School Bus Operator ; Transit Operator

The City’s School Bus Transit Operator, assigned to CAT’s Pupil Transportation 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.

Salary: $24.15 per 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.

Additional pay:
Pupil Division Transit Operators with an “S” endorsement shall receive an additional $0.50 per hour for all hours spent operating a school bus and performing related activities in the Pupil division.

Position is part‑time (30‑39 hours per week), non‑exempt, eligible for prorated benefits. Benefits include paid holidays, paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance options with employer contribution, employer‑paid life insurance, City retirement options, gym membership reimbursement, and continuing education/training opportunities.

• Operate a transit passenger bus or school bus over designated routes and schedules, ensuring safe and timely transportation for passengers.
• Conduct pre‑ and post‑trip inspections of vehicles and related equipment, reporting defects or mechanical issues as required.
• Prepare and maintain trip records, including fares, passenger behavior, mileage, vehicle defects, and condition reports, in compliance with department requirements.
• Assist passengers with boarding and off‑loading, including wheelchair accessibility, and announce bus routes and stops.
• Monitor passenger behavior to ensure safety and maintain a safe and orderly environment aboard the bus.
• When applicable, collect fares, tickets, and passes; ensure proper handling and security of payments and passes.
• Adapt to variables such as adverse weather, traffic, construction, passenger incidents, accidents, schedule changes, and others.
• Provide accurate route and service information to passengers and the public in a courteous and professional manner.
• Communicate with other operators, supervisors, and dispatch via two‑way radio or phone to report traffic conditions, vehicle issues, or passenger concerns.
• Operate a City vehicle in the performance of the job duties.

• Follow safety instructions and attend appropriate safety training, including body fluid spill clean‑up procedures.

• Comply with all traffic laws and safety regulations, employing defensive driving techniques to minimize risks and prevent accidents.
• Report accidents or emergencies immediately and complete required reporting information, maintaining composure and ensuring passenger safety during such events.
• Coordinate fueling and basic maintenance of the bus, communicate mechanical concerns, record mileage, and ensure the vehicle is clean and safe throughout each shift in accordance with division requirements.
• Attend required meetings and training sessions as needed to maintain compliance with DOT, FTA, and Virginia State School Bus standards.
• Support 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

• Perform additional duties to support operational requirements as apparent or assigned.

• High School diploma or GED AND one year of experience performing customer service tasks.
• Three years of work experience performing customer service tasks.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the…