Paratransit Operator RTS

If you are an Internal City Employee, Retiree or Dependent/Survivor of a City Employee please apply internally via Career Icon in your Workday account.

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.

City of Gainesville RTS Paratransit Service

Minimum: $16.30
Maximum: $22.82

02/12/2026

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.

• Safely operate 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.
• Manage farebox transactions and record passenger data.
• Collect fares, check passes and identification cards to ensure validity (physical or digital).
• Act as a first‑line customer service representative by cultivating and maintaining positive customer relations with riders. Ensure a clean, safe rider environment and assist riders with boarding and discharging the vehicle.
• Perform pre‑ and post‑operation vehicle inspection and record any physical deficiencies.
• Ensure all trips follow pick‑up and drop‑off destinations exactly as stated on the scheduled work assignment.
• Contact Control Center regarding schedule deviations, run‑time changes, emergencies (medical, vehicle, accidents) and other circumstances that may affect service.
• Complete and submit daily paperwork, including written reports concerning any accident, incident or other miscellaneous reports.
• Operate disability access lifts and ramps for wheelchairs and other mobility devices, and secure all onboard devices in accordance with policy.
• Comply with all applicable Federal, State, and local safety regulations and with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines.
• Operate communications equipment in accordance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations.
• Wear and maintain prescribed uniform and present a clean, well‑groomed appearance at all times.
• Respond under emergency conditions when required.
• Attend work continuously and on a regular basis.

• May train new drivers.
• May frequently chauffeur other employees, depending upon assignment and work location.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Three (3) verifiable, consecutive years of driving experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

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

Valid State of Florida Driver License class “E” (no CDL required). Driving record must reflect a three‑year period with a maximum of four points and no more than one moving violation.

None.

• Thorough knowledge of City geography.
• Thorough knowledge of operation and use of all RTS paratransit vehicles.
• Knowledge of federal, state and local traffic regulations.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions in operation of a paratransit vehicle.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Basic arithmetic calculation skills.
• Ability to report to work punctually and adhere strictly to projected schedules.
• Effective communication skills in English.
• Maintenance of an excellent driving record.
• Ability to read and comprehend written materials in English.
• Maintenance of a professional attitude, appearance and conduct at all times.
• Ability to handle irate passengers and defuse situations.
• Careful use of RTS equipment…