Job Description

OPERATIONS

Paratransit Van Operator

HARTPlus Career Opportunity

Starting pay

$22.72 per hour per union contract

Training class

Monday, November 9, 2026

Wage progression

Up to $32.46 per hour at 61 to 72 months

Location

4305 East 21st Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33605

Closing date

Until filled

Position

Union represented with benefits and no CDL required

A Driving Career With Purpose

HART is recruiting safe, dependable and service-minded drivers to provide reliable transportation for people with disabilities who use HARTPlus to reach essential destinations. Experience with Uber or Lyft, passenger transportation, shuttle or van service, delivery, senior transportation, non-emergency medical transportation, or customer service can transfer well to this role. A commercial driver's license is not required; applicants must possess a valid Florida Class E driver's license and meet HART's established driving and employment requirements.

Your Pay Progression

The contractual wage progression for Bus Operators, Paratransit Van Operators and Motormen effective October 1, 2026, is shown below.

Months of service

Hourly rate

0 to 12 months

$22.72

13 to 24 months

$24.02

25 to 36 months

$25.64

37 to 48 months

$27.59

49 to 60 months

$29.86

61 to 72 months

$32.46

Wage progression and other employment conditions are governed by the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

Why Choose HART

Eligible employees have access to a comprehensive employment package that may include:

• Stable employment with a public transit agency and contractual wage progression.
• Medical, dental and vision plan options.
• Participation in the Florida Retirement System and an optional 457(b) plan with a company match of up to 4 percent for ATU employees.
• Starting annual accrual of 104 vacation hours and 78 sick leave hours, plus up to 12 Board-approved holidays, including two floating holidays.
• Tuition reimbursement of up to $5,250 per year; company-paid life, accidental death and dismemberment, and long-term disability insurance; free HART transportation; uniform allowance; and training and career-growth opportunities.

Eligibility, coverage, accruals and other benefit provisions are governed by the applicable collective bargaining agreement, official plan documents and HART policies.

What You Will Do

• Transport passengers with disabilities safely, courteously and within the scheduled times shown on the daily manifest.
• Pick up and drop off customers at designated locations while providing professional and respectful service.
• Operate HART paratransit vehicles using defensive-driving practices and established safety procedures.
• Operate wheelchair lifts, ramps and securement systems safely and correctly.
• Assist customers with boarding and exiting the vehicle in accordance with HART procedures.
• Accommodate customers traveling with service animals as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Answer questions about HARTPlus services, fares and general service information.
• Collect and account for customer fares.
• Obtain vehicle assignments, manifests and other required materials from Dispatch.
• Complete required pre-trip vehicle and equipment inspections before entering service.
• Inspect assigned vehicles for unreported damage or safety concerns.
• Communicate customer no-shows, delays, service interruptions and operational concerns to Dispatch.
• Report mechanical defects, road hazards, equipment malfunctions and other safety or service concerns.
• Prepare accurate, factual and concise accident and incident reports.
• Participate in passenger counts, surveys and the distribution of HART information when assigned.
• Operate HARTFlex service when needed and perform other work-related duties as assigned.

What Success Looks Like

• Safety first. You place passenger and public safety at the center of every decision.
• You report to work consistently and on time and follow manifests, procedures and Dispatch instructions.
• Respectful service. You treat every customer with dignity, patience and professionalism.
• You remain calm during difficult interactions, traffic delays and unexpected service conditions.
• Clear communication. You communicate effectively with customers, Dispatch, supervisors and coworkers.
• You operate accessibility equipment correctly and accurately document fares, inspections, incidents and service concerns.

What You Bring

Required

• At least 18 years of age.
• A valid Florida Class E driver's license.
• Ability to meet HART's established driving-record and insurability requirements.
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to communicate professionally with customers, Dispatch, supervisors and coworkers.
• Ability to maintain required records, prepare accurate reports and perform basic calculations.
• Ability to remain courteous and composed while working under pressure or experiencing interruptions.
• Ability to interact respectfully with people with a wide range of disabilities, backgrounds and communication needs.
• Ability to meet HART's attendance and punctuality requirements and work as a flexible, dependable team member.

Preferred

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least one year of experience operating an eight-passenger van or similar vehicle.
• Experience in rideshare, paratransit, non-emergency medical transportation, senior transportation, shuttle service, passenger transportation, delivery or customer service.
• Familiarity with streets, communities and major destinations throughout Hillsborough County and the City of Tampa.
• Knowledge of defensive-driving practices.

Schedule Expectations

HART provides transportation services throughout the week. Assigned schedules may include early mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays based on operational requirements. Operators must report at their assigned time and remain flexible when service conditions or assignments change. Shift assignments and other working conditions are governed by operational needs and the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

This position requires the ability to:

• Sit and operate a paratransit vehicle for extended periods.
• Frequently communicate and listen to customers and Dispatch.
• Bend, kneel, reach and stretch while inspecting vehicles or operating accessibility equipment.
• Safely operate wheelchair lifts, ramps and passenger-securement systems.
• Maintain the visual and hearing ability necessary to operate a passenger vehicle safely.
• Drive during daylight and nighttime hours.
• Work in changing weather conditions, including heat, cold and rain.
• Work around vehicle noise, traffic, exhaust fumes and other conditions associated with passenger-transportation operations.

Reasonable accommodations may be available to qualified individuals with disabilities.

Safety Sensitive Position

This is a safety-sensitive position. Employment is subject to HART's established hiring requirements, which may include verification of qualifications and driver's license, motor-vehicle-record review, background screening, physical-capability or medical evaluation where applicable, pre-employment drug testing, ongoing testing required under applicable Federal Transit Administration and U.S. Department of Transportation regulations, and successful completion of required training and probationary requirements.

All HART employees are responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment for customers, coworkers, contractors and visitors. Employees must follow applicable health, safety, security and quality procedures; report accidents and hazardous conditions; and properly use and care for assigned vehicles, equipment and materials.

Apply to Join HART

Every HARTPlus trip provides someone with greater independence and access to the community. If you are a safe, dependable and service-minded driver looking for stability, comprehensive benefits and meaningful work, apply today and prepare to join the November 9, 2026 training class.

HART is committed to equal employment opportunity for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, veteran status or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law. Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities during the application and interview process.

The statements above describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. They are not intended to represent an exhaustive list of every responsibility, duty, qualification or working condition associated with the position. Employees may perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

It is the responsibility of all HART employees to provide a safe and secure environment for HART customers, contractors, visitors and fellow co-workers. HART employees are also responsible for:

• Adhering to stated policies and procedures relating to health and safety, security, and quality management.
• Recognizing and reporting all accidents and hazardous conditions.
• Assisting in the development of workplace safety procdures for their respective departments.
• Promoting workplace safety procedures within their department.
• Adhering to procedures relating to the proper use and care of equipment and materials for which the role has responsibility.

Note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. The statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All employees may perform other duties as assigned.

The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.

EEO Compliance: HART is committed to equal employment opportunity for all persons, regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status or other status protected by Federal or State law.

ADA Compliance: Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during the application process and/or interview process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.