Senior Paratransit Minibus Operator

Job Overview

Performs lead worker duties such as assisting supervisors, dispatching and scheduling for lower level paratransit minibus drivers. Also performs Paratransit Minibus Operator duties. Employees in this class perform work of average difficulty requiring initiative and independent judgment under general supervision.

Salary Range

$39,312 - $70,844 

Core Competencies

• Customer Commitment - Proactively seeks to understand the needs of the customers and provide the highest standards of service.
• Dedication to Professionalism and Integrity - Demonstrates and promotes fair, honest, professional and ethical behaviors that establishes trust throughout the organization and with the public we serve.
• Organizational Excellence - Takes ownership for excellence through one's personal effectiveness and dedication to the continuous improvement of our operations.
• Success through Teamwork - Collaborates and builds partnerships through trust and the open exchange of diverse ideas and perspectives to achieve organizational goals.

Duties and Responsibilities

Note: The following duties are illustrative and not exhaustive. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Depending on assigned area of responsibility, incumbents in the position may perform one or more of the activities described below.

• Monitors field operations and assists Supervisors, Schedulers, and Dispatchers in modifying routes and schedules.
• Coordinates with Paratransit Minibus Operators, Supervisors, customers, and local agencies to ensure customers and agencies are receiving requested services.
• Performs duties as a Paratransit Minibus Operator, Scheduler, and Dispatcher as required.
• Assists and supports Paratransit Minibus Operators in dealing with vehicle, trip, and customer issues.
• Monitors the daily work of Paratransit Minibus Operators to provide input to assist supervisors in completing Minibus Operator performance evaluations.
• Responds to service‐related accidents and incidents, interviews drivers and passengers, and compiles information to assist Supervisors in completing accident reports during internal accident/incident investigations.
• Researches, compiles, and evaluates information to respond to complaints involving Paratransit Minibus Operators or Customers and recommends corrective action to resolve problems.
• Operates communications equipment and maintains communication with Operations staff and Paratransit Minibus Operators to ensure efficient daily field operations.
• Builds routes, assigns drivers and vehicles, and adjusts routes using a computer aided dispatch system as needed.
• Gathers information from Paratransit Minibus Operators, customers, and local agencies regarding passenger information and transportation requirements, route and schedule information, pick‐up and drop off times and locations, vehicle mileage and maintenance issues, and driver performance to improve the delivery of transportation services.
• Coordinates and performs daily vehicle safety inspections and minor preventive maintenance to detect and report vehicle safety issues and mechanical malfunctions.
• Assists in developing and coordinating automotive maintenance schedules and drives vehicles to Fleet for maintenance and repairs as needed to maximize vehicle availability.
• Inspects vehicles and parking areas and takes immediate corrective action when needed to ensure compliance with established safety standards and operational procedures.
• Participates in conducting training and testing programs, first aid and safety courses, and other seminars to maintain proficiency.
• Assists in conducting pre‐service, in‐service, and reinforcement training.
• Provides first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) as needed.  
• Responds to Emergency Operations Center requests to evacuate special needs citizens in the event of an emergency.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Job Specifications

• Knowledge of the functions, objectives, policies, and operational procedures of the special needs transportation program.
• Knowledge of safety requirements related to the transportation of special needs passengers.
• Knowledge of Hillsborough County roads, streets and traffic patterns.
• Some knowledge of the nature of physical disabilities and associated mobility restrictions, including special needs transportation requirements.
• Knowledge of the mechanical functions and maintenance requirements of vehicles used to transport customers with special needs.
• Ability to use computer aided dispatch and other communication systems.
• Ability to maintain work related information and prepare reports.
• Ability to safely operate and perform preventive maintenance on minibuses, vans, or similar vehicles.
• Ability to safely maneuver a wheelchair, operate a wheelchair lift, and to secure wheelchair tie downs.
• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours that may vary based on operational needs which may include evenings, weekends, nights, and holidays.
• Ability to work from different locations as needed throughout the County.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work effectively with others in a diverse population.
• Ability to operate a computer and related software.
• Ability to safely and properly operate a mini‐bus or van.
• Ability to train others.

Physical Requirements

• Regularly required to sit; use of hands and fingers, handle or feet reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
• Requires ability to lift, push, pull, a minimum 55 pounds; assist and secure wheelchair passengers and maneuver wheelchairs up to 600 pounds.
• Ability and willingness to perform physically demanding work outdoors in a sub‐tropical climate under adverse weather conditions.

Work Category

• Heavy work ‐ Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds or force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Minimum Qualifications Required

• Graduation from high school or possession of a GED certificate; AND
• One-year of work experience operating a mini‐bus or van transporting passengers in a paratransit environment that includes experience scheduling, dispatching, or performing team leader duties, OR
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that would reasonably be expected to provide the job‐related competencies noted above; AND
• Possession of a valid Florida Driver’s License

Additional Requirements for Some Positions

• Passing a Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) prescribed physical examination, a satisfactory driving record, and pass a background review prior to employment.
• Passing all required driver training and possession of a valid CPR and First‐Aid Certification; and conformance to Departmental standards within the probationary period.

Emergency Management Responsibilities

In the event of an emergency or disaster, an employee may be required to respond promptly to duties and responsibilities as assigned by the employee’s department, the County’s Office of Emergency Management, or County Administration. Such assignments may be for before, during or after the emergency/disaster.

Additional Job Requirements

A department, depending on the nature of its mission and operations, may require that employees in all or certain positions in this job classification:

1. Maintain the ability to pass the background checks required for the position. These background checks may include but are not limited to:
   1. Criminal History Background Check using Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS)
   2. Level 1 and Level 2 Background screening (Ch. 435 Florida Statutes)
   3. Child Abuse, Abandonment and Neglect Record Check using the State Automated Child Welfare Information System (SACWIS)
   4. Sex Offender and Sexual Predator record check using the list maintained by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
2. Possess the necessary job-related license(s) or certification(s) that may include possession of a Florida Driver License (Class E). 

For more information regarding background screenings, please visit https://info.flclearinghouse.com.