Bus Operator

Ohio State University; United States; On-site; USD 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & retirement plans

Paid time off

Tuition assistance for you and depend­

Job summary

The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, OH, is seeking a Campus Bus Operator to transport students, faculty, and staff across our campus and medical center seven days a week.

This full-time role requires a Class B CDL with passenger and air brake endorsements, a reliable safety record, and the ability to work varied shifts; a background check is mandatory.

Qualifications

• Must hold a Class B CDL with passenger and air brake endorsements.
• Must pass routine medical, drug, and alcohol screenings.
• Flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and special events.
• Must pass FBI/BCI background check.
• Essential position designated; presence required during emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Operate 15- to 53-passenger buses, vans, and shuttles on designated routes and for special trips.
• Conduct daily safety inspections, fuel, clean, and prepare vehicles for service.
• Load and unload luggage, equipment, and assist passengers as needed.
• Ensure a safe, smooth, and professional transportation experience for all riders.
• Accurately document activities, maintain required logs, and complete reports.
• Identify and report mechanical or safety issues promptly.
• Participate in training sessions and seminars to stay current on safety and service standards.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support transportation operations.

Skills

Professional Driving Experience

Customer Service Excellence

Conflict Resolution

Passenger Assistance

Safety & Regulatory Compliance

Schedule Adherence

Education

Commercial Driver’s License Class B (CDL) with passenger & air brake endorsements

Job description

Job Title

Bus Operator

Department

Administration and Planning | TTM Campus Area Bus

Join the team that keeps The Ohio State University moving! As a Campus Bus Operator, you’ll play a vital role in safely transporting students, faculty, and staff across our Columbus campus and medical center—seven days a week.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate 15- to 53-passenger buses, vans, and shuttles on designated routes and for special trips
• Conduct daily safety inspections, fuel, clean, and prepare vehicles for service
• Load and unload luggage, equipment, and assist passengers as needed
• Ensure a safe, smooth, and professional transportation experience for all riders
• Accurately document activities, maintain required logs, and complete reports
• Identify and report mechanical or safety issues promptly
• Participate in training sessions and seminars to stay current on safety and service standards
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support transportation operations

Required Qualifications

• Must possess and maintain a Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with passenger and air brake endorsements
• Must successfully pass routine medical, drug, and alcohol screenings
• Flexibility to work varied hours and days, including evenings, weekends, and special events
• Must complete and pass an FBI/BCI background check
• In accordance with Ohio State’s Disaster Preparedness and University State of Emergency Policy6.17, this position is designated as essential, requiring your presence during emergency situations

Desired Qualifications

• Professional Driving Experience 1-3 years’ experience operating transit buses, ideally within urban or high-traffic environments. Familiarity with complex routes and city driving is highly valued.
• Customer Service Excellence Strong interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to interact professionally with the public.
• Proven experience resolving complaints and managing challenging situations with patience and empathy.
• Experience assisting passengers with disabilities or special needs is a plus.
• Safety and Regulatory Compliance A solid history of safe driving, supported by a clean driving record with no major violations. Knowledge of Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, including pre-trip inspections and proper reporting of mechanical issues.
• Schedule Adherence and Reliability Ability to maintain punctuality and adhere to fixed schedules. Skilled in time management and adapting to traffic conditions, route changes, or unexpected delays.

Compensation & Scheduling

• Pay Range: $21.11–$26.00 per hour, with opportunities for shift differentials based on schedule and assignment.
• Work Schedule: Full-time operators work a fixed 40-hour week, with opportunities for overtime during weekdays and weekends.
• Shift Bidding: Shifts are bid several times per year based on seniority, allowing operators to select preferred schedules.

Benefits Package

• Enjoy a comprehensive benefits offering that includes health and retirement plans, paid time off, and tuition assistance for you and your eligible dependents.

Additional Information

Please ensure that all relevant work history is included in your application, as only the employment experience documented in the submitted application will be considered when evaluating qualifications and determining eligibility for this position.

Location and Working Hours

• Location: Service Building Annex (0263)
• Position Type: Regular
• Scheduled Hours: 40
• Shift: Varying Shifts

Background Check

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.

About Ohio State

At Ohio State, you’ll find work that inspires you. We offer roles and growth opportunities in countless fields and specialties — including a job that’s right for you. Ohio State benefits give you options to take care of what matters most to you — and opportunities to make adjustments as your life and needs change, including:

• Medical, dental and vision coverage, with Ohio State paying a significant portion of the cost.
• Paid time off, including sick and vacation time and 11 holidays.
• State retirement plan or an alternative retirement plan, both with generous employer contributions.

As Buckeyes, we accomplish more together. No matter your role, you’ll be part of creating what people need now: pathways to education, research and health care. Working at Ohio State means you’re part of a team with a strong sense of community and an unwavering commitment to excellence — and, of course, incomparable Buckeye spirit. We bring out the best in people, help each other succeed and learn together. By joining Ohio State, you become part of a top-20 public university with one of America’s leading academic health centers. We’re a team of dedicated colleagues with access to boundless resources that support you.