Full-Time Bus Operator - $3,000 Bonus

Centre Area Transportation Authority • State College, PA

2d

About The Position

The Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA) is hiring a full-time Bus Operator to provide safe, reliable transportation in the State College area. Operators conduct pre-trip inspections, drive designated routes, transport passengers, assist passengers boarding and disembarking, maintain schedules, respond to delays and route changes, monitor traffic and road conditions, and complete paperwork such as passenger counts and incident reports. Successful completion of CDL Class B training and testing with a Passenger Endorsement is required. No CDL is required to apply; candidates can earn while they learn.

Starting pay is $23.70 per hour as a trainee. Pay is $25.18 per hour in Year One, $26.66 per hour in Year Two, and $29.62 per hour after Year Two. Candidates who start employment on or before December 7, 2026, are eligible for a $3,000 bonus: $1,500 paid on December 11, 2026, and $1,500 upon completion of training. Hours may include nights, weekends, holidays, and split shifts; 40 hours per week are not initially guaranteed.

Applicants are subject to an MVR check. Selected candidates are subject to drug and alcohol testing, a criminal background check, and a functional requirement evaluation. CATA participates in E-Verify and is an equal opportunity employer.

Requirements

• Successful completion of CDL Class B training and testing with a Passenger Endorsement.
• Strong communication skills.
• A friendly and approachable demeanor.
• Excellent driving skills and attention to detail.
• Good problem-solving abilities.
• Flexibility to work nights, weekends, holidays, and split shifts.

Responsibilities

• Conduct pre-trip inspections to ensure safety and compliance.
• Navigate designated routes and transport passengers efficiently and comfortably.
• Interact with passengers in a friendly and welcoming manner.
• Assist passengers who need help boarding or disembarking.
• Adhere to schedules and manage unexpected delays or route changes.
• Monitor traffic and road conditions to ensure passenger safety.
• Complete paperwork, including passenger counts and incident reports.

Benefits

• Paid time off, including vacation, sick, and holiday leave.
• Health insurance, including medical, dental, and vision.
• 401(a) plan.
• 457 plan.
• Roth IRA.
• Health Savings Account.
• Flexible Spending Account.
• Life insurance.
• Long-term disability coverage.
• Short-term disability coverage.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Free gym membership.
• Free transit pass.
• Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.
• $3,000 bonus for eligible candidates who start on or before December 7, 2026.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed