Paratransit Van Operator at Hillsborough Transit Authority (HART)

Job Title: Paratransit Van Operator (Part-Time)

Division: Operations

Closing Date: September 19, 2025

Location: 4305 East 21^st Ave., Tampa, FL

Hourly Pay Rate: $21.00 (per union contract)

POSITION PURPOSE:

This position provides safe and timely operation of HART paratransit vans.  HART Paratransit Van Operators observe all state and local traffic laws and all safety rules and adheres to time schedules. Paratransit Van Operators provide courteous service and excellent customer service. This position reports to Dispatch.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Transports persons with disabilities within the times designated on manifest.
• Picks up and drops off passengers to their destinations safely and on time.
• Operates special needs equipment as requested and/or required.
• Operates various types of Paratransit vehicles utilizing defensive driving techniques according to guidelines established by the authority.
• Answers passengers’ questions relative to HARTPlus service and fares utilizing various modes of communication such as face-to-face interchanges or brochures.
• Develops HART ridership by exhibiting courteous behavior and adhering to the manifest.
• Collects and accounts for customer fares.
• Reports to Dispatch and picks up pre-departure slips, manifest sheets, vehicle assignment, and other related materials.
• Starts vehicle, checks and adjusts equipment, inspects vehicle for unreported damage; performs pre-departure inspection as required by the Federal Department of Transportation (DOT).
• Communicates to Dispatch customer no-shows and operational issues.
• Prepares factual and concise accident and incident reports and submits same to Dispatch as required.
• Reports mechanical defects, road hazards, vehicle or equipment malfunctions, and other service-related concerns per the Authority’s policies and procedures.
• Conducts special surveys, passenger counts and distributes company information as needed.
• Operates all various types of wheelchair lifts and securement systems.
• Operates service for HARTFlex routes as needed.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:

• Performs other work-related duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience: 

• High School graduate or G.E.D. certificate, preferred.
• One year of experience operating an eight-passenger van, preferred.
• Must be a minimum of eighteen (18) years of age.

Machines, Tools, & Equipment Used:

• Transit vans, two-way radios and telephone, wheelchair lifts and securement systems.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Florida Driver’s License (Class E)

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Defensive driving techniques.
• Rules, regulations, procedures and policies of the Authority.
• Geographical area of county and city.
• HART schedules and routes.
• Americans with Disabilities Act regulations.
• Ability to effectively communicate with customers face-to-face or via PA system.
• Ability to operate all Authority Paratransit vans.
• Ability to comprehend local geography.
• Ability to drive in daylight and darkness.
• Excellent verbal and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under stress and interruptions
• Ability to interact positively with a variety of personalities and disabilities internally and externally.
• Ability to maintain records and prepare reports.
• Ability to follow written instructions.
• Ability to perform calculations with accuracy.
• Ability to withstand harsh criticism and hostility under pressure and perform in a courteous manner.
• Ability to meet attendance and punctuality requirements.
• Ability to be a flexible, effective team player.
• Ability to transport companion animals, as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Physical Demands/Work Environment:

• Constant periods of sitting and driving transit vans.
• Constant periods of hearing, near and far visual acuity, and depth perception.
• Constant periods of bending, kneeling and stretching.
• Constant periods of exposure to extreme heat and cold.
• Frequent periods of oral communication and listening.
• Frequent periods of exposure to daylight and darkness.
• Constant exposure to noise and fumes.
• Subject to all weather conditions.