Community Transit Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $45,864.00 Annually
Location : Transit, Chapel Hill, NC
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 25/26-01997
Department: Transit
Opening Date: 12/15/2025
Summary
Fixed Route - $22.05/HR
The Town of Chapel Hill is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
We will train you!
$2,500 TOTAL SIGN ON BONUS (restrictions apply)
($1,000 paid at 6 months / $1,500 paid at 1 year)
*must meet safety and attendance goals at each 6-month interval*
Chapel Hill Transit has an exciting opportunity for energetic, committed and mission-driven individuals. We will train you with the skills you need to safety operate transit vehicles that transport over 7 million passengers each year. Our Transit Operators consistently receive praise for their helpful and courteous service to our community!
Our service is free to its riders.
Responsible for transporting customers safely to and from destinations within the towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro. Duties include assisting passengers on and off the vehicle, securely fastening mobility aids, and conducting routine vehicle inspections to ensure operational safety. This role requires a strong commitment to customer safety and care, as well as adherence to transportation schedules and procedures.
Essential Functions
Safely operate transit vehicles to pick up and transport customers while adhering to transit vehicle route schedule and maintaining a pleasant and courteous manner
Completes thorough familiarization with transit system operations and safety features, including the geography and roadways of assigned routes and the broader service area, applicable traffic laws and regulations, and designated transfer points
Provides information on bus services to customers
Receives and transmits two-way radio messages involving accidents, incidents, emergencies, criminal activities, or other authorized business utilizing judgment and discretion to ensure customer and individual safety
Operates vehicles during variable shifts, including early mornings, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Must be available to work outside standard business hours.
Performs vehicle operations at varying hours of day and night. Will work outside regular business hours as required by service demands
Writes reports and completes forms as required, may prepare detailed written reports concerning accidents incidents, breakdowns and mechanical defects, as required
Performs other duties as required
Physical Demands
The work is typically performed in a vehicle and outdoors. The employee uses equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity and assist customers regularly with mobility impairment including but not limited to pushing wheelchairs, lifting some light or heavy weight objects.
Work Environment
The work is typically performed in a vehicle and outdoors.
Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge of
Federal, state, and town traffic and safety rules and regulations.
The geography and road systems of the town and Transit coverage area.
Customer service principles and techniques.
Ability to
Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Prepare and maintain accurate record.
Perform basic arithmetic calculations.
Accurately record numerical data, names, and addresses as required.
Model behaviors that are consistent with our value of RESPECT.
Education
High school diploma or equivalency that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties.
Experience
Minimum of one year of driving experience
Certification
Possession of or the ability to obtain a Class B CDL or permit with Passenger Endorsement issued by the State of North Carolina prior to the beginning of training.
Supplemental Information
This position is driving essential and subject to the Town's Safe Driving and Accident Policy.
This classification has been designated as Safety Sensitive and is subject to random drug and alcohol testing.
Weekends, holidays, and/or night work is required.
Work assignments are determined by a seniority bid system.
Must have no more than two moving violations and/or vehicle accidents in the last two years.
The Town of Chapel Hill offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to regular full time and part time employees.
Health and Dental Insurance
Health and dental insurance are effective the first day of employment. The town will provide full-time employees group medical and dental insurance including family coverage. Employees and the town will share equally in the additional cost of the medical plan for dependent coverage if employees desire to purchase such coverage for family members. Employees are responsible for the full cost of dependent dental insurance.
Retirement Health Savings Plan
Employees hired after June 30, 2010, in a regular full-time or regular part- time position are required to participate in the Retirement Health Savings Plan. Contributions are taken on a pre-tax basis. The current contribution amount is 1%.
Paid Time Off

• Vacation/Annual Leave: Employees in regular full or part time positions earn between 12 and 26 days per year depending upon length of Town service.
• Sick Leave: Employees in full or part time regular positions earn 12 days per year.
• Paid Parental Leave: Eligible employees receive 6 weeks of Paid Parental Leave after birth or placement of a child in the home for adoption or foster care. This leave does not come from Employee's leave bank.
• Paid Holidays: There are 12 official Town holidays. Employees in full or part time regular positions are eligible for paid holiday time.
• Personal Leave: All employees in full or part time regular positions are granted 3 days of personal leave per year. This leave is non-cumulative

Local Government Retirement System
All employees in regular full or part time position are required to contribute to the retirement system. Contributions are taken on a pre-tax basis. The current contribution amount is 6%.
Supplemental Retirement Plans

• NC 401(k)-The Town makes a contribution of 5% to the 401(k) for all regular full and part time employees. There is no employee match required. Employees have the option of making contributions on a pre or post tax basis. The plan is administered by Empower.
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan-Town of Chapel Hill employees have the option of making contributions to a 457. The Town does not make contributions to this plan. The plan is administered by MissionSquare.

Disability Insurance

• Town Provided: The Town provides both short term and long term disability insurance to all regular full or part time employees. The plan will pay up to 50% of the employee's base income up to $462 per week for non-job related injuries.
• Voluntary Short Term Disability: Employees have the option of purchasing supplemental disability insurance. This plan will pay employees a maximum of 25% of their base weekly earnings up to $400.

Life Insurance
The Town provides full and part time regular employees with an individual term life insurance policy. Employees have the option of purchasing additional life insurance for a small fee. Dependent life insurance is also available.
Direct Deposit
All employees hired after July 1, 2007 are required to have direct deposit.
Other Benefits

• Credit Union: Employees of the Town of Chapel Hill are eligible to open accounts at Civic Federal Credit Union.
• Parking is provided free of charge at or near worksites
• Annual longevity payment beginning with the 5th year of full or part time regular employment
• Tuition assistance is available upon completion of the initial probationary period
• Town has a Housing Assistance Program that assists employees secure housing in Town see the following https://www.chapelhillaffordablehousing.org/employee-housing