Transit Operator 96th St. SW, Lakewood

Applicants hired from this recruitment must be available to attend full-time training for a period of six (6) weeks, beginning Tuesday, March 10, 2026
.

Class size is limited.

Applicants who complete all hiring steps will have first consideration.

Pierce Transit is an independent municipal organization dedicated to fulfilling the mission of improving people's quality of life by providing safe, reliable, innovative, and useful transportation services that are locally based and regionally connected.

Do you enjoy working with people? Are you ready to make a difference in the lives of those in your community? Set your career in motion today at Pierce Transit!

No CDL? No problem! Pierce Transit will pay you to get your Class B CDL on-site with some of the best driving instructors in the industry!

• As a trainee, base pay is $31.75 per hour;
• Upon completion of all training, and promotion to Transit Operator, pay increases to $33.08, with step increases annually thereafter until reaching the top of the pay range at $40.02 per hour, which equates to a base annual salary of $83,241.60.
• Plus a competitive benefits package that includes:
  • Paid Leave (11 paid holidays, 2 personal paid holidays, additional 2 personal holidays for participating in a qualifying wellness activity and the annual survey, up to 12 days of accrued sick leave, and up to 12 accrued vacation days per year)
  • Excellent Insurance options for you and your family (Medical, Dental, Vision)
  • Defined benefit retirement plan through the Washington State Public Employee’s Retirement System (PERS)
  • Deferred Compensation in a 457 savings plan with a 4.25% match
  • Tuition Assistance
  • Professional Development and Career Growth Programs such as Job Shadowing and Career Planning
  • Employee Wellness Program
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program for those eligible
  • ORCA Card for self and family member
  • Relocation benefit of up to $2,500 for those who are relocating to the Pierce, King of Thurston Counties from more than 60 miles away
  • Four 24/7 Employee Fitness Rooms, Driver Lounge, and Relaxation Room
  • Innovative services connecting our community with the transportation reliability they need

Pierce Transit Operators have been driving and thriving in Pierce County for 45 years and we would love for you to drive us through the next 45! Transit Operators also have room to grow with promotional opportunities to become supervisors, instructors, dispatchers, managers, and many more!

Applicants are highly encouraged to review Pierce Transit's background check policy and driving abstract section to ensure they have an acceptable driving record prior to applying. The background check policy can be found HERE.

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.