Lead Bus Driver

• Base Pay $24.70 - $27.00 / Hour
• Job Category Transportation
• Employee Type Full-Time Hourly
• Required Degree NONE
• Travel 50%
• Manage Others No

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.)

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 (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). test. Employees in this position are subject to random and reasonable suspicion DOT drug and alcohol testing throughout their employment.

• Minimum of 2-years CDL driving experience
• 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 precious 12-months.
• Minimum 1-2 years of supervisory experience
• Ability to successfully pass required background study (including, but not limited to, no felony convictions).
• Current, valid personal automobile insurance.
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• 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

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

• 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…