JOB TITLE: Bus Operator
DEPARTMENT: Operations
REPORTS TO: Operations Supervisors
SALARY: $20.74 hourly
CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt
SCHEDULE: Varies
DATE POSTED: 11/03/2026
Applicants must currently hold, or be able to obtain prior to their start date, a valid Tennessee Class B Commercial Driver License (CDL) with Passenger Endorsement.
Applicants are encouraged to apply by 12/02/2026. Applications received after this date may not be considered.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Bus Operator is responsible for operating KAT vehicles to provide safe, reliable, and courteous public transportation services. This role ensures compliance with all State of Tennessee traffic laws and KAT policies while driving in diverse weather and traffic conditions. Operators serve as the face of KAT, always delivering exceptional customer service and prioritizing passenger safety.
VETERAN COMMITMENT STATEMENT:
We proudly hire Veterans and value the dedication, discipline, and leadership they bring to our workforce. We encourage Veterans and transitioning service members to apply and are committed to supporting their continued career growth in the civilian workforce.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Bus Operations
• Follow a route and schedule.
• Pick up and drop off passengers at designated stops.
• Help passengers board and exit the bus, especially those with disabilities.
• Obey traffic laws and transit regulations.
• Follow procedures to keep passengers safe.
• Provide excellent customer service.
• Adhere to company policy and ADA laws.
• Report to duty at designated times or as assigned, well groomed, in full regulation uniform, and in possession of all necessary equipment.
• Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections of the assigned vehicle and report any defects.
• Follow both written and oral instructions and operate vehicle in accordance with printed schedules.
• Have full knowledge of routes, schedules, fares, and provide information to passengers in a courteous and professional manner upon request.
• Properly operate vehicle over assigned route, following a time schedule.
• Use correct safety procedures to operate lift and secure passengers in wheelchairs and other assistive devices when assisting passengers with disabilities. Must also be sensitive to their needs.
• Collect proper fare and record transfers.
• Operate two-way radio system in accordance with KAT policy.
• Submit written reports on accidents and unusual occurrences, as required.
• Make announcements, as required by the ADA, upon approaching designated intersections.
• Always be and outstanding representative of the Company and the City of Knoxville.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education
• High school diploma or equivalent.
Experience
• Must be a minimum age of 21 years.
• Must currently hold, or be able to obtain prior to their start date, a valid Tennessee Class B Commercial Driver License (CDL) with Passenger Endorsement.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
• A good knowledge of the street and highway systems of Metropolitan Knoxville.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide, tell time, and read a map.
• Must be able to communicate with passengers and write reports of activities in English.
• Must be able to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Knowledge or Federal Transit Administration (FTA) rules, regulations, and guidelines.
• Knowledge of metropolitan Knoxville Street systems, peak traffic times and locations, and the effects of weather on street conditions.
• Knowledge of the State of Tennessee Motor Vehicle Code and City of Knoxville ordinances and regulations related to motor traffic control.
SAFETY-SENSITIVE POSITION:
• This position is designated as safety-sensitive and is subject to KAT’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Program in accordance with applicable federal regulations.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The ability to sit in a transit vehicle for up to ten hours; use legs to apply pressure for braking transit vehicles.
• Use arms, wrists, and hands to turn the steering wheel of the transit vehicle and to adjust all vehicle mirrors to gain necessary line of vision to maneuver vehicle safely.
• Maneuver approximately 350 pounds (passenger in wheelchair).
• Maintain full and complete use of all limbs to operate vehicle controls.
• Maintain full and complete use of all limbs to operate vehicle controls.
• Reach, climb, stand, walk, bend, stoop, crouch, and kneel to inspect vehicle or assist passengers; push, pull, or maneuver passenger mobility devices.
• Lift up to approximately 30 pounds.
• Maintain distance vision acuity of at least 20/40 (Snellen) in each eye without corrective lenses or visual acuity corrected to 20/40 (Snellen) with or without corrective lenses; maintain field of vision of at least 70 degrees in the horizontal meridian in each eye, and recognize the colors of traffic signals and devices showing standard red, green, and amber; hear unimpaired or correctable to minimum requirements of Section 391.41 CDL Physical Standards; meet all other minimum requirements of Section 391.41 CDL Physical Standards.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
• Responsibilities are carried out in a multi-passenger transit vehicle and require safely operating and navigating through a range of weather conditions.
• The employee is exposed to noise, fumes or airborne particles, vibration, contagious or infectious diseases, and occasionally to inclement weather.
• Employees engage with a diverse cross-section of the general public and may encounter a variety of environmental and situational factors during interactions.
• The employee may occasionally experience workplace pressure.
BENEFITS:
We offer a supportive benefits package to promote employee well-being and work-life balance, including:
• 403(b) retirement with competitive employer match
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid holidays
• Paid personal days
• Paid sick leave
• Paid vacation time
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
