Transit Bus Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

General Summary The City's Transit Operator, assigned to the CAT Operations Division performs intermediate semiskilled support work in the operation of large passenger buses in public transportation, daily school transportation, school-related events, charter services, and/or other designated routes to transport passengers in a safe, courteous, and timely manner. Work is performed under limited supervision and reports to a Transit Operations Supervisor. The hiring amount for this position is $24.15 an hour in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement between Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1220 and the City of Charlottesville

The pay rate listed shall apply to individuals hired into this position on or after July 1, 2026. This full-time, non-exempt position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including 13 paid holidays plus one floating holiday, vacation and sick leave, health insurance with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, gym membership reimbursement, tuition assistance, and professional development opportunities. This position is also eligible for the following retirement benefits: Choice of retirement plan: Defined Benefit Pension Plan: Provides a monthly benefit upon retirement, calculated using a defined formula based on earnings history, years of service, and age.

The plan includes a 5-year vesting period and requires an employee contribution of 5% of salary. Defined Contribution 401a Plan: Employer makes fixed contributions to an individual account, which are invested, and returns are credited to the account. The account balance is used to provide retirement benefits.

Vesting occurs at 33% after one year, 67% after two years, and 100% after three years of service. No salary contribution is required. Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation Plan Eligibility to purchase prior service credit under the Defined Benefit Plan The City of Charlottesville manages its own retirement system and does not participate in VRS; however, a Portability Agreement is available for eligible employees.

For additional details, please refer to the "Benefits" tab within this posting or visit the City's Employee Benefits webpage. Note: This job opportunity is advertised with a closing date of "Continuous." If interested in being considered, an application should be submitted as soon as possible. Applications may no longer be considered once a reasonable number of applications has been received or once a candidate to fill the position is identified

Applications may be evaluated on a continuous basis and interviews may be conducted as soon as possible during the recruitment. This job announcement may close at any time after 7 calendar days. Essential Responsibilities and Duties To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

Reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The essential functions of the job are not limited to those listed in the job description. The City retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

Operates a transit passenger bus or school bus over designated routes and schedules, ensuring safe and timely transportation for passengers. Conducts pre- and post-trip inspections of vehicles and related equipment, reporting defects or mechanical issues as required. Prepares and maintains trip records, including fares, passenger behavior, mileage, vehicle defects, and condition reports, in compliance with department requirements.

Assists passengers with boarding and off-loading, including wheelchair accessibility, and announces bus routes and stops. Monitors passenger behavior to ensure safety and maintains a safe and orderly environment aboard the bus. When applicable, collects fares, tickets, and passes; ensures proper handling and security of payments and passes.

Adapts to variables such as adverse weather, traffic, construction, passenger incidents, accidents, schedule changes, and others. Provides accurate route and service information to passengers and the public in a courteous and professional manner. Communicates with other operators, supervisors, and dispatch via two-way radio or phone to report traffic conditions, vehicle issues, or passenger concerns.

Operates a City vehicle in the performance of the job duties. Follows safety instructions and attends appropriate safety training, including body fluid spill clean-up procedures. Complies with all traffic laws and safety regulations, employing defensive driving techniques to minimize risks and prevent accidents.

Reports accidents or emergencies immediately and completes required reporting information, maintaining composure and ensuring passenger safety during such events. Coordinates fueling and basic maintenance of the bus, communicates mechanical concerns, records mileage, and ensures the vehicle is clean and safe throughout each shift in accordance with division requirements. Attends required meetings and training sessions as needed to maintain compliance with DOT, FTA, and Virginia State School Bus standards.

Supports departmental goal to provide dependable, efficient, and safe transportation service. May be required to work non-traditional work schedule, including weeknights, weekends, and/or holidays. Subject to being called back to work to the City in emergencies or as needed to provide necessary services to the public.

Must have the ability to be contacted and respond based on Departmental guidelines. Responsible for appropriate use and maintenance of City equipment, tools, and other resources, including work time. Regular and reliable attendance.

Other Duties Performs additional duties to support operational requirements as apparent or assigned. Education, Experience and Skills Education and Experience: Candidates may qualify by demonstrating the required knowledge and skills outlined for the job through experience(s) other than formal education. High School diploma or GED AND one year of experience performing customer service tasks.

OR Three years of work experience performing customer service tasks. OR An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements listed above. Preferred: Some experience working with children, general public and/or operating a commercial vehicle or similar equipment.

Possession of a valid Class B Commercial Driver's License or CDL Learner's Permit. Certifications/Licenses/Other Requirements for all Operators: Required to successfully pass a pre-employment background check, pre-employment drug screen (DOT), pre-employment DMV driving record review, and industry-specific post-offer physical exam. Possession of a valid appropriate driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia or ability to obtain one by employment start date and maintain an acceptable driving record in accordance with City criteria.

Required to possess a Class B Virginia Commercial Driver's license with Passenger (P) and air brake endorsement within ninety (90) days of employment start date. Must have no reckless driving or driving under the influence convictions within five years and less than two moving violations within 12 months of employment start date. Satisfactory completion of a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Clearinghouse Query may be required.

Subject to Federal DOT drug and alcohol testing regulations. Additional requirements if assigned to the Pupil Division: Required possession of a School Bus (S) endorsement within 90 days of employment start date. Required to successfully complete the Virginia Department of Education training curriculum.

Required to successfully pass the EB.001 School Bus Driver Application for Physician Certificate annually. Required to successfully pass Tuberculosis (TB) testing. May require possession of or ability to acquire CPR and First Aid certifications within three (3) months of start date

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics: Job Knowledge Thorough knowledge of traffic rules and regulations, including federal, state, and local traffic laws applicable to transit operations. General knowledge of Charlottesville's transit routes and all transit procedures to ensure efficient navigation. Familiarity with dispatch and communication procedures, including the use of two-way radios and other equipment.

Knowledge of occupational hazards, safety precautions, passenger safety protocols and emergency procedures to handle incidents such as accidents, medical emergencies, or vehicle breakdowns. Awareness of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements and proficiency in using accessibility equipment. Awareness of the use and operations of related software programs specific to the duties of the position Reading Basic: Understands the meaning of commonly used multi-syllable words and simple paragraphs.

Comprehends and applies simple written instructions, signs, and notices, as well as departmental and city policies and guidelines. Writing Basic: Ability to write simple letters, paragraphs and sentences containing subject, verb, and object, and/or a series of numbers, names and addresses in a simple report format. Math Basic: Ability to perform the four basic arithmetic operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Communication Skills Basic: Provide standard information to and interacts with others outside direct reporting relationships on procedures or general policies. Interaction requires recognizing different points of view to ensure understanding and appropriate response. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with co-workers, customers, and passengers.

Independence and Decision-Making Requires General Direction: Normally performs the job by following general instructions or established standard operating procedures and/or processes. There is some discretion when making decisions among a few easily identifiable choices of the appropriate procedure or policy to apply to duties. Technical Skills Skilled: Comprehensive, practical knowledge of a technical field with use of analytical judgment and decision-making abilities appropriate to the assigned and apparent job responsibilities.

Intermediate skill in Microsoft Office applications and/or departmental software. Fiscal Responsibilities No budgetary or fiscal responsibilities but may monitor collection of bus fares if applicable. Supervisory Responsibilities No responsibility for the supervision of others.

May provide instructions to School Bus Aide and/or others to effectively provide customer service and assist in the operations of the vehicle. Other Characteristics Time pressures. Takes responsibility for finding answers to questions and responding appropriately.

Works closely with others as part of a team. Excellent time management and customer service skills. Performs multiple tasks simultaneously.

Works under constant interruptions and requests for service. May require dealing with angry, frustrated and/or upset individuals. May work a non-traditional work schedule.

Physical Conditions & Additional Information Physical Demands: Medium Work: Exerts up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and some amount of force constantly to move objects. Work requires climbing (ascending/descending steps), lifting, balancing, bending, stooping, kneeling, crawling, crouching, pushing/pulling, reaching, grasping, and repetitive motions. Must be able to remain in a stationary position for at least fifty (50) percent of the working time.

Must be able to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations. Ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Machines, Tools, Equipment, Software and Hardware: Typically requires use of standard office equipment and telephone, and related software and hardware; and any other equipment as appropriate or as assigned. Operates large passenger bus, and/or other vehicles. Work Environment: Work is typically performed inside and around the exterior of a passenger bus and or school bus.

Work is subject to both inside and outside environmental conditions, vibrations, loud noise, atmospheric conditions, and roadway safety hazards. The position work: Near moving mechanical parts. In and around fumes, gases, dust, dirt and/or airborne particles.

In extreme temperatures and/or inadequate lighting. In or around toxic chemicals and/or blood-borne pathogens The City of Charlottesville is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports workforce diversity at all levels of the organization. The City prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

The City is dedicated to this with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs, and general treatment during employment. Requests for reasonable accommodation by individuals with disabilities may be requested by contacting Human Resources at (434) 970-3490 or hr@charlottesville.gov. The City of Charlottesville conducts job related background checks, reference checks, and pre-employment drug tests, in accordance with federal, state, and local law, of applicants who reach the final stages of the employment selection process

The City's policy has not changed because of the decriminalization of marijuana in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Marijuana remains an illegal drug under federal law, and it continues to be a violation of the US Department of Transportation regulations and the City's policy prohibiting employees from testing positive for marijuana.