Bus Operator

PAY: Onboard Pay: $28.42/hour; Training Pay: $23.00/hour; Top Pay 5 Years of Service: $37.89/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 other duties in alignment with the COTA Strategic Plan and in support of the organization's vision to Move 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 a Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
• 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.

Salary : $38