Job Summary: Under the supervision of the Transportation Manager, this position is responsible for assisting the Transportation Department with training new drivers on their routes, transporting children to and from assigned locations, and filling in on open routes when needed until filled-driving routes when drivers call off or if they are on PTO.Essential Functions:Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provide support to new driving staff.
- Train new staff on core functions of the job, including:
- Required pre and post-trip inspection of all other driver-required paperwork, procedures for required radio communications to the transportation base, and procedures for routing changes.
- Provide on-the-bus instruction to assist new staff in driving and routing techniques. Perform observations of new staff following their orientation. This is to include contracted routes and staff needs.
- Perform daily Reasonable Suspicion Checks on drivers when needed. Report daily findings to the Transportation Manager and/or Assistant Transportation Coordinator.
- Assist the Transportation Department with daily needs, including, but not limited to, dropping off buses at shops, moving buses, and performing clerical duties as needed.
- Serve as a backup during staff absences (vacation, leave of absence, etc.), including Driver and/or Program Aide duties.
- Transport children to and from Head Start center and on field trips. Maintained and updated daily routes, student roster, authorized escorts, student attendance, chain of custody log, and emergency information on each student assigned to bus route.
- Perform daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections according to DOT regulations; report defects and major mechanical difficulties to the Assistant Transportation Coordinator and/or Transportation Manager. Perform minor maintenance and repairs, such as replacing fuses, bulbs, lenses, mirrors, lubricants, water, etc. Keep the interior of the vehicle clean at all times.
- Deliver and store supplies as needed, assemble and move furniture and equipment as necessary, and assist with food service to the classrooms at all centers.
- Conduct bus evacuation drills three (3) times yearly and submit required documentation to the transportation Manager.
- Assist teachers in the classrooms and monitor children on the playground and/or play areas when not needed in transportation.
- Perform miscellaneous duties such as delivering inter-office mail/correspondence, answering phones, miscellaneous office duties, and conducting follow-up phone calls when children are absent.
- Attend required staff meetings and training. Perform other duties as assigned.
Safety: Responsible for conducting all duties in a safe manner.Affirmative Action: Responsible for following the affirmative action plan as set forth and signed by the Board of Directors. Qualifications: Education & Experience: Two years of experience as a professional driver or other related experience driving a larger vehicle is preferred. Experience transporting young children and working in a social service agency is beneficial. Licensing Requirements: Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with passenger endorsement with no passenger restrictions. No major violations and no more than two minor violations in the last five years. Clean driving records are preferred. Must be able to meet other requirements of the Minnesota Motor Vehicle Department. Because of the multiple locations of centers throughout Ramsey County, reliable transportation on a daily basis is required. Abilities and Skills: To ensure compliance with program requirements, and safety of staff and clients, the ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing is required. In order to be successful in this position, the person will at minimum need to possess the following abilities and skills: Core Technology Competency: Level 1 - Basic Certifications: Must obtain CPR/First Aid Certification within 90 days of hire; must maintain certifications Work Knowledge: Knowledge of the St. Paul Metro area and ability to read a street map. Ability to use email as a form of communication. Ability to use a computer to complete an electronic timecard. Physical Requirements: Must be able to successfully pass Head Start pre-placement physical and Department of Transportation (DOT) medical examination (including ongoing random drug and alcohol screening). Must be able to safely lift 55 pounds; must be able to assist in emergency evacuation of children from bus; must be able to tolerate sitting for extended periods of time; must be physically able to perform routine servicing, minor maintenance and repair of vehicles, and assemble classroom equipment. Working Conditions: May be exposed to fluctuating temperatures, gas fumes and vapors. Must be able to work split shifts. Mental Requirements: This position requires the ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks, and the ability to function both independently and as a team member at the center. This person must also possess good mechanical aptitude, personal initiative and sound judgment. Must be able to work with children and individuals of various ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. Benefits Department: Head Start - TransportationStarting Salary Range: $23.40/hr - $26.32/hrCAPRW's compensation offerings are determined by job related knowledge, education and relevant experience.Schedule: M - F, 40 Hours/Week, Part Year6:45am-5:45pmLocation: Transportation (Ruth Benner Center)Hybrid Capability: This position has no hybrid capability.Posting Dates: 7/30/2025 until all vacancies are filled. Benefits: Community Action offers excellent benefits including generous 23 days paid time off (PTO) for new employees, 14 paid holidays plus two personal days, health, dental, vision & life insurance, health savings accounts (HSA), flexible saving accounts (FSA), retirement, employee discount programs, tuition assistance programs and so much more! Background Checks: Community Action conducts criminal background checks at the time of hire. Not all backgrounds are a barrier to employment.Community Action Partnership of Ramsey and Washington Counties is an Equal Opportunity (EEO) Employer. We recruit, select, hire, place, transfer, promote, demote, layoff, discipline, terminate, recall, compensate, and train without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, familial status, disability, veteran status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or any other basis protected by applicable laws, directives, and regulations of federal, state, and local governing bodies or agencies. We will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants and employees with disabilities whenever possible. Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.