Summary:

The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska is a federally recognized Tribe with its ancestral homeland located in Niobrara, NE. The Tribe does not have a reservation in the classic definition; rather, the Ponca Restoration Act defined its jurisdiction as a ‘Service Delivery Area’ comprised of 15 counties throughout parts of Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota. Within its Service Delivery Area, the Tribe offers a broad range of health, social, educational, and cultural services.

Incumbent will be primarily responsible for meeting the transportation needs of Ponca Tribe of Nebraska citizens and the public, including persons with disabilities.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Responsible for providing transportation for Ponca Tribe of Nebraska members and the public, including persons with disabilities in a cheerful, pleasant, and professional manner.
2. Transporter will operate vehicles, wheelchair lifts/securements, computers, cell phones, scheduling software and other equipment as necessary.
3. Assists passengers to and from the vehicle.
4. Maintains a clean and presentable vehicle according to policy or direction of supervisor.
5. Maintains appropriate monthly records and reports.
6. Works closely and cooperatively with Ponca Tribe of Nebraska staff to meet transportation needs.
7. Follows a planned route according to a time schedule.
8. Keeps track of when passengers get on/off the vehicle via transportation software.
9. Collects fares for each transport as applicable and maintains proper record keeping.
10. Continuously learns and implements all new procedures, regulations and requirements.
11. Able and willing to drive in adverse weather conditions.
12. Responsible for inspecting vehicles at the beginning of each day.
13. Maintains or attains CPR and First Aid certification.
14. Attends and completes Passenger and Safety Securement, Defensive Driving, Distracted Driving and Drug & Alcohol Awareness courses.
15. Follows the drug and alcohol policy and testing requirements.
16. Knows and follows the mission, organization, program requirements, and policies of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska.
17. Maintains complete confidentiality and honors the Privacy Act.
18. Recognizes the need to respect the rights, dignity, and privacy of riders.
19. Be well versed in and abide by transportation laws, rules, and regulations.
20. Other duties as assigned.

Relationships and Authority:

Incumbent has no supervisory responsibilities.

Working Environment and Physical Demands:

Minimum to high stress due to many scheduled activities. Sits, stands, bends, lifts, twisting and moves intermittently during work hours. Must be able to work with the ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset and at times, hostile people.

Physical requirements include carrying/lifting up to 5 pounds, frequently; up to 10 pounds, regularly; and up to 50 pounds, occasionally. Visual acuity, speech and hearing; hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to drive an automobile and operate computer keyboard and basic office equipment; subject to carrying, lifting, twisting and reaching to perform essential job functions. Working conditions are primarily in an office environment and/or vehicle.

Qualifications:

Minimum:

1. High school diploma or GED.
2. Able to obtain First Aid, CPR and Defensive Driving Course certification within one year, if not already certified.
3. Excellent oral communication skills.
4. Valid driver's license and be insurable.
5. Successfully pass drug and alcohol testing, motor vehicle, education, character, and criminal background checks.
6. Able and willing to travel.

Preferred:

1. Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
2. First Aid, CPR and Defensive Driving Course certified.
3. One year experience working with Native Americans or Native American organizations.

Preference will be given to Ponca Tribe of Nebraska members or members of a federally recognized tribe. However, all qualified individuals are eligible.

The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska is an at-will employer.

Tribal Council Approval: 04/06/2026