Paratransit Driver

Job Title: Recreation Department Mini-Bus Operator Salary: $50,013.24 - $58,566.00 Annually Location: Compton, CA Job Type: Full-Time Job Number: 25-26:31 Department: Recreation Opening Date: 01/05/2026 Closing Date: 1/21/2026 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time (US & Canada); Tijuana General Purpose Under close supervision, operates wheelchair accessible mini-buses and other vehicles safely and effectively; follows established City policies and procedures regarding the transportation of elderly and/or passengers with physical disabilities; reports mechanical, traffic or behavioral problems encountered; maintains positive public relations with a broad range of passengers in the provision of transportation services; and performs other related duties. Supervision Received/Exercised Works under the close supervision of the Neighborhood Center Manager; does not exercise supervisory responsibilities. Primary Duties and Responsibilities The following essential functions are those that are critical, integral, necessary, crucial, primary and fundamental to the job. Incumbents who possess the requisite skill, experience, education, and other job-related requirements of a position are expected to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation. The following duties are not intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties. Follows operator checklist to insure vehicle safety prior to trip; inspects bus and performs necessary vehicle pre-trip checks (tires, lights, lifts, doors etc.) prior to starting scheduled run. Reports equipment malfunctions to dispatcher or supervisor for resolution. Drives assigned vehicle from individual locations or central loading area to various destinations according to assigned schedule or plan; assists disabled passengers in the provision of program services. Secures passenger wheelchair to restraining/locking devices to stabilize wheelchair during trip; maneuvers wheelchair helping clients up and down stairs; carries groceries or small packages from vehicle to home or requested area. Answers questions from passengers regarding schedules and routing; listens to complaints regarding delays or problems encountered in the provision of services. Regulates heating, cooling and ventilation systems for passenger comfort. Maintains timely and accurate radio and telephone contact with dispatcher; keeps dispatcher informed regarding delays, breakdowns and client transportation problems encountered; completes required paperwork. Complies with all local traffic regulations while running scheduled route. Maintains appearance, behavioral and physical standards necessary to fulfill City's essential mission. Maintains courteous, professional and efficient manner in passenger relations. Participates in safety and related training programs. Performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Education and Experience: Possession of a High School diploma, G.E.D. or equivalent; AND six (6) months of related experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. Required Licenses or Certifications: Must possess a valid California Class B Driver's License with passenger endorsement. First Aid and CPR. Required Knowledge of: City organization, operations, policies and procedures. City Code, City Ordinances, and Standard Operating Manual. Transit operations and area streets and highways. Safety practices including first aid. Telephone/radio etiquette and customer service protocol. Required Skill in: Following established City policies and procedures regarding the transportation of elderly and/or passengers with physical disabilities. Safely driving/maneuvering small buses or vans for extended periods of time. Operating 2-way radio system and learning/using 10-codes. Promoting and enforcing safe work practices. Following oral and written instructions. Effective verbal and written communication including hearing normal conversation. Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with staff, City departments, outside agencies, passengers and the general public. Physical Demands / Work Environment: Majority of time is spent in vehicle that is heated in winter and cooled during the summer. Regularly exposed to unpleasant noise, fumes, drafts, etc. when vehicle is in operation; regular exposure to the elements such as rain, high or low temperatures. Work involves regular standing, sitting, walking and occasional crouching, crawling, stooping, kneeling, pushing, pulling, lifting and maneuvering objects such as wheelchair with passengers with a broad range of body weights. Work requires continuous use of hands arms, feet, and legs to push/pull or activate essential controls (pedals, levers and knobs) in recurring operational motions. Work requires the ability to extend hands and arms in any direction; right and left side body extremities are used in steering, opening and closing doors, assisting disabled and elderly passengers into and out of vehicle, carrying bags of groceries and related tasks. Work requires the capacity to exert up to 50 pounds of force frequently to move aforementioned controls and to push and assist disabled passengers weighing in excess of 200 pounds. Requires the capacity to seize, hold, grasp, turn or otherwise work with hands to turn steering wheel, shift gears and manipulate mechanical levers and controls and secure wheelchairs; use of legs and body torso to climb steps in bus, assist passengers in ongoing tasks and maintain body equilibrium to prevent falling when working on slippery surfaces. Internal applicants must use their personal email to apply, as City of Compton work emails will not be accepted for job applications. While we cannot prevent applicants from using their work email, the City is not responsible for missed communications due to system outages, firewall restrictions, employee leave, or any other technical or accessibility issues affecting City email accounts. All applicants must meet the minimum qualifications for the position and submit all required documents -such as licenses, certifications, and proof of education- outlined in the job posting. Incomplete applications, including those missing any required documentation, will not be considered. Please note: Only the first 50 applications received that best meet the qualifications and needs of the department will be invited to continue in the hiring process. The purpose of this examination is to establish an eligible list from which vacant position(s) may be filled. Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the examination and interview process. Phase one (1) is an oral examination (weighted 100%) that will be administered by an appraisal panel to evaluate professional qualifications, background and suitability. The oral examination may include graded simulation exercises, writing exercises, and oral presentations. A passing score for the oral exam is 70%. Each candidate will be notified via mail or e-mail. The City of Compton reserves the right to utilize alternative testing methods, if deemed necessary. Failure in one phase of the examination shall be grounds for declaring the applicant as failing in the entire examination, and as disqualified for subsequent parts of an examination. The City of Compton does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment or provisions of services. Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must give advanced notice to the Human Resources Department prior to the final filing date. Recruitment may be conducted on a (a) promotional basis, (b) open-competitive basis, or (c) promotional and open-competitive basis simultaneously. All candidates who attain an overall score of at least 70.00 (open-competitive) and at least 75.00 (promotional) will be placed in rank order on the relevant eligible list(s). A candidate may, within five (5) days after taking the written examination, file in writing with the City Manager an appeal against any part of the test, citing the item or items against which the appeal is directed, and the reason(s) for such appeal. The Personnel Board will consider appeals from the decisions and ratings of qualifications appraisals (interview) boards if such appeals meet the conditions described in the Personnel Rules and Regulations (Section