About Us

Employment Opportunities

Dependable and Accessible Transportation for Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, Ft. Meade, Frostproof and Surrounding Areas

Position Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Director of Revenue Services
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Department:  Revenue Services

SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for providing service to bus riders by safe, reliable, and expert transportation to the community.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

  • Operates a bus for the safe transportation of the
  • Responsible for following all District rules, policies and
  • Responsible for pre and post trip activities for the bus and reporting of any issues related to
  • Responsible for reporting accidents and/or incidents and following District procedures in accordance with the accident reporting
  • Responsible for dealing with passengers and the public with courtesy and
  • Assists impaired passengers in accordance with the American with Disabilities
  • Loads and secures up to two (2) wheelchair
  • Assists passengers with grocery packages upon request
  • Assists Paratransit passengers at pick-up and drop-off points.
  • Provides customer service as defined in District Standard Operating
  • Responsible for handling emergency situations
  • Monitors cleanliness of bus
  • Assists with training of new
  • Checks bus and reports lost or left behind items; communicates and reports to appropriate
  • Other duties as assigned

    KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

    • Knowledge of the geography of the county and bus routes.
    • Skill in safely operating a bus or other vehicle in a variety of weather and traffic. Ability to work under pressure; ability to multi-task.
    • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
    • Excellent interpersonal skills and strong conflict resolution skills. Must be a self-starter; able to work independently.
    • Ability to establish effective working relationships with co-workers, various County and City employees, customers, and the general public.
    • Uses sound, independent judgment in daily work activities and exercises discretion; has strong ethical standards.

    MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:

    High school diploma or G.E.D. required; two to four years’ customer service experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience that is determined to be directly related to the specific requirements may be substituted.

    LICENSES:

    Must have valid CDL Class “B” license with (P) Passenger Endorsement and Airbrakes PERMITS upon hire.

    WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

    The work environment and physical demands characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
    This job is performed in all weather conditions.
    It may include the need to be able to lift up to 100 lbs. infrequently.

    Position Type: Full-Time
    Reports To: Director of Revenue Services
    FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
    Department:  Revenue Services

    SUMMARY:

    This position is a limited duration training position in which the employee is taught the knowledge and skills necessary to become a Paratransit bus operator. After successful completion of the training, the employee will know how to transport, safely and expediently, passengers on District buses.

    ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

    • Learns to be responsible for the safe transportation of passengers.
    • Learns to and aids in the loading and unloading process of passengers needing assistance in boarding.
    • Learns how to and performs daily pre and post-trip inspections of the bus in accordance with applicable regulations and District guidelines.
    • Learns how to complete daily post-trip inspections, including checking the condition of the bus.
    • Learns how to maintain the cleanliness of the bus interiors.
    • Learns how to communicate routine, urgent and emergency situations.
    • Attends all meetings and training sessions including all in service and driver meetings, first aid and CPR classes that are required by the District.
    • Responsible for learning all District rules, policies and procedures.
    • Learns how to verify route times to maintain the accuracy of the schedulers’ assignments.
    • Learns how to provide information to the scheduler and dispatcher for updating maps and routes.
    • Learns how to report accidents and/or incidents and follow District procedures in accordance with the accident reporting procedure.
    • Learns how to deal with passengers and the public with courtesy and patience.
    • Learns how to assist impaired passengers in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act.
    • Learns how to assist Paratransit passengers at pick-up and drop-off points.
    • Learns how to deal with passengers who may have a wide range of mental acuity.
    • Assists impaired passengers in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act.
    • Learns how to load and secure up to five (5) wheelchair scooters.
    • Learns how to deal with emergency situations.
    • Learns how to perform other duties as assigned.

      KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

      • Ability to work under pressure; ability to multi-task.
      • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
      • Ability to utilize mobile data terminals.
      • Ability to maintain required records.
      • Strong interpersonal skills and strong conflict resolution skills.
      • Must be a self-starter.
      • Ability to establish effective working relationships with co-workers, various County and City employees, customers, and the general public.
      • Uses sound, independent judgment in daily work activities and exercises discretion; has strong ethical standards.

      MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:

      High school diploma or G.E.D. required; two to four years’ customer service experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience that is determined to be directly related to the specific requirements may be substituted.

      LICENSES:

      Must have valid CDL Class “B” permit with (P) Passenger Endorsement and Airbrakes upon hire. Must be able to obtain license within sixty (60) days of hire.

      WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

      The work environment and physical demands characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
      This job is performed in all weather conditions.
      It may include the need to be able to lift up to 100 lbs. infrequently.

      Position Type: Full-Time
      Reports To: Senior Safety and Security Specialist
      FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
      Department:  Safety and Security

      SUMMARY:

      This position is responsible for assuring safe, reliable, and expert transportation and security to the community at large, achieving such through Operator education and Security training. This position primarily supports the basic service functions of the Safety & Security Department.

      ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

      • Monitor on-time performance at the bus Terminal. 
      • Addresses and diffuses employee and/or passenger disputes at the bus Terminal.
      • Assists and complete written reporting of accidents/incidents at the bus Terminal.
      • Responsible for coordinating activities at the bus Terminal.
      • Communicates route changes, detours and schedule changes to operator terminal. 
      • Responsible for dealing with passengers and the public with courtesy and patience. 
      • Assists Fixed Route and Operations as necessary. 
      • Responsible for assisting impaired passengers. 
      • Responsible for replenishment of route maps at the bus Terminal.
      • Adhere to Terminal Post Orders 
      • Other duties as assigned. 

      KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

      • Knowledge of traffic laws and regulations and ability to operate assigned equipment in a safe manner. Ability to continually deal with the public in a courteous and pleasant manner.  
      • Diffuse difficult situations and not antagonize riders, public or employees. Understand when a situation will need to escalate to EMS, Fire Department or Law Enforcement and initiate that contact with dispatch. Ability to document and process onsite reports immediately and maintain required records.  
      • Knowledge of the geography of the county and bus routes. 
      • Knowledge of general security practices. 
      • Skill in safely operating a bus or other vehicle in a variety of weather and traffic conditions: 
      • Ability to work under pressure; ability to multi-task. Strong verbal and written communication skills. 
      • Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills. 
      • Proficient in basic computer operations, including Microsoft Office and internet research.
      • Ability to organize and prioritize work and meet deadlines. 
      • Must be a self-starter and able to work independently. 
      • Ability to establish effective working relationships with co-workers, various County and City employees, customers, and the public. 
      • Uses sound, independent judgment in daily work activities and exercises discretion; has strong ethical standards. 

      EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

      • High School diploma or G.E.D. certificate.
      • Associate’s degree in Transportation, Public Administration, Safety and Security, or related field, preferred. 
      • One (1) year or more of related field experience as a bus operator in a public transportation setting, security related experience, safety or law enforcement.
      • Bi-lingual in Spanish is desirable but not required. 

      OTHER CERTIFICATES/LICENSES:

      • Must have a valid Florida Driver’s License.
      • Must have a Security “D” License or obtain within 6 months of hire.
      • Optional meet Citrus Connection policy requirements for non-lethal self-defense. 

      WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

      The work environment and physical demands characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Being visible at the terminal and attentive. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. 

      This job is usually performed primarily in an outdoor environment with temperature extremes; there is limited time on a bus. 

      It may include the need to lift up to 25 lbs. infrequently. 

      It is the responsibility of all Citrus Connection employees to provide a safe and secure environment for Citrus Connection customers, contractors, visitors and fellow co-workers. Citrus Connection employees are also responsible for:

      • Adhering to procedures relating to the proper use and care of equipment and materials for which the role has responsibility.
      • Adhering to stated policies and procedures relating to health and safety, security, and quality management.
      • Recognizing and reporting all accidents and hazardous conditions.
      • Assisting in the development of workplace safety procedures for their respective departments.
      • Promoting workplace safety procedures within their department.

      Note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. The statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All employees may perform other duties as assigned.

      The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.

      EEO Compliance: Citrus Connection is committed to equal employment opportunity for all persons, regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status or other status protected by Federal or State law. 

      ADA Compliance: Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during the application process and/or interview process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

      EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

      Citrus Connection is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer (“EOE”) and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, gender, national origin, or veteran status in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

      We believe that our employees are our most valuable asset. As a member of the Citrus Connection Team, you’ll find an environment that celebrates diversity and welcomes the open exchange of ideas and individual perspectives. We are proud to offer an attractive salary along with a generous benefits package designed to support you while addressing work/life balance issues.

      Thank you for your interest in Citrus Connection.

      OFFICIAL APPLICATION

      To be considered for employment, the employment application must be completed in its entirety, signed in the application Acknowledgement section, and the position for which you are applying, specified.

      Please review our current job openings. If your qualifications match the minimum requirements of any of our openings, please click the Application Request Link or download an the Citrus Connection Employment Application. Once you complete the application, you may also print it, email it to Recruiting@ridecitrus.com or drop it off at our location at: 1212 George Jenkins Blvd ~ Lakeland, FL 33815.

      Applications are screened by the Human Resources Department. Applicants that meet the minimum requirements will be forwarded to the Hiring Manager for review and consideration for interviews. The Hiring Manager will only contact the most qualified applicants.

      2023-26 EEO AAP

      EEOC Protected Class Title VII Brochure

      FTA Drug and Alcohol Policy

      DOT Substance Abuse Policy

      CDL Manual

      DRUG FREE WORKPLACE

      The Citrus Connection is a Drug Free Workplace (“DFWP) and is committed to providing a safe, efficient, and productive work environment for all employees, to help ensure a safe and healthful working environment.

      Benefits

      • Paid Vacation Leave
      • Paid Sick Leave
      • Company-Paid Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance for Employees
      • Voluntary Insurance (AFLAC)
      • Health & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
      • Company-Paid Life Insurance
      • Voluntary Life Insurance
      • Employee Assistance Program
      • Uniforms for select personnel

      Holidays

      Citrus Connection recognizes the following paid holidays for full-time time regular employees

      • New Year’s Day
      • Martin Luther King Day
      • Presidents’
      • Memorial Day
      • Independence Day
      • Labor Day
      • Columbus Day
      • Veteran’s Day
      • Thanksgiving Day
      • Christmas Day

      Request an Application

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      This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

      EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

      Citrus Connection operates in accordance with Title VII. Click here for more information.

      The District is an Equal Opportunity Employer (“EOE”) and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, gender, pregnancy, religion, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, veteran status or any other legally protected category in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Employment opportunities include all employment practices, including recruitment, selection, promotions, terminations, inter-departmental transfers, layoffs, compensation, training, benefits, and other terms and conditions of employment. No person shall be excluded from participating in, denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination in employment under any project, program or activity receiving federal financial assistance from the federal transit laws.

      The overall goal of the District is to have, in its employ, individuals within its workforce that reflect each segment of the various demographical backgrounds that make up the Lakeland urban area. This goal is extended to having members of the various ethnic backgrounds in various positions, such as supervisory, professional, and clerical and service delivery positions

      As part of the EEO (“Equal Employment Opportunity”) Program, the District will make reasonable accommodations for disabled applicants and current employees and strongly prohibits discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation in violation of law. We are committed to providing a fair and respectful work environment that is free from unlawful discrimination.

      It is important to the District that each employee who joins our team be qualified to perform job duties set forth in the job description. All applicants are recruited and selected based on transferable skills, knowledge, previous work experience, and the minimum educational level for the specific position that is required for successful job performance. We are proud to offer equal employment opportunities, and we embrace the diversity that makes up our family of employees.

      The District is a government agency, operating under the Federal Transit Administration and Florida Department of Transportation’s employment rules, laws, guidelines, policies, and regulations. Every safety-sensitive applicant’s background will be carefully reviewed to ensure the safety of all workers and the general public. Each applicant applying for a safety-sensitive position is required to complete and successfully pass a pre-employment drug test and Department of Transportation (“DOT”) Physical. All non-safety-sensitive applicants will be required to pass a pre-employment drug test.

      CONTACT INFORMATION

      Tony Kirk Sr., SHRM-CP
      Director of Human Resources/Risk
      Citrus Connection
      1212 George Jenkins Blvd.,
      Lakeland, FL 33815
      Phone: (863) 327-1308
      E-mail: tkirk@ridecitrus.com

      Federal Transit Administration
      230 Peachtree St. N.W., Suite 800,
      Atlanta, GA 30303
      Attention: Region IV Civil Rights Officer
      Phone: (404) 865-5620