What are the responsibilities and job description for the Cat-Tran Driver position at Western Carolina University?
This position serves as a Cat-Tran shuttle bus driver on Western Carolina University’s campus in Cullowhee, North Carolina. Shuttle drivers transport students, faculty, and staff to designated campus locations according to established routes and schedules, and may also provide transportation support during emergency situations. Drivers are responsible for completing operating reports, conducting pre-trip safety inspections, and performing interior and exterior cleaning of buses.
Shuttle operations occur on and near the WCU campus in an environment that can be heavily congested with pedestrians and vehicular traffic, particularly during peak times of day. Because of these conditions, the driver must maintain constant attention to safety and exercise sound judgment during shuttle operations.
Academic Year (September–May)
Shuttle operations occur on and near the WCU campus in an environment that can be heavily congested with pedestrians and vehicular traffic, particularly during peak times of day. Because of these conditions, the driver must maintain constant attention to safety and exercise sound judgment during shuttle operations.
Academic Year (September–May)
- Wednesday–Friday: 8am–5pm
- Saturday–Sunday: 10am–7pm
Summer Schedule (Mid-May to Mid-August)
- Monday–Friday: 8am–5pm
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and driver’s license history check.
Regulatory/Compliance Requirements:
Applicants who already possess a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and/or Passenger (P) endorsement, as defined by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), will be required to successfully pass a pre-employment controlled substances and alcohol test, administered by the university, in accordance with 49 CFR Part 382, prior to receiving a final offer of employment and performing safety-sensitive functions.
Applicants who do not currently possess a CDL and/or Passenger endorsement will not be subject to controlled substances or alcohol testing until such time as they complete CDL training, are issued a CDL and Passenger endorsement, and are required to comply with FMCSA regulations governing safety-sensitive positions.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position
- Possession of, or ability to obtain and maintain, a valid North Carolina Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class C with Passenger (P) endorsement, or a higher-level commercial driver’s license with Passenger endorsement.
- Demonstrated ability to operate vehicles safely in high-traffic, pedestrian-dense environments while maintaining situational awareness, sound judgment, and adherence to established safety procedures.
- Ability to follow established routes, schedules, and operational procedures within a structured environment under supervisory direction.
- Strong communication skills, including the ability to interact professionally with passengers and communicate effectively via two-way radio.
- Ability to read and comprehend written materials such as policies, procedures, and electronic communications, and to complete written reports legibly and accurately.
Minimum Qualifications
Some state job postings say you can qualify by an ‘equivalent combination of education and experience.’ If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both.
Sufficient experience to operate assigned vehicles or equipment.
Additional Requirements: Must possess necessary licenses or certifications to operate assigned types of vehicles or equipment.
If no applicants apply, who meet the required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities/Competencies and Training and Experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants.
Sufficient experience to operate assigned vehicles or equipment.
Additional Requirements: Must possess necessary licenses or certifications to operate assigned types of vehicles or equipment.
If no applicants apply, who meet the required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities/Competencies and Training and Experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants.
Anticipated Hiring Range
$37,492
Position Type
Permanent Full-Time
Number of Hours per Week
40
Number of Months per Year
12
Salary Band Range
$35,175 - $66,443
Salary Grade
For administrative purposes during the implementation of Career Banding this Contributing level position is considered a Salary Grade 55.
Posting Text
Open Date
07/06/2026
Close Date
07/20/2026
Open Until Filled
No
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants must apply online in order to be considered. Please include a cover letter, resume, and a list of references (with complete contact information).
PLEASE COMPLETE ALL AREAS OF THE APPLICATION. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS MAY NOT BE GIVEN CONSIDERATION IN THE REVIEW PROCESS.
Applicants must upload a DD-214 if claiming Veteran’s Preference.
If no applicants apply, who meet the required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities/Competencies and Training and Experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants.
All new hires into positions subject to the State Human Resources Act (SHRA) will serve a 12 month probationary period as defined by the North Carolina Office of State Human Resources (OSHR).
PLEASE COMPLETE ALL AREAS OF THE APPLICATION. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS MAY NOT BE GIVEN CONSIDERATION IN THE REVIEW PROCESS.
Applicants must upload a DD-214 if claiming Veteran’s Preference.
If no applicants apply, who meet the required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities/Competencies and Training and Experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants.
All new hires into positions subject to the State Human Resources Act (SHRA) will serve a 12 month probationary period as defined by the North Carolina Office of State Human Resources (OSHR).
Background/E-Verify
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.
Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.
Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.
Credential Verification
All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.
EOE
Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.
University Safety
The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.
Benefits:
Retirement Plan, Vacation & Paid Time Off, Dental InsuranceSalary : $35,175 - $66,443