Transit Operator - Entry Level

City of Gainesville; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 19,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site fitness centers

Tuition reimbursement

Health insurance

Pension plan

Wellness program

Job summary

The City of Gainesville is seeking to hire a Community Builder to support the local transit system. This entry-level role focuses on learning to operate revenue service vehicles safely, helping riders, and delivering reliable, courteous service across routes.

You will perform fare handling, passenger assistance, and basic vehicle inspections under supervision, with emphasis on learning and safety. Weekend and varied shifts may be required to meet service needs.

Qualifications

• Three (3) verifiable, consecutive years of driving experience.
• Pre-employment medical examination required, including satisfactory drug screening.

Responsibilities

• Lears how to operate agency revenue service vehicles safely on assigned routes.
• Manage farebox transactions and record passenger data by fare type.
• Collect fares, issue transfers, and verify validity of passes and IDs.
• Provide first-line customer service and maintain a clean, safe rider environment.
• Perform pre- and post-operation vehicle inspections.
• Communicate with Control Center during emergencies or service disruptions.
• Complete accident/incident reports and assist passengers with mobility devices.

Skills

Customer service

Safety awareness

English proficiency

Teamwork

Education

Three (3) years driving experience

Pre-employment medical examination

Job description

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.

Salary Range Minimum

$16.40

Salary Range Maximum

$16.40

Closing Date

Until Filled

Job Details

This is entry level work learning the skills necessary for operating revenue 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 direct supervision. Work in this class is distinguished from other classes by its emphasis on learning Transit Operator skills.

Job Description

This is entry level work learning the skills necessary for operating revenue 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 direct supervision. Work in this class is distinguished from other classes by its emphasis on learning Transit Operator skills.

EXAMPLES OF WORK*

• This section of the job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of duties and responsibilities of the position. The omission of a specific job function does not absolve an employee from being required to perform additional tasks incidental to or inherent in the job. Performance of lower level duties may be required.

Essential Job Functions

Learns how to become proficient in the performance of the following duties:

• Safely operates all models of agency revenue service vehicles through traffic along assigned routes under various environmental conditions in accordance with published schedules, traffic laws and departmental regulations.
• Manages farebox transactions, and records passenger data by fare type.
• Collects fares from passengers and issues transfers; checks passenger transfers, passes, and identification cards to ensure they are valid. Passes may be both physical printed medium or digital.
• Acts as first-line customer service representative by cultivating and maintaining positive customer relations with the riders. Ensures a clean, safe rider environment, provides accurate and timely information regarding routes, and assists and accommodates riders with boarding and discharging the vehicle in a safe and efficient manner.
• Performs pre- and post-operation vehicle inspection. Records any physical deficiencies on required documents.
• Contacts Control Center regarding various emergencies, such as, medical emergencies, vehicle malfunctions, vehicle evacuations, vehicle accidents, etc.; as well as, other circumstances that may affect service, such as, heavy traffic, road hazards, road obstructions, etc..
• Completes accident, incident, and/or other miscellaneous reports to document unusual occurrences.
• Operates the disability access lifts and ramps for wheelchairs or upon request by any passenger. Assists wheelchair patrons on and off vehicles upon request. Secures all onboard wheelchairs or other mobility devices in accordance with department policy.
• Complies with all applicable Federal, State and local safety regulations and with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines to include stop announcements for all visually impaired.
• Operates communications equipment in accordance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and department rules and regulations.
• Wears and maintains prescribed uniform and maintains a clean, well-groomed appearance at all times.
• Will be required to respond under emergency conditions.
• Attends work on a continuous and regular basis.

Non-essential Job Functions

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily. Below are the required education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions.

Education And Experience

Three (3) verifiable, consecutive years of driving experience.

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

CERTIFICATIONS OR LICENSES

Licenses

Valid State of Florida Driver License. Driving record shall reflect a three (3) year period with a maximum of four (4) points and no more than one (1) moving violation, including DUI, DWI, reckless driving, or license currently suspended or revoked.

Valid State of Florida Commercial Driver License (CDL) Class A or B with passenger endorsement preferred.

Prior to being hired, employee must obtain a permit for CDL B with Passenger endorsement. This includes passing the General Knowledge, Air Brakes and Passenger assessment

Once hired, employee must obtain a Commercial Driver License (CDL) class “A” or “B” with passenger endorsement in a period not to exceed five (5) weeks after training starts.

Certifications

None.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Ability to learn the City’s geography.
• Ability to learn the operation and use of diesel powered and/or alternative fuel vehicles.
• Ability to learn Federal, State and local traffic and other regulations governing the use of passenger-carrying vehicles in the city.
• Ability to learn occupational hazards involved and safety precautions necessary in operation of a transit vehicle.
• Ability to learn, understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Ability to perform basic arithmetic calculations.
• Ability to read and comprehend written materials, such as, training materials, departmental rules, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handbook, etc. using the English language.
• Ability to report to work punctually and adhere strictly to projected schedules.
• Ability to work effectively with coworkers, management and the general public.
• Ability to maintain continuous professional attitude, appearance and conduct at all times.
• Ability to verbally communicate with others using the English language.

Physical And Environmental Requirements

Physical Requirements

Work will require performing tasks in and around heavy traffic.

Work will require tasks that involve walking, sitting, standing, twisting, bending, crouching, and/or kneeling and balancing while simultaneously manipulating and fastening wheelchair tie‑down straps, lifting up to 20 lbs., pushing/pulling up to a maximum of 100 lbs., climbing stairs and overhead work.

Must be physically able to safely maneuver and operate a bus that includes hand eye coordination with repetitious head movements, such as, turning the head left and right frequently.

Work requires normal color vision to distinguish the color and severity of many traffic control and safety devices.

Must be able to communicate orally in the English language, see physical surroundings, listen, hear others, respond, and demonstrate good communication skills.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work schedules may require weekends, late night hours, split shifts and non‑consecutive days off, including having to fill in for a vacant shift with short notice.

Will require direct contact with the public.

Work may require exposure to moderate noise levels.

Work may require exposure to dust and/or to exhaust fumes and vapors.

Work will require performance of tasks outdoors under varying climatic conditions. Work may require performance of tasks in extreme road and/or weather conditions.

Equal Opportunity

The City of Gainesville is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate in hiring. Minorities, women and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Individuals with a disability, who require special accommodations during the selection process, should notify the Human Resources Department at 352-334-5077 or TDD/TTY at 352-334-2292.

Veterans' Preference

Veterans are encouraged to apply. Veterans’ Preference ensures that veterans and eligible persons are given consideration at each step of the selection process. However, preference does not guarantee that a veteran or other eligible person will be the candidate selected to fill the position. Section 295.07, Florida Statutes (F.S.) specifies who is eligible for Veterans’ Preference. State of Florida residency is not required for Veterans’ Preference.

Note

May Require Assessment(s).

May fill multiple positions.

May establish an eligibility list.

Come join our team! The City of Gainesville offers a competitive benefits package and opportunities to grow both professionally and personally.

All ‘regular’ employees are eligible for traditional benefits such as health insurance, life insurance, paid leave, 11 paid a holidays a year, a pension plan and a deferred compensation plan, but we also ffer great things like on-site fitness centers, tuition reimbursement, on-site medical staff and a wellness program to keep you healthy and happy.

Please note; benefits are not available for temporary employees.

Equal Opportunity

The City of Gainesville is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate in hiring. Minorities, women and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Individuals with a disability, who require special accommodations during the selection process, should notify the Human Resources Department at 352-334-5077 or TDD/TTY at 352-334-2292.

Veterans' Preference

Veterans are encouraged to apply. Veterans’ Preference ensures that veterans and eligible persons are given consideration at each step of the selection process. However, preference does not guarantee that a veteran or other eligible person will be the candidate selected to fill the position. Section 295.07, Florida Statutes (F.S.) specifies who is eligible for Veterans’ Preference. State of Florida residency is not required for Veterans’ Preference.