Join our team as a driver.
160
student positions
45
promoted positions
130,000 +
annual student labor hours
About CAMBUS
CAMBUS has been student-operated since 1972. From six buses and three routes in 1972, to 32 buses and 14 routes today, student employees have been the cornerstone of building CAMBUS to the transit system it is today.
Use this page to learn more about the student positions available and how they make an impact.
Not sure where to start? We offer two different starting driver positions. Use the chart to the right to see what one is right for you.
Jump to:
Differences between driver positions
| Transit Coach operator | demand-response driver | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of positions available | 130 | 10 |
| CDL required? | Yes - we provide all training needed | No CDL required |
| Starting pay | $17.50/hour + raises every 6 months | $15/hour + raises every 6 months |
| Length of hiring process | About 2 weeks | About 1 week |
| Length of training process | About 6-8 weeks (paid) | About 2-3 weeks (paid) |
Step 1: Apply
Submit your application online. Our student hiring team will get back to you via email within a few days with any questions or to schedule an interview.
Step 2: Interview
Interviews take place a the West Campus Transportation Center, near Kinnick Stadium. You'll be interviewed by a student on our hiring team, or one of our full-time trainers - all who started at CAMBUS as student drivers. This is a good opportunity to learn more about the position and ask questions.
Step 3: Complete pre-orientation steps
You'll hear back from your interview within 48 hours. After being extended a job offer, you'll have a few steps to complete before attending an orientation. Our team will help you along the way!
Transit coach operators only: will need to get their Commercial Drivers Learner's Permit (CDLP).
Step 4: Attend orientation and start training
At orientation, the student personnel supervisor will take you through everything you need to know about working at CAMBUS.
During training, you'll complete classroom and 1:1 driving sessions with our trainers. All of the training is paid. Transit coach operators begin earning incentive payments here.
Step 5: Complete the training program
You'll learn from our team of student trainers and full-time training staff. You'll also spend time driving our routes with other student drivers.
Transit coach operators earn their Class B CDL and additional incentives throughout this period.
Darshaun Smith, dispatch supervisor
"CAMBUS has given me a third degree in collaboration, teamwork, independent problem-solving, management, and community building. The best part of working at CAMBUS has been the people made this a workplace to remember."
CAMBUS Positions
STARTING OPPORTUNITIES
Transit Coach Operator
Provides safe, reliable, and friendly transit services to university students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Drivers operate 30’ and 40’ transit buses. CAMBUS provides paid training to obtain your Class B Commercial Driver’s License. Qualifications: must be a UI student, be at least 18 years old, and are subject to a background check, including driving record.
Demand-Response Driver
Provides safe, reliable, and friendly bionic bus service to persons with a disability. Transports eligible riders door-to-door on a pre-scheduled or call-in basis. Bionic drivers serve an essential role to increasing campus accessibility. Demand-response drivers are not required to have a CDL.
PROMOTION OPPORTUNITIES
At CAMBUS, many drivers are promoted to support positions. Support positions take on extra responsibility in operating the transit system and make many of the key day-to-day service decisions. Student in support positions gain valuable real-world experience in operations, project management, and leadership.
Employees are generally eligible for promotion after 6 months’ CAMBUS experience.
Dispatcher
Monitors and supervises the operation of the fixed-route and paratransit services. Responsible for ensuring transit services are safe, reliable, and timely. Responds to issues that arise during operations, including service disruptions or mechanical issues.
Transit Operator Trainer
Provides new driver training, including classroom and behind-the-wheel training. Assists new drivers in obtaining their Class B Commercial Drivers License. Performs driving and safety checks throughout the CAMBUS system.
Maintenance Assistant
Assists the full-time technicians in the maintenance of the CAMBUS fleet by performing or supervising activities related to fueling, cleaning, inspection, and minor repairs and preventative maintenance. Responds to in-service vehicle problems.
Office Assistants
Assists in performing duties related to employee forms, files, records, and time records. Completes data entry and other related tasks. Assists in hiring and onboarding of new student employees.
Supervisors - Dispatch, Bionic, Maintenance, Personnel, Scheduling, Training and Safety
CAMBUS has 6 department supervisors – all positions held by students. Each position manages their specific areas and functions as a member of the management team. Supervisor positions also directly supervise all CAMBUS student employees.
Alison Shoppa, dispatcher
"Providing a service the community relies on has been very rewarding. I've realized that there are many critical jobs that need to happen for the world to function."
Heelah Nadler, student mechanic
"CAMBUS was my greatest college decision. It provided me with leadership experience and I met all my best friends at CAMBUS."
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.
submit your application
Need More Information?
For any other questions or concerns, feel free to contact us! Call (319) 335-8633 or email CAMBUS for more information.