Transit Coach Operator
Transit coach operators provide fixed-route transit services throughout campus with full-size buses. CAMBUS provides paid training to earn your Commercial Driver's License.
Demand-Response Driver
Demand-response drivers provide Bionic and On-Demand services in mini-buses that do not require a Commercial Driver's License.
Stuck between the two? Which position is right for you?
Learn more about each driving position, its requirements, and the training programs.
BENEFITS OF CAMBUS STUDENT POSITIONS
![icon of piggy bank](/sites/transportation.uiowa.edu/files/styles/square__1024_x_1024/public/2022-03/piggy-bank.png?h=857e9c20&itok=gQv1tV3W)
$17.50/hour starting pay
for bus operators. $15/hour for demand-response drivers. Both positions earn raises every 6 months.
![calendar icon](/sites/transportation.uiowa.edu/files/styles/square__1024_x_1024/public/2021-05/calendar.png?h=857e9c20&itok=rzLgYZ38)
Flexible schedules
easily balance work and school with shifts between 4 a.m. - 1 a.m. You write your own schedule!
![icon of figure standing in front of board](/sites/transportation.uiowa.edu/files/styles/square__1024_x_1024/public/2022-03/presentation.png?h=857e9c20&itok=sQZt2Owk)
Paid training
at your own pace - including getting your CDL for transit coach operators!
![icon of two hands](/sites/transportation.uiowa.edu/files/styles/square__1024_x_1024/public/2022-03/friendship.png?h=857e9c20&itok=h1It5tOf)
Experience that stands out
build skills in teamwork, communication, and leadership.
join our team today!
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
Read why students love working for CAMBUS
![Cameron poses in a bus](/sites/transportation.uiowa.edu/files/styles/square__1024_x_1024/public/2023-10/web%20testimonial_C%20Greeno%20crop.png?h=8b7576fc&itok=vdztilK_)
Cameron G., student mechanic
Working for CAMBUS has given me a sense of community and an opportunity to feel fulfilled by contributing to a great organization. The teamwork and leadership skills I’ve gained will benefit me in the future!”
![Rose poses outside](/sites/transportation.uiowa.edu/files/styles/square__1024_x_1024/public/2023-10/web%20testimonial_R%20Arrigoni%20crop.png?h=8b7576fc&itok=9n89F2q0)
Rose A., bus operator
“Working at CAMBUS has helped me find work that I really love: hands-on work that positively contributes to a community. I love getting to know the faces that ride my bus every day and know they appreciate my efforts.”
![Aurora poses in a cap and gown in the drivers seat of a bus](/sites/transportation.uiowa.edu/files/styles/square__1024_x_1024/public/2023-10/web%20testimonial_A%20Navarro%20crop.png?h=8b7576fc&itok=MYQqp9Uv)
Aurora N., transit operator trainer
“Some of the most meaningful connections I’ve ever had, both professionally and personally, are from working at CAMBUS. I also get to provide an important service to the community and work a job I truly love.”
![Ben poses with a cap and gown in the entry way of a bus](/sites/transportation.uiowa.edu/files/styles/square__1024_x_1024/public/2023-10/web%20testimonial_B%20Koch%20crop.png?h=8b7576fc&itok=y7VMK9zD)
Ben K., bus operator
“CAMBUS has created countless memories, introduced me to forever friend, and unveiled life-changing opportunities I truly think I’d only have gotten to experience while driving in circles around campus.”
![Bri poses for a photo](/sites/transportation.uiowa.edu/files/styles/square__1024_x_1024/public/2023-10/web%20testimonial_B%20Vogel%20crop.png?h=8b7576fc&itok=z_vfvE2V)
Bri V., personnel supervisor
“I’ve been able to develop leadership skills, meet tons of new people, and learn all about public transportation. CAMBUS helped me feel like I had a place at Iowa, and I’m giving back to our community through my work”
![Janelle poses for a photo in front of the old capitol building](/sites/transportation.uiowa.edu/files/styles/square__1024_x_1024/public/2023-10/web%20testimonial_J%20Hill%20crop.png?h=8b7576fc&itok=jBtj2Wj0)
Janelle H., scheduling assistant
“Working at CAMBUS has contributed to my success as a student. It has provided me opportunities to grow and develop important skills I’ll use in the real world.”
“At CAMBUS, I learned how to communicate effectively, problem-solve, lead, and help make community-oriented decisions. I also made long-lasting connections with people who made college a more fun and easy experience.”
- Michaela D., bus operator
“Deciding to work for CAMBUS my freshman year was the best decision I made in college. I’ve made life-long friends and memories and had numerous career opportunities available thank to my time at CAMBUS.”
- Mason Z., student mechanic
“My favorite part of CAMBUS has been my co-workers and the positive energy we bring each other. This job also built my confidence in being able to stay calm under high pressure situations.”
- Jocelynn T., dispatcher
"Working at CAMBUS will change your life. I met my closest friends, discovered my passions, and learned more than any class could ever teach me."
- Bryan M., dispatch and bionic supervisor
“Deciding to work at CAMBUS has been one of the highlights of my time at Iowa. It’s brought a great community of friends and coworkers, and helped me grow in leadership, time management, and my confidence.”
- Grace E., dispatcher
"Working for CAMBUS sometimes doesn't even feel like a job - you work with great people and it has an extremely enjoyable atmosphere, plus all the flexibility you need as a student."
- Olivia G., driver
Apply today
Applying to CAMBUS is easy. Follow one of the two steps below to submit your application.
- Utilize any of the "Apply Today" buttons on this page to access the online application.
- A downloadable PDF application is available. Simply print, fill out, and drop off at West Campus Transportation Center. To request a PDF application, please contact us at cambus-transit@uiowa.edu.
Applicant information
All applicants are subject to a driving record check. CAMBUS participates in federally mandated drug and alcohol screening.