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 driver's license Must have been a licensed driver for a minimum of three (3) consecutive years No driver's 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.
