Full-Time Bus Operator - $3,000 Bonus

Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA); State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 33,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Health insurance

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

Free transit pass

Job summary

Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA) seeks a dedicated Full-Time Bus Operator in State College. You will drive designated routes, ensuring safe, reliable transportation while engaging with passengers in a friendly manner.

CDL Class B with Passenger Endorsement is required after training. Starting wage is $23.70/hour as a trainee, with year-one $25.18/hour, year-two $26.66/hour, and after year two $29.62/hour.

Qualifications

• Strong communication with passengers and colleagues.
• Excellent driving skills and safe operation.
• Flexibility to work nights, weekends, holidays, and split shifts.

Responsibilities

• Conduct pre-trip inspections to ensure safety and compliance.
• Navigate designated routes and transport passengers efficiently and comfortably.
• Engage with passengers and assist boarding/disembarking as needed.
• Adhere to schedules and manage delays or route changes.

Skills

Communication skills

Customer service

Driving skills

Attention to detail

Problem solving

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!

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
• 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.

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

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.