The Lead Transit Operator (Lead Driver) is responsible for driving assigned routes and backing up other drivers as needed to ensure continuous service. In addition to operating the vehicle, the Lead Transit Operator assists leadership personnel, such as the Transportation Operations Coordinator, with a variety of administrative and operational tasks. These can include reporting, scheduling, conducting driver observations, and providing route training to new or current drivers. The Lead Transit Operator also helps with the timing and planning of routes, coordinates the scheduling of vehicle maintenance, and conducts regular vehicle and facility inspections to ensure safety and operational readiness. Additionally, the Lead Transit Operator plays a key role in resolving dispatch issues, ensuring smooth and efficient transit operations. (Full position description will be shared with applicants selected for in-person interviews; to request full description, call 507-316-0610.)

This full-time position (40 hours per week) will be based in either Faribault, Northfield, or Zumbrota and required to travel throughout our service area, primarily in Rice and Goodhue counties. The pay range is $24.70-$27.00 per hour, based on experience and qualification.

Job offers are contingent on a reference check; a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) review; a criminal background study with fingerprinting through the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS); a Medical Examiners Certificate ("Medical Card"); a Fitness-for-Duty Exam paid for by the agency at the clinic of the agency's choosing; and a pre-employment Department of Transportation (DOT) drug test. Employees in this position are subject to random and reasonable suspicion DOT drug and alcohol testing throughout their employment.

Required Qualifications:

• Ability to pass a required background study, as defined by the position
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Current, valid driver’s license for at least three (3) years in good standing as defined by agency insurance company (including, but not limited to, no more than 1 moving violation in the previous 12-months).
• Current, valid personal automobile insurance.
• Ability to successfully pass required background study (including, but not limited to, no felony convictions).
• Willingness/ability to adhere to all CFR Part 40 regulations as they pertain to public transit operators, including but not limited to submission to and successfully passing of drug and alcohol testing throughout employment.
• Ability to pass a Fitness for Duty Exam, paid for by the agency at a clinic of the agency’s choosing.
• Ability to safely operate large transit vehicles, associated equipment, mobility lift, and security devices safely and efficiently.
• Ability to read, write and speak English to communicate effectively with passengers, dispatchers and in emergency situations.
• Demonstrated adherence to all state and highway safety rules and regulations.
• Ability to use tablets and other basic transit software.
• Ability to pass Driver Training on topics including, but not limited to:
  • Passenger Assistance
  • Maltreatment Awareness
  • Defensive Driving
  • First Aid/CPR
  • Child Passenger Safety
• Minimum 1-2 years of supervisory experience
• NOTE: If position is offered to and accepted by applicant, the Agency will provide resources to assist applicant in obtaining a Commercial Learners Permit (CLP) and a Medical Examiners Certificate (“Medical Card”) prior to their first day of employment. Employment will not begin until both are obtained.
• Paid training is provided to assist new hires in obtaining CDL and Passenger Endorsement; must obtain CDL and Passenger Endorsement within 90 days of start date.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Fluency in one or more languages other than English, especially Spanish or Somali

Functional Requirements:

• Frequently office-based position, with utilization of computer and other basic office equipment.
• Frequent travel using personal means to meet with participants or travel to alternate workspace.
• Ability to sit for long periods of time while driving and use hands to finger, handle, or grasp objects and controls, and reach with hands and arms; Occasional bending/squatting/reaching.
• Ability to safely operate large transit vehicles and equipment safely in all types of weather and environmental conditions.
• Ability to pass a Fitness for Duty Exam, paid for by the agency at a clinic of the agency’s choosing.
• Ability to adhere to ADA compliance and reasonable accommodation requirements and physically assist passengers personally, or with mobility devices or property as needed.
• Potentially frequent lifting of up to 75lbs.

About Three Rivers Community Action

Join Three Rivers Community Action, a dynamic nonprofit organization established in 1966 by dedicated local citizens. Committed to enhancing lives across our service area, Three Rivers collaborates with community partners to provide warmth, transportation, food, housing, advocacy and education to individuals and families.

At Three Rivers, we seek collaborative solutions, lead with integrity, embrace diversity, inspire mutual trust, listen to community needs, respect the people we work with, and promote equity, empowerment and self-sufficiency.

We advocate ardently for our program participants at local, state, and federal levels, leveraging our extensive network of human service agencies to provide comprehensive support. Through these partnerships, we optimize resources to better serve families and communities, catalyzing meaningful change and fostering inclusivity.

We realize dreams of homeownership for people such as single parents, individuals with disabilities, and families. We enable seniors to age in place with vital services like home-delivered meals, transportation, and energy assistance. Through initiatives like Head Start, we ensure children are equipped for school success while supporting their families holistically. At every stage of life, Three Rivers strives to empower and uplift those we serve. Join us in making a difference, one life at a time.

Watch this 2-minute video that provides a snapshot of our programs, values, and a participant story that reflects the heart of what we do.

About the Benefits

Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package tailored to support your well-being and enrich your life:

• Competitive wages with opportunities for advancement
• Extensive benefits for regular full-time staff (30+ hours per week), including affordable health insurance with access to employer-sponsored NICE Healthcare and an HRA, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), voluntary dental, vision, voluntary life/AD&D, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance, ensuring peace of mind and security for you and your loved ones.
• Immediate eligibility for investment in our 403(b), with a generous automatic match (after 1 year of employment), aiding in building a stable financial future
• Generous paid time off, guaranteeing you sufficient time for relaxation, rejuvenation, and personal interests for regular staff working 30+ hours per week
• Access to our robust Employee Assistance Program, providing assistance and resources for both personal and professional challenges
• Training and professional development opportunities aimed at enhancing your skills and fostering career growth
• A supportive work environment that values lived experience, respects personal representation, teamwork, and recognizes individual contributions.

Experience these outstanding benefits, among others, as we actively support your development, well-being, and success.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that values lived experience. We strongly encourage individuals from under-represented populations and those with relevant lived experiences to apply. We value diverse perspectives and backgrounds. Your unique experiences and perspectives are an asset to our team, and we welcome your application.

Three Rivers is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. If you require assistance or accommodation during the application process due to a disability, please contact Human Resources at jobs@threeriverscap.org or 507-316-0610.

Online application preferred: www.threeriverscap.org/careers. However, a paper application form may be requested by calling 507-316-0610.

Three Rivers is an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer