Bus Operator

Cota; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 32,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Vision, Dental, Supplemental,

Paid Parental Leave

Employee Discounts

COTA Bus Pass

Wellness Initiatives

On-Site Chair Massage

On-Site Health Coach

Tuition Reimbursement

Student Loan Repayment Program

Public Pension through OPERS & Ohio 4%

Job summary

COTA is hiring Operators to operate motor coaches and transport customers safely and on time across multiple Columbus locations. Training is provided, and schedules may include days, nights, and weekends. After training, shifts vary with service hours and seniority.

Qualified applicants will possess a valid driver’s license, a high school diploma or GED, and relevant public-contact experience. Benefits include health insurance, tuition reimbursement, and a pension plan.

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or GED.
• Must have a valid U.S. citizenship or work authorization.
• Must have one year of public-contact experience.
• Must have a clean criminal record and pass pre-employment testing.
• Must meet physical requirements and pass post-offer physical capability testing.

Responsibilities

• Be a Hero on the Road: navigate COTA's system, transport riders safely, on time.
• Create a Great Rider Experience: greet passengers, provide guidance, and answer questions.
• Prioritize Safety for All: assist riders and ensure accessible, comfortable travel.
• Stay in Sync: coordinate with operations on reroutes and updates.
• Keep Operations Running Strong: perform pre-trip checks and report issues; maintain a clean bus.
• Show Professional Pride: uphold appearance, attendance and conduct standards.

Skills

Public contact experience

Customer service

Reliable transportation

Clean driving record

Valid driver’s license

Commercial driver’s license (CDL)

Ability to pass tests

Physical ability

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

*Application is for our 2027 training classes*

PAY: Onboard Pay: $30.06/hour; Training Pay: $23.00/hour; Top Pay 5 Years of Service: $40.08/hour

LOCATION: Various COTA locations, Columbus, OH

BENEFITS:

• Medical, Vision, Dental, Supplemental and Life Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Discounts
• COTA Bus Pass
• Wellness Initiatives
• On-Site Chair Massage
• On-Site Health Coach
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Student Loan Repayment Program
• Public Pension through OPERS & Ohio Deferred Compensation

SCHEDULE:

Candidates must attend mandatory, paid, 9 (nine) week training period. The training schedule will be variable, including days, nights, and weekends.

After training, you will work variable shifts at any time during COTA's service hours. Service hours are as follows: Monday – Saturday 3:55 AM – 1:47 AM; Sunday 4:04 AM – 12:04 AM. Schedules are based on seniority; new operators must be willing to work any shift and day or night as required.

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position is accountable for operating a motor coach and transporting COTA customers in a safe, courteous, and on-time manner. Performs duties that advance COTA's Strategic Plan and reflect the organization's core values of safety, empowerment, accountability, teamwork, and service, and support the mission of Moving Every Life Forward.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

As a COTA Operator you will:

• Be a Hero on the Road: Confidently navigate COTA's system, getting riders where they need to go safely, smoothly, and on time.
• Create a Great Rider Experience: Welcome passengers warmly, offer helpful guidance, and handle questions or concerns with patience and professionalism.
• Prioritize Safety for All: Support riders who need extra assistance and help ensure accessible, comfortable travel for every member of our community.
• Stay in Sync: Work closely with operations to manage reroutes, traffic updates, and unexpected situations as they arise.
• Keep Operations Running Strong: Complete pre-trip checks, report mechanical issues promptly, and maintain a clean, reliable bus throughout your shift.
• Show Professional Pride: Uphold our standards for appearance, attendance, and conduct as a representative of our organization.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Must have a valid Ohio Driver's License and able to obtain/maintain a Commercial Driver's License.
• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.).
• Must have proof of U.S. citizenship or authorization to work in the U.S.
• Must have one year's experience in a public contact job, preferably as a sales clerk, waiter waitress, customer service, etc.
• Must have a steady work history.
• Must have reliable transportation.
• Must have a clean criminal record. Some convictions may result in disqualification.
• Must satisfactorily complete all pre-employment testing.
• Must meet the physical requirements outlined in the attached Job Task Analysis.
• Must successfully pass the post-offer physical capability testing.
• Must verify the past three (3) years' driving record and meet the following criteria:
  • No more than one moving violation within 1 year.
  • No more than 2 moving violations in last 3 years.
  • No revocation/suspension in last 3 years.
  • No OMVI or DUI in last 3 years.
  • No hit and skips in last 3 years.
  • No ACDA (Assured Clear Distance Accident) in last 3 years.
  • Must be able to work mandatory overtime to include, but not limited to, early mornings, evenings, and weekends.

COTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions are based on job needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.