Bus Operator

OhioX; Columbus (OH); Hybrid; USD 62,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Vision, Dental, Life & Supp.

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 & 401(k)

Job summary

Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) is hiring operators to transport passengers safely and on time in Columbus, OH. You will train during a nine-week program and then work variable shifts including early mornings, evenings, and weekends across multiple routes.

Applicants must meet age, licensing, and background requirements, pass pre-employment tests, and maintain a clean driving record. This role emphasizes safety, reliability, and service aligned with COTA's mission to Moving Every Life

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

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.