Bus Operator

Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA); Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 31,684 - 55,104; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Paid Parental Leave

Bus Pass

Discounts

Wellness Programs

Chair Massage

Health Coach

Tuition Reimbursement

Student Loan Repayment

OPERS Pension

Deferred Compensation

Job summary

Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) is hiring for motor coach operators to transport customers safely and on time across Columbus routes.

New hires will complete a mandatory nine-week paid training period, with schedules based on seniority and the need to cover various shifts, including days and nights.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Must have a valid Ohio Driver's License and able to obtain/maintain a CDL.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or authorization to work in the U.S.
• One year of public contact experience.
• Reliable transportation and clean criminal record.
• Must complete pre-employment testing and pass post-offer physical capability testing.
• Must meet driving record criteria and be able to work overtime.

Responsibilities

• Operate a motor coach safely and courteously, transporting customers across routes.
• Comply with operating rules and traffic laws.
• Announce stops clearly and provide information to passengers.
• May operate 30-foot or smaller vehicles on the Neighborhood Circulator Route Board as needed.
• Perform pre-trip, bicycle rack, and engine inspections.
• Assist passengers using wheelchairs and secure mobility devices per ADA guidelines.
• May train student bus operators as needed.

Skills

Customer service

Safety mindset

Communication

Flexibility

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

Valid Ohio Driver's License

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.

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