Public Transit Operator; Bus Driver

Position Overview

For the Faribault/Northfield area, Hiawathaland Transit is seeking full-time drivers (36 hours per week). Help people get safely to places in their community: clinic, pharmacy, library, school, work, grocery store, etc.

Start at $22.70/hour if you already have a Class C CDL and Passenger Endorsement (PE); otherwise, start at $21.70/hour. Will primarily drive in the Red Wing area but may occasionally be assigned to another city/community. Hiawathaland Public Transportation is administered by Three Rivers Community Action, Inc., a non-profit agency providing economic opportunities that strengthen individuals, families and communities in southeastern Minnesota.

Job offers are contingent on a reference check; a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) review; a criminal background check with fingerprinting through the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS); a Medical Examiners Certificate (“med card”); and a pre-employment DOT drug test. Employees in this position are subject to random and reasonable suspicion DOT drug and alcohol testing throughout their employment. If you do not have a CDL and Passenger Endorsement, a permit is required before your start date.

(Full Position Description will be shared with applicants selected for in-person interviews; to request full description, call 507‑316‑0610.)

• Must have held a valid drivers license for at least 3 years.
• Acceptable driving record (including no more than 1 moving violation in the previous 12 months).
• Acceptable criminal background check (no felony convictions).
• Ability to read, write and speak English to communicate effectively with passengers, dispatchers and in emergency situations.

• 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.
• $22.70/hour starting wage Class C CDL and Passenger Endorsement; $21.70/hour while working on obtaining Class C CDL and Passenger Endorsement (Transit Operator-in-Training).
• Retirement savings with company match available to employees scheduled for 20 hours per week.

• Operate vehicles safely and efficiently.
• Effectively operate the handicapped lift and security devices.
• Follow all state and highway safety rules and regulations.
• Safely and properly use electronic tablet.
• Accurately complete Daily Maintenance Checks (Pre-Trip/Post-Trip Inspections).
• Maintain accurate records and log sheets.
• Pass Driver Training on these topics:
  Passenger Assistance, Maltreatment Awareness, Defensive Driving, First Aid/CPR, Child Passenger Safety.

Three Rivers Community Action is 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 address fundamental human needs, fostering individual, familial, and communal well‑being.

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 health, dental, short-term income continuation, long-term disability, voluntary life and AD&D insurance, flexible spending accounts, and access to an HRA if health insurance is elected.

Participation in a generous 403B match (after 1 year of employment). Generous paid time off. Access to our Employee Assistance Program, training and professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment that fosters diversity, teamwork, and recognizes individual contributions.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that values lived experience. 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, 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 or 507‑316‑0610.