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Employment Opportunities

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

Construction Contracts Specialist
Fixed Route Bus Operator
Fleet Maintenance Technician
Paratransit Bus Operator
Shuttle Cart Operator

Position Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Procurement and Contract Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Department:  Finance

Starting Pay: $65,000 to $75,000 annually

SUMMARY:

The Construction Contracts Specialist supports Citrus Connection’s capital improvement and facilities projects by managing construction-related contracts and procurement activities. This role is responsible for preparing, reviewing, and administering all construction, architectural/engineering, maintenance, and professional service agreements to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including FTA requirements, Florida Statutes, and agency policies. The specialist works closely with project managers, Finance, Risk, and external contractors to ensure transparency, accountability, and successful project delivery across Citrus Connection’s facilities, fleet, and infrastructure projects.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Contract Development & Administration

  • Draft, review, and negotiate construction contracts, scopes of work, change orders, and amendments using agency-approved templates (including FTA and Florida Statutes requirements).
  • Ensure contract terms comply with Citrus Connection policies, procurement thresholds, and Risk Management standards.
  • Administer contract lifecycle activities, including tracking milestones, deliverables, renewals, insurance compliance, and performance measures.
  • Maintain detailed contract files to support audits, FTA reporting, and public records compliance.

Procurement Support

  • Assist in the development and issuance of ITBs, RFPs, RFQs, and public notices for construction and capital projects.
  • Participate in and coordinate pre-bid meetings, site walkthroughs, bid openings, evaluations, and award recommendations in accordance with Florida public procurement rules.
  • Verify vendor compliance with bonding requirements, insurance certificates, licensing, and FDOT/FTA documentation.
  • Support the Manager of Procurement & Contracts with procurement planning and vendor outreach.

Financial & Risk Oversight

  • Review contractor cost proposals, pay applications, and schedule of values for accuracy and contractual compliance.
  • Collaborate with Finance to track project encumbrances, expenditures, and budget impacts.
  • Work with Risk Management to ensure safety standards, indemnification clauses, and insurance coverage meet agency needs.
  • Identify contractual risks and recommend mitigation strategies to protect Citrus Connection’s financial and legal interests.

Project Support & Collaboration

  • Serve as the primary liaison between contractors, internal departments, engineering partners, and legal counsel on contract-related matters.
  • Provide project managers with timely guidance on contract interpretation, compliance, and issue resolution.
  • Participate in project meetings, construction progress reviews, and site visits as needed.
  • Ensure all FTA third-party contracting requirements are incorporated into applicable agreements.

Compliance & Reporting

  • Maintain a working knowledge of FTA Circular 4220.1F (and successor rules), FDOT guidelines, Florida Statutes Chapter 287 and 255, and public procurement best practices.
  • Prepare contract status reports, vendor performance updates, and contract compliance summaries for leadership and the Citrus Connection Board when required.
  • Ensure adherence to public records laws, retention schedules, audit standards, and procurement policies established by the Board.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Construction Management, Procurement, Public Administration, or related field.
  • Minimum of 3–5 years’ experience in contract administration, procurement, or construction project coordination.
  • Experience within public transit, municipal government, or public sector procurement is strongly preferred.
  • Familiarity with FTA-funded construction projects and federal procurement requirements is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

  • Knowledge of construction industry practices, contract law principles, and Florida public procurement requirements.
  • Ability to draft, negotiate, and interpret construction and professional service contracts.
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to resolve contractual issues and support complex capital projects.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills suitable for public meetings, contractors, and leadership.
  • Ability to manage concurrent projects in a deadline-driven, compliance-oriented environment.
  • Proficiency in contract management systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and project management tools.

Preferred Certifications

  • Florida Certified Contract Manager (FCCM) or Florida Certified Contract Negotiator (FCCN).
  • CPPB/CPPO or NCMA certifications.
  • Construction management or procurement credentials (CCM, PMP) are desirable.

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Office environment with periodic visits to Citrus Connection facilities, bus stops, shelters, and construction locations.
  • May require attending public meetings or Board sessions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Ability to sit, stand, bend, and walk moderate distances.
  • Ability to navigate active construction sites with appropriate PPE.

Apply Online Now

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

Starting Pay: $20.25

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.

Apply Online Now

Position Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Fleet Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Department:  Fleet Maintenance

Starting Pay: $20-$27 based on experience

SUMMARY:

Under general supervision, performs skilled work in servicing, lubricating, repairing and maintaining heavy duty diesel and gasoline vehicles for a public transit system. This position is classified as safety sensitive.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

  • Complete scheduled and non-scheduled Maintenance on all equipment, systems and subsystems for the safe operation of transit coaches.
  • Responsible for Standardized Preventive Maintenance Program Inspections, Services and Repairs on Heavy duty Transit Buses, Para Transit Vehicles and Support Vehicles.
  • Works with technicians to determine the source of problem and/or failure.
  • Works independently to determine the source of problem and/or failure.
  • Executes Bus Swaps outs and field repairs as needed including the replacement of tires and completes vehicle Pre-Trip Inspections.
  • Cleans Shop Work Areas, pressure wash engines, transmissions and perform other cleaning task as needed.
  • Complete written and electronic work orders with a detailed description of the work performed.
  • Road Testing vehicles to determine nature of problems and verification of complaints and repairs.
  • Replacement of tires, including the demounting and mounting of tires on wheels.
  • Safe use of Bus Lifts for lifting all sizes of vehicles.
  • Visual Inspection of Vehicles to determine their readiness for service.
  • Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

  • Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
  • Ability to maintain accurate records of work performed and materials used. Must be available to work various shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime. Must be able to understand, read and communicate in English.
  • PC literate, basic skills in Microsoft Office Suite and Internet research. Ability to do basic math.
  • 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.
  • Knowledge of the location, nomenclature, and function of complex parts of heavy duty diesel transit equipment.
  • Knowledge and demonstrated experience with the materials, methods and equipment typically used in heavy duty diesel maintenance repair and service.
  • Knowledge and demonstrated experience of the utilization of diagnostic methods and procedures necessary to repair and maintain heavy duty diesel engines and ancillary equipment.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:

High School diploma or G.E.D. required; minimum of three (3) years experience servicing and repairing heavy duty diesel engines, Gasoline engines, and general fleet repair. An equivalent combination of education and experience that is determined to be directly related to the specific requirements may be substituted.

Must have an assortment of general and specialized tools specific to automotive repair.

LICENSES:

Must possess a CDL/Class B license or provide proof of passing the General Knowledge Test for the CDL.
09/10/2025
Must be able to obtain a CDL with P (passenger) endorsement license and air brakes testing within 90 days of employment. Must be maintained in good standing while employed with the District.

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 sometimes performed in essentially an outdoor environment, subject to extremes of both hot and cold weather and wet conditions. Employee must be able to work outside on a daily basis. This position is exposed to various chemical and gas/diesel fumes on a daily basis.


Must be physically able to lift and carry equipment weighing up to 100 lbs. on a daily basis.

Apply Online Now

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

Starting Pay: $20.25

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.

Apply Online Now

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

Starting Pay: $18.45

SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for providing safe, reliable, and expert shuttle cart transit services to citizens. The position includes a limited duration training position in which the employee is taught the knowledge an d skills necessary to become a Part-time Shuttle Cart Operator. After successful completion of training, the employee will be proficient at transporting, safely and expediently, passengers on District shuttle carts.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

  • Operates a shuttle cart for the safe transportation of the public.
  • Responsible for following all District rules, policies and procedures.
  • Responsible for pre and post trip activities for the shuttle cart and reporting of any issues related to same.
  • Responsible for reporting accidents and/or incidents and following District procedures in accordance with the accident reporting procedure.
  • Responsible for dealing with passengers and the public with courtesy and patience.
  • Assists impaired passengers in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act.
  • Loads and secures up to two (2) wheelchair scooters.
  • Assists passengers at pick-up and drop-off points.
  • Provides customer service as defined in District Standard Operating Procedures.
  • Responsible for handling emergency situations appropriately.
  • Monitors cleanliness of shuttle cart interior.
  • Assists with training of new operators.
  • Checks bus and reports lost or left behind items; communicates and reports to appropriate personnel.
  • Learns to and aids in the loading and unloading process of passengers needing assistance in boarding.
  • Learns how to complete daily post-trip inspections, including checking the condition of the bus.
  • Learns how to communicate routine, urgent and emergency situations.
  • 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 deal with passengers and the public with courtesy and patience.
  • Learns how to deal with emergency situations.
  • Performs vehicle refueling.
  • Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

  • Knowledge of the geography of the county and bus routes.
  • Skill in safely operating a shuttle cart 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 r requirements may be substituted.

LICENSES:

Must have a valid class “E” Drivers License

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.

Apply Online Now

sELECTION PROCESS

Applications are initially reviewed by the Human Resources Department to ensure they meet the minimum qualifications for the position. 

Once this initial screening is complete, applications are sent to the appropriate department’s selection committee, which may vary depending on the position. This group is responsible for reviewing qualified candidates and identifying those they wish to interview.

Human Resources will then contact the selected applicants to schedule in-person interviews.

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

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.

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

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