Knife River is seeking a Transportation Specialist to join our team. At Knife River, we take care of our team because we know it’s our people who make us successful. This role oversees the recruitment, training, and evaluation of transportation drivers, ensuring strict compliance with all applicable safety and regulatory standards to promote a culture of safety and operational excellence.
What You'll Do
- Recruit and assist with the hiring of transportation drivers.
- Oversee road tests and provide behind-the-wheel driver training.
- Train new and existing team members on safe, efficient vehicle operation in compliance with DOT and company standards.
- Monitor and track driver training progress, including mentorship assignments.
- Evaluate drivers on operational procedures and safety practices.
- Assist with selection and assignment of experienced drivers as mentors.
- Instruct on daily pre-trip/post-trip inspections and vehicle recordkeeping.
- Serve as backup for the CDL training program.
- Promote and enforce a strong safety culture, including use of required safety equipment.
- Conduct job site hazard assessments and assist with corrective actions and provide refresher guidance for drivers assigned to new job sites or unfamiliar tasks.
- Provide consistent post-incident retraining for drivers, completed either independently or with a mentor driver.
- Maintain positive customer relations at job sites.
- Assist with DOT-required paperwork and audit driver logs for compliance.
- Support the safety team with vehicle monitoring system compliance.
- Ensure DOT, MSHA, OSHA, EPA, DNR, safety and environmental regulation compliance.
- Always work safely and take action to prevent all unsafe actions, processes, and behaviors.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
What We're Looking For
- Knowledge of DOT regulations and transportation industry standards.
- Understanding of commercial vehicle operation requirements.
- Ability to hold and maintain proper licensure and an acceptable driving record (e.g., valid Class A or B CDL and medical card).
- Previous truck driving experience.
Nice to Have
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience in the transportation industry.
- Experience in training and development.
- Familiarity with electronic logging devices and vehicle inspection protocols.
Benefits & Compensation
- Compensation: $26.00 - $38.00 per hour
- Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
- Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts
- 401(k) with Company Match
- Profit Sharing
- Paid Time Off
- Paid Sick Time
- 8 Paid Holidays
- Company Paid Life and AD&D Insurance
- Short-term Disability
- Employee Assistance Program
- Years of Service Recognition
- Voluntary Life Insurance for Employees, Spouses, and Dependents
- Critical Illness Plan
- Accident Coverage Plan
- Hospital Indemnity
- Employee Appreciation Program
Work Mode
This is an onsite position.
Knife River is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status or any other protected category under applicable state/federal laws.
