Paratransit Operator (Full-Time)

About the role

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. Location: 1617 Wilcox Blvd. Chattanooga, TN 37406. Posted: September 14, 2026.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Requirements

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

• Ability to lift at least 25lbs and push objects such as doors, windows, emergency hatches, wheelchairs and wheelchair lifts.
• Ability to repetitively bend, kneel, squat, and twist safely.
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
• Willingness 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.
• Ability to read a map.
• Ability to use good judgment and carry out instructions given by Supervisors or dispatch personnel via radio.
• Ability 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.

Pay

$23.35 per hour.

Schedule

Willingness to work nights, holidays, weekends, split shifts, split days off and any hours assigned.

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.

Safety Requirements & Notifications

The Chattanooga 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.