Bus Operator – Calling All Early Birds & Night Owls

Are you the early bird who likes to get to work and have your afternoon and evening as personal time? We have shifts for you!

Are you a night owl who prefers to work late? We have shifts for you!

Our core times are 4 AM-1 PM and 2 PM-11 PM. Actual schedules will vary.

“US News & World Report: Sarasota is No. 1 in Florida and No. 18 in the country for best place to live.”

We need YOU  to help create wonderful experiences for residents and vacationing guests navigating Sarasota!

• Welcome and interact with riders.

• Focus on the safety of our guests as they travel throughout our beautiful County.

• Be “in the know” with other routes and schedules. 

• Enjoy being “outside” with the comfort of air-conditioning on all buses.

• Join a dedicated high-performing team of County professionals.

• Enjoy great benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Florida Retirement System (FRS) and many, many more!

• Award-winning wellness program including free gyms and classes at multiple Sarasota County Government locations. 

Click Here to View Our Benefits Guide 

Drivers hired for these positions will have six (6) weeks paid training period during which time they are scheduled for 40 hours per week.   

Preferred Qualifications:

• Florida Commercial Driver's License (CDL), Class "B" with passenger and air-brake endorsement or a Florida Driver's License
• Mass Transit Experience

Minimum Qualifications:   A High School Diploma or its equivalent and possession of a valid Florida Driver's License.  All persons appointed to a position in this class must obtain a valid Florida Commercial Driver's License (CDL), Class "B" with passenger and air-brake endorsement within six (6) weeks of employment and must maintain such a license and endorsement in order to remain employed in this class.  

Is a Commercial Driver License Required to Apply?

A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is not necessary to be considered for the Bus Driver role, although candidates must obtain/possess a valid Florida Driver's License to begin the CDL process. The new hire will receive paid training to obtain their CDL and the cost of the CDL will be covered by the County. You must obtain your Florida Commercial Driver's License (CDL), Class "B" with passenger and air-brake permit before your first day.

Pay: All Sarasota County Bus Operators are represented by the Amalgamated Transit Union. It is your decision if you would like to be a dues-paying member. All Sarasota County Bus Operators begin in Step 1 at $13.50/hour.

Duties:

• Safely operates bus and transports passengers.
• Collects and accounts for fares, gives transfers and provides information and directions to passengers.
• Controls access to vehicle and denies entry to persons presenting a danger to others or who will not provide an acceptable transfer or fare payment.
• Provides effective passenger relations while maintaining a safe and orderly vehicle.
• Reports accidents; maintains records.
• Inspects bus and ensures vehicle is in safe and proper mechanical condition.
• Operates radio to coordinate with other operators, report problems and delays.

Work Schedule:  Must be able to work flexible hours/days.  Hours of service can be any combination of 4:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday with some Sunday work.  Punctuality and flexibility are required. 

Physical Demands:  May regularly lift/move up 50 pounds.

Special Note:  This position works where children regularly congregate and in accordance with Florida Statues applicants must pass criminal sexual predator and sexual offender background check. Successful applicants will also be subject to local/state and FBI background checks (including fingerprinting).

This position is subject to passing a pre-employment substance screening.  An applicant who fails to pass a required drug screening test shall be disqualified from employment in any class for a period of five years.

If you’re ready to join a fun, fast-paced team

to make Sarasota the premier community to live, work and play, apply now!

Sarasota County Government is committed to wellness and successful applicants must be tobacco free for twelve months preceding date of application.

Drug Free Work Environment             EOE/AA/ADA