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Title: Transit Operator
Company: Pierce Transit
Location: Lakewood, Washington
Job Status: Full-time
Job ID: 135830
Website: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/piercetransit/jobs/3252509/transit-operator?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs
Do you enjoy working with people? Are you ready to make a difference in the lives of people right here in your community? Are you looking for a career with a future?

Pierce Transit is now hiring!

Our mission is to connect our communities with safe, reliable, customer-friendly transit options.

Pierce Transit drivers have been assisting people who are on the go in Pierce County for over 35 years. The first step to becoming a driver begins with an application to become a Relief Transit Operator (RTO). If you are selected for this role you will receive paid training from the experts who will ensure that you gain hands-on experience and are fully prepared for success. Upon completion of the six-week training course and passing the CDL exam, you will be eligible and in line to be promoted to full-time positions based on your seniority.

Applicants are encouraged to view the RTO Commitment Informational Video at the following link to learn more about the position and the requirements of being a Relief Transit Operator: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOi45fq4mQQ

As a Trainee you will initially be paid at $22.03 per hour. All Trainees start at this step, regardless of prior experience. The pay rate increases quickly! The hourly rate moves to $23.32 upon successful completion of the first three phases of training (10 weeks) when Trainees move to the role of Relief Transit Operator (RTO). After successfully completing the probationary period, (6 months/1040 hours as an RTO), you will receive $24.14.

As Transit Operator positions open up they are filled by Relief Transit Operators on the basis of seniority. As a full time Transit Operator, the hourly salary begins at $25.03 per hour. The top of our Transit Operator pay range is currently $31.76 per hour, which equates to a base annual salary of $66,060, plus benefits. Additionally, there is often overtime work available. In 2020 the top Transit Operator earner made over $130,000.

As a Relief Transit Operator, you will be a member of a very important team that is relied upon to drive routes in the absence of the regular full-time operators. The work of the RTO ensures that the operation continues to run smoothly while the regular drivers are attending training, on temporary assignments, taking vacation or other leave, or away for other reasons.

While many of our Operators choose to remain in that role, many others have pursued a variety of opportunities and have become supervisors, instructors, dispatchers and managers throughout the agency.

Relief Transit Operators are eligible for benefits and guaranteed at least 25 hours of work per week. Our current Relief Transit Operators work 35 hours per week and sometimes more, although hours in excess of 25 are not guaranteed and will depend on the needs of the Agency in any given week.

The Commitment
Applicants are encouraged to review Pierce Transit's background check policy and the driving abstract section to ensure they have an acceptable driving record prior to applying. The background check policy can be found at the following link under FAQ's: https://www.piercetransit.org/careers/

Applicants hired from this recruitment must be available to attend full-time training for a period of six (6) weeks, beginning MONDAY DECEMBER 13, 2021:
  • Relief Transit Operators are a critical role at Pierce Transit and the individuals selected must be available seven days a week.

  • Schedules can change with little, or no, notice and will vary from day to day.

  • Pierce Transit's operating hours begin at 1:50 a.m. and continue until 1:29 a.m.

  • Relief Operators are expected to drive any shift and any route including nights, holidays, weekends, mornings, split shifts, and days off, if necessary.

Essential Functions
The following functions are not intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.
  • We are looking for drivers who will provide excellent service to our customers, informing them about fares, routes, schedules and operating rules in a tactful and courteous manner.

  • They will be relied on to ensure safe and efficient operation of transit coaches and agency vehicles while following routes, schedules and all traffic regulations.

  • Depending on the assignment, this person may operate a passenger van to pick up and drop off passengers eligible for specialized transportation. Work may include assisting customers with disabilities and those using wheelchairs in boarding and exiting the vehicle.

Individuals selected for these positions must have the ability to:
  1. Be accurate and thorough in the completion of written accident, incident, and other reports.

  2. Inspect the bus or van before and after operation.

  3. Operate a radio to communicate with a dispatcher.

  4. Read and speak the English language sufficiently to converse with the general public, to understand traffic signs and signals and to comprehend written instructions and standard operating procedures, notices, or memos.

  5. Learn new routes and procedures and follow them reliably and consistently.

  6. Know, understand and follow traffic laws and ordinances and safety rules.

  7. Demonstrate prompt and regular attendance.

Qualifications
Driving records of finalist candidates will be reviewed. Violations and patterns of violations will be assessed to determine suitability for the role.

Required Qualifications:
  • Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of hire.

  • Must have been licensed for a minimum of five (5) years to be considered.

    • Five (5) years of continuous, recent driving history is required (i.e.. no gaps in license status)

    • Must have an excellent driving record. (no revocations or suspensions)

    • Applicants may apply with an out-of-state license, but must possess a valid Washington State Driver's License at the time of hire.

Additional License Requirements:
Must obtain a Class B Commercial License Permit with Passenger endorsement prior to a final offer being extended.

Please note: In order to obtain a Commercial License Permit in Washington State, you must be able to provide your current license, Social Security number and proof of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Residency.

For more information please visit: http://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/cdlcdip.html

Other Requirements:
  • Applicants must be successful in meeting strict physical requirements, which will be determined by a physical exam including a drug screen.

    • Must be able to maneuver up to 300 pounds (passenger including wheelchair) over a six-inch curb and up a wheelchair ramp

    • The Agency and the examining physician will look for conditions that are likely to interfere with the applicant's ability to perform the essential functions of the job and to safety operate and control a motor vehicle.

  • Applicants hired into the Transit Operator job must be able to safely and effectively operate all revenue service vehicles.

  • Transit operators will be subject to periodic background check screenings by Joint Base Lewis-McChord in order to drive Pierce Transit vehicles on base when required.

Representation:
This job is represented by the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), Local #758.

Supplemental Information

Application Instructions
To be considered for this opportunity, you must apply online:
  1. The online application must include a chronological work and/or education history covering a ten-year period.

  2. At least 3 professional references, to include a current or recent supervisor, with names, professional titles, and current phone numbers and email addresses.
For questions regarding this recruitment or assistance with the application process, please contact Employee Services staff at 253-581-8095 or [email protected]

If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email [email protected].

Pierce Transit Is An Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
Pierce Transit has a strong commitment to the community we serve and our employees. As an equal opportunity employer, we strive to have a workforce that reflects the community we serve. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class.

Pierce Transit's Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

When applying, mention that you saw this opening listed at TransitTalent.com.