Paratransit Minibus Operator (Sunshine Line)

Hillsborough County Clerk of Court & Comptroller•Tampa, FL

8d•$36,732 - $47,756•Onsite

About The Position

This position operates specially equipped minibuses, vans, or similar vehicles to provide safe and efficient transportation for Transportation Disadvantaged citizens. Operators transport passengers, including people with physical or mental disabilities, to and from scheduled appointments along prescribed routes and schedules. The role includes door-to-door assistance, vehicle safety inspections, wheelchair and lift operation, trip recordkeeping, communication with Operations, vehicle cleaning and minor preventive maintenance, and emergency assistance, including evacuation support. Some dispatcher, scheduler, and administrative duties may also be required. Employees may be assigned emergency or disaster duties before, during, or after an event. The position requires high school graduation or a GED, qualifying passenger-transportation or vehicle-operation experience (or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience), and a valid Florida Driver’s License. Certain positions also require passing an FDOT physical examination and background review, having a satisfactory driving record, completing required driver training, and holding valid CPR and First Aid certifications. Employees without one year of paratransit experience must complete an extended training program within the six-month probationary period; the agency may extend the training period. The work involves flexible hours that may include evenings, weekends, nights, and holidays, and may require working at different locations throughout the County. Physical requirements include sitting, climbing stairs, walking various distances, reaching, and lifting, pushing, or pulling up to 55 pounds, as well as working under extreme environmental and demanding physical conditions. The listed starting salary is $36,732–$47,756. Benefits are referenced through an external benefits page; specific benefits are not listed in the posting.

Requirements

High school graduation or possession of a GED Certificate.
One year of work experience transporting passengers with a transit/paratransit vehicle for a transit, private-for-hire, or nonprofit organization; or two years of experience operating a van or larger vehicle for a for-hire or nonprofit organization; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Possession of a valid Florida Driver’s License.
Knowledge of assisting people with disabilities, mobility restrictions, and related transportation needs.
Knowledge of Hillsborough County roads, streets, and traffic patterns.
Knowledge of policies, guidelines, and procedures governing door-to-door service.
Driving and vehicle-maintenance skills for a minibus, van, or similar vehicle.
Skill in applying first aid and CPR, working with people with disabilities and older adults, and working with mobility devices.
Ability to safely operate and maintain a minibus, van, or similar vehicle; maneuver a wheelchair; operate a wheelchair lift; and use wheelchair tie-downs properly.
Ability to read a street map, maintain records, follow oral and written instructions, and conform to Departmental standards.
Ability to work flexible hours that may include evenings, weekends, nights, and holidays, and to work at different County locations as needed.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing and work effectively with others in a diverse population.
Regular ability to sit, climb stairs, walk various distances, use hands and fingers, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear.
Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 55 pounds and exert up to 50 pounds of force; willingness and ability to work under extreme environmental and demanding physical conditions.
For positions requiring it: pass an FDOT-prescribed physical examination and background review before employment.
For positions requiring it: maintain a satisfactory driving record, including no more than 7 points in the prior 7 years, no specified sobriety-test refusal or DUI-related suspension or revocation in the prior 7 years, no reckless or careless driving offenses in the prior 7 years, and no driver-license suspension or revocation for moving violations in the prior 7 years.
Pass required driver training, possess valid CPR and First Aid certifications, and conform to Departmental standards within the probationary period.
Employees without one year of paratransit experience must successfully complete an agency-defined extended training program within the six-month probationary period; the agency may extend the training period.
Maintain the ability to pass background checks required for the position, which may include criminal-history, Level 1 and Level 2, child-welfare-record, and sex-offender or sexual-predator screenings.
Possess job-related licenses or certifications required for the position, which may include a Florida Driver License (Class E) or applicable Commercial Driver License (CDL).

Responsibilities

Operate a specially equipped minibus, van, or similar vehicle to transport passengers, including people with physical or mental disabilities, to and from scheduled appointments on prescribed routes and schedules.
Assist customers from pickup locations to the vehicle, including securing seatbelts, and from the vehicle to the destination door.
Conduct pre-operation safety inspections and report mechanical malfunctions or safety issues that could prevent safe passenger transportation.
Maneuver wheelchairs, operate wheelchair lifts, and secure wheelchairs properly.
Use electronic communication devices and maintain communications with Operations to support efficient daily operations.
Record passenger, trip, mileage, pickup, and drop-off information using mobile data equipment or paper manifests.
Attend required training and testing programs or seminars.
Clean vehicles and perform minor preventive maintenance.
Provide first aid and CPR to customers during emergencies as necessary.
Respond to Emergency Operations Center requests to evacuate special needs citizens during emergencies.
Perform dispatcher, scheduler, and administrative duties as required.
Perform other related duties as required.
Respond to emergency or disaster assignments as directed by the department, County Office of Emergency Management, or County Administration.