Paratransit Bus Operator Full-Time (Non-CDL) 1-26 VA

Job Description

Job Description

Salary: $16-Training Pay; $17-$20 Post Training

Job Title: Paratransit Bus Operator (Non-CDL)
Location: Hapeville, GA
Employment Type: Full-Time
Department: Operations / Transportation

Position Summary
Paratransit Bus Operators are responsible for providing safe, reliable, and professional transportation services to passengers with disabilities and other eligible riders. This is a safety-sensitive role operating in a 24/7 environment. Operators must demonstrate strong defensive driving skills, professionalism, and strict adherence to safety, attendance, and compliance standards. This role is ideal for individuals who are dependable, structured, safety-focused, and able to work in a highly regulated transportation environment. Candidates seeking flexible or limited schedules should not apply.

Key Responsibilities
Safely transport passengers according to assigned routes and manifests
Provide respectful boarding, securement, and de-boarding assistance, including mobility devices (wheelchairs, walkers, etc.)
Operate vehicles in compliance with DOT, ADA, company, and traffic regulations
Complete required pre-trip and post-trip inspections and report defects immediately
Maintain communication with dispatch/control center
Accurately complete trip documentation
Respond professionally to service disruptions, delays, or passenger concerns
Maintain a clean, safe, and professional vehicle environment
Demonstrate defensive driving techniques at all times
Uphold a professional appearance and customer-focused demeanor throughout each shift

Minimum Qualifications (Non-Negotiable)
Must be at least 21 years of age
Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia drivers license
Must have been a licensed driver for a minimum of three (3) consecutive years
No drivers license suspensions or serious violations within the past three (3) years
Must pass a criminal background check, DOT physical, and drug and alcohol screening
Must be able to speak, read, and understand English proficiently
Must maintain a valid DOT medical card throughout employment

Professional Driving Experience Requirement
Must have a minimum of 23 years of verifiable professional driving experience
Experience must be in a structured work environment (paratransit, shuttle, bus, medical transport, school transportation, commercial fleet, or similar)
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft), food delivery, or app-based driving alone does not meet this requirement unless supplemented with verifiable structured driving employment
All driving experience must be verifiable through prior employers

Resume & Employment Verification Requirement
Applicants must submit a current and fully updated resume
Resume must include complete employment history with company names, position titles, and month/year dates of employment
Incomplete, outdated, or unverifiable resumes may delay or impact consideration
Compensation placement is determined based on verified experience, performance, and attendance

Availability Requirements (Critical)
Must be fully available and flexible to work ALL shifts
Start times may occur anytime between 3:00 AM and 4:00 PM
Operations run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
No fixed schedule is guaranteed
Candidates with limited availability or fixed scheduling needs should not apply

Training Commitment Requirement
New Hire Training is approximately 3 weeks and is mandatory
Full attendance during training is required
Absences during training are not permitted except for pre-approved, documented emergencies
Documentation may be required for any absence
Failure to meet training attendance standards may result in disqualification or termination

Attendance & Reliability Standards
This is a safety-sensitive role requiring consistent and dependable attendance
Operators must report to assigned shifts on time and as scheduled
Personal reasons without documentation will not be considered excused absences
Attendance patterns that negatively impact operations may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination

Compensation
Training Pay: $16.00 per hour
Post-Training Pay: $17.00 $20.00 per hour based on verified professional driving experience, performance, and attendance

Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Paid Time Off (after one year of employment)

Important Candidate Notice
This position requires strict adherence to safety, attendance, and compliance standards. Applicants unable to meet licensing, screening, availability, or training requirements will not be eligible for employment.