People Operations Associate

Via Transportation, Inc.; Rochester (MN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Via Transportation, Inc. in Rochester, MN is seeking a People Operations Associate to support our local team and frontline employees across the Central Region.

You’ll oversee HR processes, policy implementation, compliance, and real‑time issue resolution while promoting a positive workplace culture. This 5-day‑a‑week in‑person role involves end-to-end lifecycle management, payroll support, benefits administration, recruiting support, and handling sensitive employee relations matters.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3+ years of experience in HR operations, employee relations, or talent acquisition.
• Experience with unionized employee populations and collective bargaining agreements.
• Knowledge of employment laws and regulations (FMLA, ADA, FLSA, etc.).
• Ability to handle sensitive situations with discretion and professionalism.
• Based in Rochester, MN and able to work in-person 5 days per week.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end employee lifecycle processes including onboarding and off-boarding.
• Manage workers’ compensation and unemployment claims, ensuring compliance.
• Provide day-to-day employee support, investigations, and foster inclusive culture.
• Lead employee engagement and recognition initiatives.
• Assist payroll accuracy and benefits administration including open enrollment.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure policy adherence.
• Partner on recruiting, interviews, offers, and pre-hire screenings.
• Handle sensitive employee relations matters and required documentation.
• Represent the company at job fairs and community events to attract talent.
• Collaborate with local partners and vendors to support operations.
• Coordinate with central HR teams to align best practices and drive improvements.

Skills

Employee relations

HR operations

Talent acquisition

Policy implementation

Communication skills

Detail-oriented

Job description

Via is on a mission to create public transportation systems that provide far greater access to jobs, healthcare, and education. Our platform serves as the technology backbone for modern transit networks, transforming antiquated and siloed public transportation systems into smart, data-driven, and efficient digital networks. With hundreds of agency partners around the world, Via is recognized as the leading transportation technology and service provider globally.

As Via's People Operations Associate, you will be supporting our local team in Rochester, and a number of Via services across the Central Region. This position is focused on supporting our frontline employees by overseeing HR processes such as policy implementation, compliance, employee support, and real-time issue resolution, all while fostering a positive and fair workplace culture.

This is a hands-on role — we’re a one-team culture, and you’ll be rolling up your sleeves to support across the board, whether it's stepping in for a short-term project, offering guidance to an employee, or diving into new HR initiatives.Collaborating closely with Via’s core HR team, you’ll act as a trusted partner, providing a safe space for feedback and ensuring strong relationships with our employees. With great judgment, attention to detail, and a focus on process, you’ll help shape an employee experience that aligns with Via’s mission.

**NOTE: this is a 5-day a week in-person role, primarily based in our Rochester, MN location with regular travel to other sites**

What You'll Do:

• Own end-to-end employee lifecycle processes, including onboarding, off-boarding, pre-employment requirements, and documentation.
• Manage workers’ compensation and unemployment claims, ensuring timely processing and compliance.
• Serve as a trusted employee advocate, providing day-to-day support, handling inquiries and investigations, and fostering a positive, inclusive workplace culture.
• Lead employee engagement and recognition initiatives to enhance overall employee experience.
• Support payroll processes to ensure accuracy and compliance, administer employee benefits, including open enrollment, education, and support.
• Maintain accurate employee records and ensure adherence to company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Partner on recruiting efforts, including interviews, offer processes, and pre-hire screenings.
• Lead sensitive employee relations matters, including terminations and required documentation.
• Represent the company externally at job fairs and community events to attract talent and build brand awareness.
• Act as a key liaison with local partners and vendors, supporting operational needs and strengthening relationships.
• Collaborate with central HR teams to align on best practices and drive process improvements.

Who You Are:

• Minimum of 3+ years of experience in HR operations, employee relations, talent acquisition or a similar role.
• Experience working with unionized employee populations and understanding of collective bargaining agreements.
• You’re comfortable with ambiguity and flexible in adapting to changing needs, always looking for creative solutions.
• Knowledge of employment laws and regulations (e.g., FMLA, ADA, FLSA, etc.).
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to handle sensitive situations effectively.
• Detail-oriented and highly organized with a process-driven mindset.
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities.
• Based in the Rochester, MN area and comfortable working in person 5 days per week
• Experience working with unions is a plus

Compensation and Benefits:

• Final salary will be determined by the candidate’s experience, knowledge, and skills. Salary reflected does not include equity or variable pay, where applicable
• Salary Range: $70,000-$90,000 per year
• We are proud to offer a generous and comprehensive benefits package.

Via is an equal opportunity employer.

Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey.Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiringprocess or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in aconfidential file.

As set forth in Via’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection.As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measurethe effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categoriesis as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.

An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.