Transit Operations Specialist

Trucking People; Grand Rapids (MN); On-site; USD 26,000 - 37,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Job summary

Trucking People in Grand Rapids, MN is hiring a Transit Operations Specialist / Vehicle Operator for the goMARTI initiative. This part-time contract role supports on-demand, autonomous transit service and involves safe operation of vehicles, customer assistance, and daily documentation.

The ideal candidate is a safety-conscious driver with at least 3 years of driving experience, comfortable with advanced vehicle technology, and able to assist passengers with mobility needs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Experience driving with good safety record preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate vehicles equipped with autonomous and accessibility technologies.
• Provide safe, on-demand public transportation to Grand Rapids and surrounding communities.
• Interact professionally with passengers and operations team to ensure a positive experience.
• Assist passengers with mobility needs, including wheelchairs and ramps.
• Conduct daily vehicle safety inspections and report maintenance concerns.
• Maintain clean and presentable vehicle interiors and exteriors.
• Follow traffic laws, safety protocols, and operating procedures.
• Document daily activities and passenger interactions for records.
• Offer feedback to improve vehicle comfort, accessibility and passenger experience.

Skills

Driving experience

Customer service

Communication

Attention to detail

Documentation

Safety consciousness

Independent work

Team collaboration

Flexibility

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Transit Operations Specialist

Location: Grand Rapids, MN
Work Environment: In-Person
Job Type: Part-Time Contract
Pay: $23.00 per hour
Schedule: Up to 30 hours/week; shifts between 10 AM and 9 PM
Sign-On Bonus: $500

Job Overview

The PLUM Catalyst to hire a Transit Operations Specialist / Vehicle Operator for the goMARTI initiative in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. This role supports an innovative self-driving public transportation service, providing free, on-demand rides along the goMARTI route and helping address rural transportation needs.

The ideal candidate is an experienced, safety-conscious driver who is organized, reliable, detail-oriented, customer-focused, and comfortable working with emerging vehicle and accessibility technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and support vehicles equipped with advanced autonomous vehicle, accessibility, and transportation technologies.
• Provide safe, reliable, and courteous on-demand public transportation to passengers in Grand Rapids and surrounding communities, including Cohasset, Deer River, and Ball Club.
• Interact professionally with passengers and the operations team to deliver a positive customer experience.
• Assist passengers with mobility needs, including individuals using wheelchairs and accessibility ramps.
• Conduct daily vehicle safety inspections and report maintenance or operational concerns.
• Maintain clean, safe, and presentable vehicle interiors and exteriors.
• Follow all traffic laws, transportation procedures, safety protocols, and operational guidelines.
• Document daily activities, passenger interactions, vehicle conditions, and operational observations.
• Provide feedback and recommendations to improve vehicle comfort, cleanliness, accessibility, aesthetics, and passenger experience.
• Remain calm and effective when handling unexpected or demanding situations.
• Perform other transportation and operations duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Minimum 3 years of driving experience with an excellent driving record.
• Safe and responsible driving habits with strong knowledge of traffic and safety regulations.
• Comfortable operating vehicles equipped with advanced technology and accessibility systems.
• Ability to routinely lift and move up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to assist passengers with disabilities, including pushing wheelchairs up ramps and into vehicles.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Ability to follow structured processes and standard operating procedures.
• Strong attention to detail and a systematic, process-driven approach.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with an operations team.
• Comfortable working flexible part-time shifts between 10 AM and 9 PM.
• Weekend availability is preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in public transportation, transit operations, shuttle driving, rideshare, delivery driving, passenger transportation, or fleet operations.
• Experience working with autonomous vehicles, self-driving technology, electric vehicles, accessibility technology, or advanced vehicle systems.
• Background in electronics, mechanical systems, automotive technology, or computer systems.
• Experience working with customers or passengers in a transportation or service environment.