PT Paratransit Operator for RTS

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Make a difference in the community you live in! As a Community Builder—an employee with the City of Gainesville— you will have a direct hand in building and improving your community and making a visible impact on the lives of your neighbors. Working for local government is more than a job, it’s a chance to contribute to community success and to help enhance the Gainesville way of life.

Department:

Salary Range Minimum:

$16.30

Salary Range Maximum:

$22.82

Closing Date:

10/12/2026

Job Details:

This is skilled work operating paratransit service vehicles in a safe, courteous and timely manner with the goal of satisfied and loyal customers of the public transit system.

Positions in this classification report to a designated supervisor and work under limited supervision. Work in this class is distinguished from other classes by its technical skills operating paratransit service vehicles.

Job Description:

SUMMARY

This is skilled work operating paratransit service vehicles in a safe, courteous and timely manner with the goal of satisfied and loyal customers of the public transit system.

Positions in this classification report to a designated supervisor and work under limited supervision. Work in this class is distinguished from other classes by its technical skills operating paratransit service vehicles.

EXAMPLES OF WORK*

*This section of the job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of duties and responsibilities of the position. The omission of a specific job function does not absolve an employee from being required to perform additional tasks incidental to or inherent in the job. Performance of lower-level duties may be required.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Safely operates all models of agency paratransit service vehicles through traffic in the service area under various environmental conditions in accordance with traffic laws and departmental regulations.

Manages farebox transactions and records passenger data.

Collects fares from passengers, checks pass, and identification cards to ensure they are valid. Passes may be both physical printed medium and digital.

Act as a first-line customer service representative by cultivating and maintaining positive customer relations with the riders. Ensure a clean, safe rider environment and assist and accommodate riders with boarding and discharging the vehicle in a safe and efficient manner. Assists passengers to and from their origin/destination.

Performs pre- and post-operation vehicle inspection. Records any physical deficiencies on required documents. Sees that all trips follow pick up and drop off destinations exactly as stated on the scheduled work assignment, without deviations unless pre-approved by dispatch.

Contacts Control Center regarding schedule deviations, running late or early for appointments, and various emergencies, such as medical emergencies, vehicle malfunctions, vehicle evacuations, vehicle accidents, etc., as well as other circumstances that may affect service, such as heavy traffic, road hazards, road obstructions, etc.

Completes and submits daily paperwork, including written reports concerning any accident, incident, and/or other miscellaneous reports to document unusual occurrences.

Operates the disability access lifts and ramps for wheelchairs, mobility devices, or upon request by any passenger. Assist wheelchair patrons on and off vehicles and secure all onboard wheelchairs or other mobility devices in accordance with department policy.

Complies with all applicable Federal, State, and local safety regulations and with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines and department rules and regulations.

Operates communications equipment in accordance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and department rules and regulations.

Wears and maintains prescribed uniform and maintains a clean, well-groomed appearance at all times.

Will be required to respond under emergency conditions.

Attends work on a continuous and regular basis.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

May train new drivers.

May frequently chauffeur other employees, depending upon assignment and work location.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily. Below are the required education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Three (3) verifiable, consecutive years of driving experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience, which provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Pre-employment medical examination required, including satisfactory drug screening.

CERTIFICATIONS OR LICENSES

Licenses

Valid State of Florida Driver License class “E” (no CDL required). Driving record shall reflect a three (3) year period with a maximum of four (4) points and no more than one (1) moving violation, including DUI, DWI, reckless driving, or license currently suspended or revoked.

Certifications

None.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Thorough knowledge of City geography.

Thorough knowledge of operation and use of all RTS paratransit vehicles.

Knowledge of Federal, State and local traffic and other regulations governing the use of passenger-carrying vehicles in the city.

Knowledge of occupational hazards involved and safety precautions necessary in operation of a paratransit vehicle.

Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

Ability to perform basic arithmetic calculations.

Ability to report to work punctually and adhere strictly to projected schedules.

Ability to work and communicate effectively in English with coworkers, management, and the general public.

Ability to maintain an excellent driving record.

Ability to read and comprehend written materials (such as, training materials, departmental rules, Division of Motor Vehicle handbook, etc.) using the English language.

Ability to maintain continuous professional attitude, appearance and conduct at all times.

Ability to verbally communicate using the English language with passengers, including irate and agitated people to defuse the situation.

Ability to maintain constant care in the use of all RTS equipment and property.

Ability to adhere to required radio courtesy and procedures.

Ability to maintain continuous awareness and concern for the safety and well-being of all passengers.

Ability to wear a paratransit operator’s uniform in accordance with RTS policy.

Ability to act calmly under stress and strain, and of not being hasty or impetuous.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must possess certain physical abilities and be able to withstand work-related environmental conditions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work will require performing tasks in and around heavy traffic.

Work will require tasks that involve walking, sitting, standing, twisting, bending, crouching, and/or kneeling and balancing while simultaneously manipulating and fastening wheelchair tie-down straps, lifting up to 20 lbs., pushing/pulling up to a maximum of 100 lbs., climbing stairs, and overhead work.

Must be physically able to safely maneuver and operate a paratransit vehicle that includes hand-eye coordination with repetitious head movements, such as turning the head left and right frequently.

Work requires normal color vision to distinguish the color and severity of many traffic control and safety devices.

Must be able to communicate orally in the English language, see physical surroundings, listen, hear others, respond, and demonstrate good communication skills.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work schedules may require weekends, late night hours, split shifts and non-consecutive days off, including having to fill