Paratransit Minibus Operator (Sunshine Line)

Hillsborough County•Tampa, FL

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, following prescribed routes and schedules. The role includes door-to-door customer assistance, vehicle safety inspections, wheelchair lift and securement operations, communications with Operations, trip and mileage recordkeeping, vehicle cleaning and minor preventive maintenance, and emergency assistance. Employees may also perform dispatcher, scheduler, and administrative duties and respond to emergency evacuations and other emergency assignments. The position requires a high school diploma or 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 require passing a Florida Department of Transportation physical examination and background review, maintaining 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 during the six-month probationary period; the agency may extend that training period. Work may be performed at different locations throughout the County. Flexible hours may vary with operational needs and may include evenings, weekends, nights, and holidays. The role involves regular sitting, stair climbing, walking, use of hands and fingers, reaching, and talking or hearing; it also requires lifting, pushing, and pulling up to 55 pounds, exerting up to 50 pounds of force, and working under extreme environmental and demanding physical conditions.

Requirements

High school graduation or a GED certificate.
One year of work experience transporting passengers with a transit/paratransit-type 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.
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 general policies, guidelines, and procedures for providing door-to-door service.
Skill in driving and maintaining a minibus, van, or similar vehicle; 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; read a street map and maintain records; follow oral and written instructions and departmental standards; communicate effectively orally and in writing; and work effectively with others in a diverse population.
Ability to work flexible hours that may include evenings, weekends, nights, and holidays, and to work from different locations throughout the County as needed.
Ability and willingness to work under extreme environmental and demanding physical conditions; regularly sit, climb stairs, walk various distances, use hands and fingers, reach, and talk or hear; lift, push, and pull up to 55 pounds and exert up to 50 pounds of force.
For positions requiring it: pass a Florida Department of Transportation-prescribed physical examination and a background review before employment.
Maintain a satisfactory driving record: no more than seven points charged during the prior seven years; no suspension or revocation for refusing a sobriety test or for a DUI conviction during the prior seven years; no reckless or careless driving offenses during the prior seven years; and no driver-license suspension or revocation for moving violations during the prior seven years.
For positions requiring it: pass required driver training, possess valid CPR and First Aid certifications, and conform to departmental standards within the probationary period.
Maintain the ability to pass position-required background checks, which may include criminal history screening, child abuse/abandonment/neglect checks, and sex offender and sexual predator record checks.
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 along prescribed routes and schedules.
Assist customers from the pickup location to the vehicle, including securing seatbelts, and from the vehicle to the destination door.
Inspect vehicles before operation and report mechanical malfunctions or safety issues that could prevent safe passenger transportation.
Maneuver wheelchairs, operate wheelchair lifts, and properly secure wheelchairs.
Use electronic communication devices and maintain communication with Operations.
Record passenger, trip, mileage, pickup-time, and drop-off-time 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, the County’s Office of Emergency Management, or County Administration.