication & teamwork skillsWilling to work night shift (four 10-hour days) and occasional overtimeWorking Conditions: This role involves exposure to diesel fuel, cleaning supplies, biohazards, and loud engine noise. You’ll be on your feet, lifting up to 50 lbs, and working in all kinds of weather. We’ll provide training for safety and health protocols, including HIV exposure and Hepatitis B vaccination recommendations.Living wage certified employerExcellent benefits including generous contributions to medical insurance as well as fully employer-paid dental, vision, life, and disability insuranceGenerous PTO: 15 vacation days, 7 sick days, 3 personal days, 6 paid holidaysUnion membership with job security and supportBe part of a mission-driven team serving passengers and growing our transit services in Tompkins County!Union Membership & Dues:TCAT, Inc. is a proud union shop. Bus Handlers will become members of the UAW Local 2300 upon successful completion of a 90-day probationary period. Assessed dues shall be a sum equivalent to a rate of 1.25 hours of wages, at the employee’s straight rate of pay, per two-week pay period.Ready to Apply?Apply In Person: M-F, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM at 737 Willow Ave. Ithaca, NY 14850.Apply Online or visit tcatbus.com/careers to learn more.Apply by Mail or Fax – Click link for printable application and mail to 737 Willow Avenue, Ithaca, NY 14850 or fax to 607-277-9551.Please be sure to complete all fields unless otherwise indicated and print clearly so that all information is legible and/or free of typos. Incomplete applications can not be considered.