Bus Operator

Cota; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 31,684 - 55,104; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Vision, Dental, Supplemental,

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

Job summary

COTA in Columbus, OH is seeking qualified bus operators to safely transport riders across multiple lines. The role emphasizes safety, timeliness, and courteous service in support of Moving Every Life Forward.

Training is mandatory: a paid nine-week program followed by seniority-based shift assignments. Candidates must meet licensing and background checks and be prepared to work mornings, evenings, or weekends as required.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Must have valid Ohio Driver's License and able to obtain/maintain a CDL.
• Must have 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 in customer service.

Responsibilities

• Operates a motor vehicle safely and courteously, transporting customers along routes while obeying traffic laws.
• Performs work in accordance with operating rules and regulations.
• Speaks clearly to call out stops and provide information to customers.
• May operate a 30-foot vehicle on the Neighborhood Circulator Route Board when required.
• Conduct pre-trip, bicycle rack and engine compartment inspections.
• Assist passengers using wheelchairs and ADA-compliant tie-downs.
• May train student bus operators in safe operation of a motor coach.

Skills

Customer service experience

Public interaction

Education

High school diploma or GED

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

Job description

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

Application is for our 2026 training classes.

Candidates must attend mandatory, paid, 9 (nine) week training period.

After training, variable shifts at any time of COTA service. 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

• Operates a motor vehicle safely and courteously, transporting customers over the various lines in COTA's system while complying with all state and local traffic laws.
• Performs work in accordance with operating rules and regulations.
• Speaks coherently and plainly, in order to call out stops and provide customers with any
  necessary information.
• May operate any motor vehicle of 30 feet or less on the Neighborhood Circulator Route Board when required.
• Conduct Pre-Trip, bicycle rack and engine compartment inspections.
• Assist Passengers utilizing wheelchairs to enter/exit bus and assist with wheelchair tie-downs per ADA guidelines.
• May serve as a training instructor, training student bus operators in the safe operation of a motor coach over prescribed routes. Training instructors are chosen by driving ability and overall performance.

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.