Flex Operator (Full-Time) - Central Ohio Transit Authority

Join the organization that received Outstanding Public Transportation System Achievement Award from the American Public Transit Association in 2018 & 2020!

Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) is central Ohio's public transportation provider, providing nearly 19 million passenger trips per year servicing Franklin County and parts of Delaware, Fairfield, Licking, and Union counties. Guided by our 2019-2024 Strategic Plan, our vision is to move every life forward. Our mission is to provide solutions that connect people to prosperity through innovation, dedication and teamwork.

Salary: $18.03 per hour

Schedule: Candidates must attend mandatory, paid, three-week training period.

• Week 1 (one) Tuesday to Friday 8AM-4PM.
• Week 2-3 schedule can vary Monday to Friday 4:55AM-9PM.
• After training, variable shifts Monday through Sunday between 4:30AM and 9:00PM.

Location: 1333 Fields Avenue, Columbus, OH

Benefits: COTA offers competitive benefits including: supplemental insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, employee discounts, employee bus pass; wellness initiatives, on-site cooking classes & chair massages, on-site Health Coaches & Dietitians, and retirement benefits through OPERS & Ohio Deferred Compensation.

Position Summary

Operates a small transit vehicle (Ford Transit 350/Cut-Away) as part of COTA Plus, an on-demand ride service managed on a mobile app. Transports customers safely, courteously, and in a timely manner while following navigation directions from GPS. Provides a reliable, welcoming ride to customers while building a stronger community.

Performs duties in alignment with the 2019-2024 COTA Strategic Plan and in support of the organization's vision To Move Every Life Forward.

Essential Job Functions

• Operating a small transit vehicle in compliance with all local, state, and federal laws while transporting customer in assigned zones;
• Safely picking up and dropping off customers traveling from work, education, recreation, COTA bus line stops, etc.;
• Manages mobile app navigational directions from GPS and manages routes;
• Safely assists passengers, utilizing wheelchairs or other mobility devices, upon entering and exiting the vehicle; operates wheelchair lift and properly secures wheelchairs, while adhering to ADA guidelines;
• Demonstrates the ability to deal with unforeseen circumstances, or delays, peacefully and professionally; uses advanced driving techniques to better improve time management and safety;
• Assure a neat appearance, professional demeanor, customer-friendly attitude and a desire to exceed expectations; and
• Ensures the vehicle is maintained in excellent condition and cleaned regularly.

At Minimum You'll Need:

• High school diploma or GED certificate and one (1) year of professional driving or customer service experience (an equivalent combination of educational achievement/coursework and relevant work experience may be considered qualifying in lieu of education and/or experience);
• Must have at least one (1) year of licensed driving experience in the United States; or at least three (3) years if under the age of 23.

COTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion are of core importance and essential to the success of the organization. All employment decisions are based on job needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status. COTA believes that diverse and inclusive organizations gain the benefits in creating a stronger and more effective workforce resulting in services that better meet the needs of consumers and in result Move Every Life Forward.