Full-Time Bus Operator - $3,000 Bonus

Centre Area Transportation Authority; Bloomsdorf (PA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off (PTO)

Health insurance (medical, dental, and

401(a)

457

Roth IRA

Health Savings Account

Flexible Spending Account

Life insurance

Long-term disability

Short-term disability

EAP

Free gym membership

Free transit pass

PSLF Program

Job summary

Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA) is hiring a Full-Time Bus Operator in the State College area. Start as a trainee at $23.70/hour with Year One at $25.18, Year Two at $26.66, and After Year Two at $29.62 per hour.

A $3,000 sign-on bonus is available for hires starting on/before 12/07/2026, with $1,500 paid on 12/11/2026 and $1,500 after training completion. Benefits include PTO, health insurances, retirement plans, and more.

Qualifications

• Strong communication skills are essential for interacting with passengers and providing assistance.
• Attention to safety and following procedures to ensure secure rides.
• Flexibility to work nights, weekends, holidays, and split shifts.

Responsibilities

• Conduct pre-trip inspections to ensure safety and compliance.
• Navigate routes and transport passengers efficiently and comfortably.
• Adhere to schedules and manage delays or route changes.
• Assist passengers boarding and disembarking as needed.
• Complete paperwork including passenger counts and incident reports.

Skills

Communication

Safety-minded

Flexibility

Education

CDL Class B with Passenger Endorsement

Job description

Join the Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA) as a Full-Time Bus Operator and embark on an exciting journey every day! As a crucial part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to serve your community, connect with diverse passengers, and ensure safe and reliable transportation for all in the vibrant State College area.

Candidates who start employment on or before December 7, 2026, are eligible for a $3,000 bonus!

• $1,500 paid on December 11, 2026.
• $1,500 paid upon completion of training.

You can build a stable and fulfilling career as a Full-Time Bus Operator. No CDL? No problem! Earn as you learn. Starting salary is $23.70/hour as a trainee.

Salary for Year One: $25.18 per hour, Year Two: $26.66 per hour, After Year Two: $29.62 per hour

You will have benefits such as paid time off (vacation, sick, holiday, etc.), health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), 401(a), 457, Roth IRA, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Account, life insurance, long-term disability, short-term disability, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), free gym membership, and free transit pass. CATA is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.

Make a difference as a Bus Operator

As a Bus Operator at CATA, your daily responsibilities will be both dynamic and rewarding. You will begin each shift by conducting pre-trip inspections to ensure safety and compliance. Throughout the day, you'll navigate designated routes, transporting passengers to their destinations efficiently and comfortably. Engaging with passengers, you'll provide a friendly and welcoming atmosphere while assisting those who may need help boarding or disembarking. You'll also be responsible for adhering to schedules while managing any unexpected delays or route changes.

Safety is paramount; you'll maintain awareness of traffic and road conditions, ensuring a secure ride for everyone on board. Additionally, you'll complete necessary paperwork, including passenger counts and incident reports, to support seamless operations.

Are you a good fit for Bus Operator?

To succeed as a Bus Operator, several key skills are essential for success. First and foremost, strong communication skills are critical, as you'll be interacting with passengers and providing assistance when needed. A friendly and approachable demeanor will enhance the passenger experience.

Excellent driving skills, along with a keen attention to detail, will ensure safety on the roads and compliance with traffic regulations. Additionally, good problem-solving abilities are important for navigating unexpected situations, such as route changes or passenger inquiries. Flexibility is essential as hours worked includes nights, weekends, holidays, and split shifts.

40 hours a week is not initially guaranteed

Furthermore, possessing a strong sense of responsibility and dedication will help you provide a reliable service that the community counts on. Embrace the opportunity to develop and showcase these skills in a fulfilling role!

Successful completion of CDL Class B with Passenger Endorsement training and testing will be required.

About CATA

CATA is a joint municipal authority established in 1974, proudly celebrating its 50th anniversary. CATA serves portions of Centre County, Pennsylvania, including Penn State's 60,000 students and employees at the University Park Campus. CATA provides a critical transportation network that facilitates more than 5 million annual rides through fixed-route, microtransit, paratransit, and commuter services programs. Renowned for its innovative approach to sustainable transportation, CATA was the first public transportation agency operating an entirely compressed natural gas (CNG) fixed-route fleet on the East Coast. The authority also boasts the highest farebox recovery ratio in Pennsylvania, recovering nearly 40% of its fixed-route operating expenses in 2023.

Get started with CATA

CATA participates in E-Verify. For more information on E-Verify, please contact DHS at 888-897-7787 or dhs.gov/e-verify.

CATA is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business needs.

Applicants will be subject to MVR check. Selected candidate will be subject to drug and alcohol testing, criminal background check, and functional requirement evaluation.