Bus Driver - New Drivers: $22.40 + Paid Training - Experienced Drivers: Up to $23.90

Sarasota County Government

12d•$22 - $24

About The Position

Breeze Transit is hiring bus drivers to serve adult residents and visitors in Sarasota County. Drivers provide customer service while operating air-conditioned transit buses and helping passengers navigate county routes and schedules. The role is part of the transition to the Breeze Transit brand, which emphasizes intuitive access, clean facilities, reliable vehicles, and friendly, professional staff. New drivers start at $22.40 per hour and receive six weeks of paid on-site and in-route training. The employer reimburses the cost of the CDL permit and license with passenger and air-brake endorsements. Experienced transit drivers may earn up to $23.90 per hour, based on relevant transit driving experience. This is a stable, full-time, year-round position with consistent schedules established for each bid period. Once assigned, a schedule will consist of all mornings or all afternoons. Drivers must be able to work flexible hours and days, with shifts potentially falling between 4:00 AM and 11:30 PM, seven days a week. Overtime options are available. Benefits begin within 60 days of hire. The position may require lifting or moving up to 50 pounds. Applicants must pass a pre-employment substance screening; an applicant who fails a required drug test is disqualified from employment for five years.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Valid Florida Driver's License at the time of hire.
Ability to obtain a Florida Commercial Driver's License, Class B, with passenger and air-brake endorsements within 90 days.
Ability to work flexible hours and days, including any combination of hours between 4:00 AM and 11:30 PM, seven days a week.
Pass a pre-employment substance screening.
May at times need to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Relevant transit driving experience; pay for experienced drivers may be up to $23.90 per hour.

Responsibilities

Drive transit buses to serve adult residents and vacationing guests in Sarasota County.
Provide customer service and share knowledge of alternate routes and schedules throughout the county.
Maintain the friendly and professional service associated with the Breeze Transit brand.

Benefits

Six weeks of paid on-site and in-route training for new drivers.
Reimbursement for CDL permit and CDL license costs, including passenger and air-brake endorsements.
Health insurance.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
Life insurance.
Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
Flexible Spending Accounts.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Florida Retirement System (FRS).
Wellness program with free gyms and classes at multiple Sarasota County Government locations.
11 paid holidays.
3 personal days.
16 paid vacation days in the first year of full-time employment, with increasing accrual rates based on years of service.
Overtime options.
Benefits start within 60 days of hire.