Career Paths (Operator, Maintenance, etc.)

Our Bus Operators are the driving force behind our Mission: "We connect people to opportunities."  

Bus Operators do so much more than drive — they’re the reliable, friendly face for KCATA riders, ensuring reliable and on-time passenger connections. Often our operators are guides, providing trip and service information to navigate our amazing transit system and can be found assisting residents and visitors.

Through hands-on training, learn the necessary skills to drive state-of-the-art buses and vehicles, and how to provide excellent customer service. Work in a safe environment. Our high-tech buses are equipped with surveillance cameras, GPS (global positioning system) that identifies the location of buses at all times, radio communication, and other technology that ensures a comfortable and safe ride.  

DRIVER OPPORTUNITIES. Our driving force.

Bus Operators (Full and Part Time) – Large Bus
$25.71 to $32.14 per hour / $53,495 - $66.869 per year plus benefits*

Bus Operators (Full and Part Time) – Small Bus and RideKC Flex
$24.11 to $27.32 per hour / $50,152 - $56,840 per year plus benefits*

Experience not required. CDL training provided.

• We pay you to train! Employees receive paid training to obtain your Class B CDL (Commercial Driver License) @ $24.11 per hour.
• Advancement opportunities
• All local work
• No overnight travel
• Annual pay raises
• Represented by Local 1287, Amalgamated Transit Union

* Higher figure represents increases to the third year. 
**Higher figure represents increase to the second year.

* Based on eligibility. See benefits section.

Requirements

You are ready with:

• Age 21 or older
• High School Diploma or GED
• Valid Driver’s License with excellent driving record
• Ability to pass a Motor Vehicle Records search, criminal background check, Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam and drug screening (All tests conducted and paid for by KCATA as part of the application process)
• Class B CDL Permit OR Class B CDL with passenger endorsement and no airbrake restriction. We will train you on the rest of it!
• Prompt and reliable attendance
• Neat in appearance; comply with the dress code
• Respectful, customer service oriented with a positive attitude
• Open availability for flexible scheduling the first approximately two years as shift assignments and routes are based on seniority. During this time, hours and shifts will vary daily; driving assignments can vary across transit vehicles, including large bus, small bus and Flex vehicles; routes are selected quarterly, based on seniority.

What you will need to start:

• Class B CDL Permit or Class B CDL with passenger endorsement and no airbrake restriction. We will train you on the rest of it!  
• Department of Transportation (DOT) eligible: Physical Exam and Drug Screening (Paid by KCATA)
• Motor Vehicle Records search and criminal background check (Paid by KCATA)

What KCATA Operators Do and Job Rewards

• Operate and drive a transit vehicle safely, courteously, and reliably throughout Kansas City metropolitan area
• Build relationships with riders
• Make stops at designated bus stops to load and unload riders
• Navigate our amazing transit system and assist residents and tourists
• Operate on-board computer fare boxes and destination signs
• Perform pre/post trip vehicle inspections
• Communicate with Operations Command Center/Dispatch Team to identify and ensure route times and safety 

Bus operator hiring occurs in cycles as classes are scheduled. If the Open Positions do not list an opening for bus drivers, email careers@kcata.org to ask when the next opening is scheduled.

Our Fleet Maintenance and Facilities departments include Class A Mechanics (Fleet Maintenance), Class A Serviceworkers (Fleet Maintenance) and Facilities Serviceworkers plus other positions with advancement opportunities. Keeping our buses, vehicles and facilities consistently running is an important job in transporting people across the city. KCATA provides clear and consistent expectations in a supportive atmosphere surrounded by knowledgeable and experienced colleagues.

KCATA Garages are air-conditioned! Our bus barns are under cover and heated!

Mechanic & Maintenance Opportunities

Class A Mechanic Fleet Maintenance

$36.32 per hour / $75,562 per year plus benefits

Class A Serviceworker Fleet Maintenance and Facilities

$20.25 - $28.93 per hour / $42,128 - $60,182 per year plus benefits*

Facility Serviceworker

$16.20 - $23.14 per hour / $33,702 - $48,145 per year plus benefits*

• Mechanics: Experience required, see details below
• Serviceworkers: Experience not required, see details below
• Opportunity to focus on quality work, ownership and pride
• Teamwork-oriented, learning-encouraged environment
• KCATA Garages are air-conditioned, heated and covered!
• All local work / no travel required
• Advancement opportunities
• Annual pay raises
• Multiple shift opportunities
• Paid and ongoing training
• Initial probation schedule is Monday through Friday and rotates shifts (44 days). After probation, the schedule may be days, evenings or nights; any day of the week. Schedule is determined based on seniority.
• Represented by Local 1287, Amalgamated Transit Union

*Higher figure represents increases to the fourth year

Benefits are based on eligibility; see Benefits section.

Requirements

• Age 21 or older
• High School Diploma or GED
• Valid Driver’s License with excellent driving record
• Ability to pass a Motor Vehicle Records search, criminal background check, Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam and drug screening (All tests conducted and paid for by KCATA as part of the application process)
• Class A CDL Permit OR Class A CDL with passenger endorsement and no airbrake restriction. We will train you on the rest of it!
• Prompt and reliable attendance
• Will be expected to pass a knowledge test. A mechanical aptitude test for Class A Service Workers and a written test for Class A Mechanic positions.

What Kcata Mechanics and Serviceworkers Do and Requirements by Position

Class A Mechanic (Fleet Maintenance Mechanic)

What They Do

• Class A Mechanics at KCATA work on any combustion-propelled vehicles or any equipment used in maintenance and service of same, using special tools, instruments, and other machinery when required. May include inspecting, removing, repairing, replacing, testing, adjusting, diagnosing trouble, and determining serviceability of all unit's wiring, etc.

Requirements

• Class A Mechanics at KCATA require two years of experience in heavy-duty diesel, automotive equipment or aviation/marine repair and maintenance as a journey-level mechanic, with a background of actual heavy automotive work experience, or two-year college or vocational school program in diesel mechanics or related field.
• Diesel mechanics and/or journeyman mechanics experience encouraged.
• Must be able to read prints and manufacturers' data sheets and make legible reports.
• Must be able to properly operate and repair shop tools and plant equipment necessary to perform work assigned and own a complete and adequate set of hand tools suited to such work.
• See above: Age 21 or older, High School Diploma or GED, Valid Driver’s License with excellent driving record, Ability to pass a knowledge test, Class A CDL permit, DOT, vehicle and background checks.

Class A Serviceworker (Fleet Maintenance)

What They Do

• Serviceworkers (Fleet Maintenance) at KCATA perform general cleaning and stripping operations on buses, trucks, and parts, using cleaning machines, other tools, and equipment as required.
• Assist mechanics in the performance of their duties.
• Learning opportunity for advancement potential.

Requirements

• Experience preferred in the operation of cleaning equipment, hoists, electric drills, and various other hand tools to enable the candidate to do stripping and cleaning operations and assist higher rated mechanics efficiently.
• Some experience preferred in forklift, shop or tires.
• Must be able to lift and handle heavy objects.
• Must be able and willing to perform work both inside and outside of shop building.
• See above: Age 21 or older, High School Diploma or GED, Valid Driver’s License with excellent driving record, Ability to pass a knowledge test, Class A CDL permit, DOT, vehicle and background checks.

Class A Serviceworker (Facilities)

What They Do

Facilities Serviceworkers at KCATA perform general on-campus office cleaning and ground care maintenance.

Requirements

• Experience preferred in janitorial services including stripping and waxing floors and shampooing carpets.
• Must be willing to perform work both inside and outside.
• High school diploma or GED, ability to pass a knowledge test, and background check.