Paratransit Operator (Full-Time)

Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority; Chattanooga, Northern (TN, KY); Hybrid; USD 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) is seeking a Paratransit Operator to safely transport elderly passengers and people with disabilities on assigned routes. You will ensure passenger comfort, assist with mobility devices, and maintain professional conduct with riders and caregivers.

Responsibilities include door-to-door assistance, accurate daily documentation, adherence to ADA and DOT requirements, and strict attention to safety and schedule compliance.

Qualifications

• CDL class A or B with Passenger endorsement or permit.
• Valid DOT medical examination card.
• Clean driving record with limited traffic violations.
• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Must read maps and follow routes accurately.
• Strong English communication and radio etiquette.

Responsibilities

• Safely transport elderly passengers and individuals with disabilities.
• Assist passengers from pickup to drop-off at doors.
• Provide physical assistance for mobility devices as needed.
• Maintain schedules and on-time performance.
• Communicate professionally with passengers and caregivers.
• Complete daily paperwork and reports accurately.
• Adhere to safety protocols, policies, and regulations.
• Operate vehicle in compliance with traffic laws.

Skills

CDL with Passenger endorsement

Clean driving record

English communication

Time management

Map reading

Safety awareness

Radio/dispatch communication

Ability to lift 25 lbs

Customer service

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Location:1617 Wilcox Blvd. Chattanooga, TN 37406

Posting Date:September 14, 2026

Summary of Job:

Under general supervision of the Care-A-Van Manager the Paratransit Operator is responsible for safely transporting elderly passengers and individuals with disabilities along specified routes while maintaining professionalism and ensuring passenger comfort and safety. This position requires excellent communication skills, adherence to schedules, and the ability to assist passengers with mobility challenges. Operators must comply with all traffic laws, safety regulations, and company policies while maintaining accurate records and documentation.

Essential Job Functions:

• Operate a Paratransit vehicle to transport elderly passengers and individuals with disabilities safely and efficiently.
• Assist passengers from the door of pick-up to the door of delivery, ensuring their safety and comfort.
• Provide physical assistance as needed, including kneeling, bending, twisting, and standing to support passengers with disabilities.
• Maintain established time schedules and ensure timely arrivals and departures.
• Communicate professionally and courteously with passengers, caregivers, and the public.
• Address passenger concerns and provide necessary assistance while ensuring a positive experience
• Process daily paperwork and complete required reports accurately.
• Adhere to all safety protocols, company policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Follow all traffic laws and company operating procedures to ensure safe and legal operation of the vehicle.

Supervisory & Operational Authority:

• This position has 0 direct report(s).

Compliance:

• Recognize and follow ADA rules and regulations related to passenger transit services.
• Responsible for completing all mandatory training classes.
• Responsible for reviewing and complying with all CARTA policies, procedures and directives.

Required/Preferred Experience:

• Must be 21 years old or older
• CDL class A or B license with Passenger endorsement or Passenger permit.
• Clean driving record: Cannot have 3 or more traffic violations in the last 5 years or may have 3 years without any traffic violations.
• Valid Department of Transportation medical examination card.
• High School Diploma or GED required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Must be able to lift at least 25lbs and push objects such as doors, windows, emergency hatches, wheelchairs and wheelchair lifts.
• Must be able to repetitively bend, kneel, squat, and twist safely.
• Must be able to sit for extended periods of time.
• Must be willing to work nights, holidays, weekends, split shifts, split days off and any hours assigned.
• Must have been a licensed driver for a minimum of two (2) years.
• Must be able to read a map.
• Must be able to use good judgment and carry out instructions given by Supervisors or dispatch personnel via radio.
• Must be able to keep accurate records and communicate clearly and concisely via a radio handset.
• Ability to demonstrate basic proficiency in reading, writing, and comprehension.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to see and judge a variety of object distances and traffic patterns.
• Ability to quickly respond to objects and traffic patterns.
• Ability to manage time effectively and adhere to schedules.

Physical Demands:

• Sit for prolonged periods.
• Perform repetitive motion.

Safety Requirements & Notifications:

TheChattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA)is a public transit service provider governed by requirements of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Department of Transportation (DOT).

Due to the nature of some work performed at CARTA some jobs are classified as ‘Safety Sensitive’ and are subject to random testing for drug and alcohol use. All offers for employment are required to undergo pre-employment and possible random drug testing. If test shows a positive result your application for employment will be rejected, or if hired, employment may be terminated.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

TheChattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA)is an Equal Opportunity Employer — M/F/D/V.

TheChattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA)is an Equal Opportunity Employer (protected veterans, disability) and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. Employees who require a reasonable accommodation as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) must notify CARTA in advance to allow sufficient time for CARTA to provide the accommodation.