General Summary:
Under the direction of the Operations Manager, this part-time driver is responsible for operating a Call-A-Bus (Cutaway Minibus) on varied assignments and maintaining a time schedule. Strong customer service skills are necessary and an appreciation for working with people with disabilities is essential. Providing safe, convenient transportation options to a diverse community is the mission of the City of Columbus Transit department. This position also includes office work: answering and fielding incoming phone lines. Scheduling and dispatching for both regular Fixed Route and Call-a-Bus services. This position does not require a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL); it does require a For-Hire Endorsement from the State of Indiana (formerly called a Chauffeur’s license). For information regarding obtaining this endorsement, see link below. Must have excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work well in a team environment and with a diversity of riders.
Specific Duties:
- Operates a specially equipped minibus, van or similar vehicle to transport passengers, including those with physical or mental disabilities to and from scheduled appointments by following a varied route and schedule.
- Assists passengers from the pick-up location curb to the vehicle, assisting with seatbelt securement, and from the vehicle to the destination curb.
- Operates wheelchair lifts and/or ramps; maneuvers and properly secures those who use wheelchairs.
- Performs safety inspections on vehicles before operating to detect and report any mechanical malfunctions or safety issues that would prevent the safe transportation of passengers.
- Cleans, fuels, and washes the vehicle, with power washer requiring bending, reaching over head, pushing and pulling.
- Operates electronic communication devices to record data and maintains communications with Operations Dispatch to ensure efficient daily operations.
- Independent judgment is required based on established policies and procedures.
- Boarding/disembarking the transit vehicle requires the ability to climb stairs. Successful operation of ADA accessible equipment should be considered essential to the position.
- Attends training and testing programs or seminars as required.
- Serves as a scheduler and dispatcher for the Transit office for both Fixed Route and Call-A-Bus services.
- Answers phone calls regarding scheduling and general route questions, as well as screening and directing calls to appropriate individuals and recording messages.
- Performs a variety of clerical tasks such as keyboarding, arranging and maintain the filing system, operating office machines, two-way radio, computer, and collection and assembling information.
- Competency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, well as the ability to learn and master new software programs including dispatch software.
- Performs other administrative tasks assigned by the Operations Manager.
- Perform all other duties as assigned.
Job Qualification:
- High School Diploma or GED preferred.
- General knowledge of electronic tablet usage.
- Possess a valid For Hire Driver’s License with a Passenger Endorsement (or within 2 weeks of hire), with clear driving record required. Willing to consider excellent drivers without the For-Hire Endorsement if it is obtained within two weeks’ of hire. For information about this endorsement, see: https://www.in.gov/bmv/licenses-permits-ids/learners-permits-and-drivers-licenses-overview/drivers-license/for-hire-endorsement
- Must have knowledge of Columbus Indiana city streets to efficiently maneuver paratransit service with changing assignments and routes.
- Ability and knowledge of providing assistance for people with disabilities, mobility restrictions, and other related transportation needs preferred.
- Knowledge of: traffic laws, regulations and procedures (including the rules of the road, right of way, etc.); departmental rules and regulations; how to safely operate various transit vehicles.
- Skilled in: safely driving various transit vehicles in heavy traffic and under various environmental conditions (such as rain, darkness, snow, and fog); using mirrors to view objects behind and to the sides of the driver.
- Ability to work in harmony with public, other employees and supervisors.
Working Conditions:
- Safe operation of a transit minibus requires sustained sitting, driving, pushing/pulling, (steering wheel and various controls), repetitive motion, use of both hands, fine finger manipulation, wrist movement, and lifting up to 30 pounds.
- Substantial amount of physical effort required such as pulling, pushing, bending, reaching, squatting, operating all wheelchair lifts and/or securing wheelchairs and scooters.
- Availability to cover unexpected shift assignments, including same-day notifications for shifts; holidays and Saturdays as needed.
- The ability to work overtime and shifts over (8) hours to meet services hours in Transit Operations required.
- The ability to drive safely in all weather conditions.
- The ability to sit or stand for prolonged periods of time.
- Frequent exposure to grease, dirt and dust, etc.
Full and Part-time Transit employees in safety sensitive positions are subject to post-offer drug/alcohol testing, criminal conviction background and driving background check as well as a Fit for Duty screening or Post-Offer Employment Testing (POET) prior to hiring.
As required by FTA, all Safety Sensitive Employees are subject to random drug/alcohol testing, post-accident drug/alcohol testing, and reasonable suspicion drug/alcohol testing. All transit employees are considered safety-sensitive even if they do not possess a CDL. A CDL is not required for some positions, however, employees are subject to the same testing.
Must reside in Bartholomew County or adjoining county within six (6) months of employment.
This description is intended to describe the type and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this job. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required by a person and employees at the city may be given other assignments at will.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
M/F/D/V
*all potential applicants are encouraged to apply, and if you need accommodation or help applying online, please call 812.376.2570 to make an appointment or email [email protected]
Position Description APPROVED 6 15 2026
Pay: $19.00 - $23.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
