Transit Operator Trainee - Full Time (Z3 : KC Personnel Guidelines)

Summary

Why Choose Metro:

Join Metro Transit, recognized as the Outstanding Public Transportation System of the Year and Washington Transit Agency of the Year by COMTO! As one of North America's top transit agencies, we’re committed to providing exceptional, accessible transportation and building strong community connections. Join our team and help shape the future of mobility!

Join a team where diversity and gender inclusivity are celebrated—we’re proud to support women in all roles, from bus operators to leadership, fostering a workplace where everyone thrives.

Why our Employees Come to work at Metro

We foster a respectful, supportive environment where everyone thrives. Our Transit Operators do more than drive—they connect communities, create opportunities, and make a difference every day. Join us and be part of something bigger!

About The Position

Drive Change. Empower Communities. Become a Transit Operator!

At King County Metro, we believe public transportation is more than just getting from point A to B—it’s about connecting people to opportunities, fostering inclusive communities, and making every ride a positive experience.

We are looking for compassionate, service-driven individuals to join our team as Transit Operators. In this role, you’ll play a vital part in ensuring that every passenger feels safe, valued, and welcome. You’ll provide excellent customer service, assist riders with care, and help keep our transportation network running smoothly.

Why Join Us?

• A Career with Purpose – Your work directly impacts the lives of individuals and families, ensuring they have reliable access to jobs, schools, and essential services.
• Supportive & Inclusive Team – We celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an environment where women and people of color thrive. Our team reflects the vibrant communities we serve.
• Paid Training & Career Growth – No prior experience driving large vehicles? No problem! We provide paid training and offer career pathways to help you grow within the organization.
• Work That Works for You – We offer competitive pay, excellent benefits, and scheduling options that support work-life balance.
  
  

What You’ll Do

• Be a friendly and welcoming presence for all passengers.
• Ensure every rider gets to their destination safely and comfortably.
• Assist individuals, including seniors and people with disabilities, with respect and patience.
• Navigate routes with confidence while following traffic laws and safety procedures.
• Act as the eyes and ears of the community, reporting any safety concerns to keep our riders and neighborhoods secure.
  
  

Who We’re Looking For

You don’t need prior experience—just a commitment to customer service, safety, and community. If you’re a great communicator, enjoy helping others, and want to make a difference in people’s lives, we encourage you to apply.

Join us and drive the change you want to see in your community. Apply today!

Job Duties

• Provide safe, professional, and courteous on-time bus service for customers in King County
• Follow all traffic laws and regulations
• Communicate effectively with all customers regarding fares, routes, schedules, and transfer points
• Effectively operate transit vehicles and equipment, including wheelchair lifts and the securing of personal mobility devices
• Successfully communicate with Transit Control Center via radio
• Accurately complete verbal and written reports
  
  

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

• Strong customer service skills
• Must be able to report to assigned work location in a timely, reliable manner.
• Willingness to learn and try new things
• The ability to learn new routes and procedures and to follow them reliably
• Flexibility to work split shifts and a varied schedule and weekends and holidays
• Reliability and motivation
• Knowledge of English, sufficient to communicate, read and follow road signs, and to comprehend written instructions and standard operating procedures, notices and memos.
  
  

Necessary Special Requirements

• All applicants must be 21 years old at time of application
• A valid driver license and the ability to obtain a Washington State Commercial Learner's Permit(CLP) with the Air Brake restriction removed and a Passenger endorsement
• Ability to obtain a valid Washington State Commercial Driver's License(CDL) class "B", with passenger endorsement and airbrake restriction lifted.
• Applicants without a valid CDL must obtain a CDL learner's permit before the first day of training
  
  

An Acceptable Five-year Driving Record At The Time Of An Offer Of Employment – Any Of The Following Violations In The Last Five Years Will Automatically Disqualify Candidates Under Consideration

• Reckless or negligent driving Driving Under the Influence or Driving While Intoxicated Hit and Run accident citation Vehicular homicide or vehicular assault Open container citation More than one at-fault accident (does not include non at-fault accidents) Any, 1 suspension for a moving violation No more than 2 moving violations within the last 5 years. Within the last 5 years, no license suspension, revocation, cancellation or disqualification based on a traffic or moving violation. No license restrictions (such as an ignition interlock device requirement) within the last 5 years. No convictions within the last 5 years for reckless or negligent driving, hit and run, leaving the scene of an accident, driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, vehicular assault or homicide.` No alcohol, drug or test refusal related occurrences within the last 5 years. No other driving record incidents or occurrences within the last 5 years that provide a reasonable basis to question the applicant's ability to provide safe and public transportation.
  
  

Please Note: To obtain a CLP in Washington State, you must be able to provide and hold a current non-expired license, Social Security number and proof of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Residency to a Washington State Department of Licensing Testing Facility. For more information visit DOL CLP Testing

Background Check Review Criteria

• Where the criminal conviction relates reasonably to the fitness to perform the job duties, Metro Transit has a responsibility to ensure a safe and reliable public transportation system for its passengers and its employees.
• The following criminal convictions may establish an impermissible nexus with positions that require interaction with the general public and/or, unsupervised access to other employees or the general public and/or, responsibility for the maintenance and safety of Metro Transit property:
• Crimes of a sexual nature committed against an individual including, but not limited to, rape, child molestation, and unlawful sexual acts.
• Any crime of a sexual nature that results in inclusion on the national sex offender registry.
• Crimes involving violent or assaultive behavior including, but not limited to, murder, manslaughter, rape, robbery, assault, battery, kidnapping, extortion, carrying or use of a deadly weapon.
• Crimes involving the physical control, sale, use, transportation of controlled substances, and/or operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Note – the nexus of prior misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor convictions related to marijuana should be evaluated carefully in light of SB 5605, Misdemeanor Vacating for Marijuana.
• Crimes involving dishonesty such as fraud, embezzlement, the mishandling, theft, and/or the misappropriation of funds or property, or possession of stolen property.
• Crimes involving serious or repeated discrimination or harassment based on race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, or sexual orientation (municipal law applies in Seattle).
• The above do not constitute a comprehensive list of convictions with a potential nexus to Metro Transit classifications, nor do they automatically disqualify an applicant from further employment consideration.
• For additional information please refer to: RCW 43.43.830
  
  

Supplemental Information

Application Process, Forms And Materials

An application must be completed to be considered for this position; online applications are preferred. No resumes or cover letters will be referenced during the application/screening review. To apply online, go to www.kingcounty.gov/jobs and find the Transit Operator (Full-Time Bus Driver) job announcement, click the "Apply" link on the Job Announcement Page. If you do not currently have an account with GovernmentJobs.com, you will be prompted to create one. Please write down your log-in information for future reference.

Steps Of The Application Process

• Apply Online -Applicants should begin studying for the Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) through the Department of Licensing (DOL)
• Minimum Qualification Review -Recruitment team reviews application for accuracy, completeness and special requirements.
• Competitive Review -Our team of subject matter experts will review applicant materials and select a pre-determined number of applicants to invite to interview based on previous transit and customer service experience.
• Interviews -Applicants are invited to In-Person interviews at Renton Technical College.
• Conditional Offer -Passing applicants receive a Conditional Offer of Employment with requirement to Complete the Pre-Employment Process (PEP) within 30 Days of Conditional Offer:
• Applicants complete the DOT Physical at a local Concentra office and are awarded a DOT Medical Clearance Card.
• Applicants will complete Drug and Alcohol screening via Urine Sample Analysis collected on the same day of interview after receiving a conditional offer.
• Applicants complete Commercial Learner's Permit testing at a DOL location (Must provide copy of DOT Medical Card) Applicants should begin studying for the Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) through the Department of Licensing (DOL) at time of Application
• After completing first 3 steps of Pre-employment process applicants complete Background check review via Accusource (online link provided).
• Applicants will complete a Driving Abstract via Accusource 30 days prior to their scheduled class date.
  
  

FTTO Training Class-Applicants successfully complete the Pre-Employment Process and are placed into a training class.

New Hire Bonus

We want to help get you in the door and behind the wheel. New operators will receive a $3,000 hiring incentive, disbursed as drivers meet certain milestones

• Operators will receive $1,000 after successful completing training and graduating with their class.
• Employees will receive a second payment of $2,000 after completing 6 months of solo driving and successfully completing probation.
  
  

During Training

What to Expect for your Schedule:

Metro Operator Training includes a mix of classroom work, independent study and coach practice driving. Trainees will complete in-house CDL testing to obtain their Washington State Commercial Driver’s License with Passenger Endorsement.

After Graduating

Graduated Operators select their assignments based on seniority and may work a variety of schedules, including early mornings, day shifts, evenings, or overnight shifts. After graduation, you'll have the opportunity to choose your initial assignment and then select new work every six months during a Metro Shake-Up.

Work Locations:

Transit Operators must be available to work at any King County Metro transit base.

Training Classes And Training Pay Rate

Candidates will be placed into a class in order of completing all steps necessary to this safety-sensitive position, and after receiving a Formal Offer of employment. Class times are Monday-Friday 6:30AM-3:00PM and weekend work is required and assigned during training. Training start and end times may also change during training. Metro is working to increase training capacity, which could result in additional class time options.

Rates Of Pay

The rate of pay for Full-time Operator trainees is $23.32/hour. Upon successful graduation from the trainee course new hires will start at the first step of the Transit Operator pay scale: $31.39/hour.

Step1

$31.39

Step2

$35.87

Step3

$40.36

Step4

$42.60

Step5

$44.84

Who To Contact

For assistance with the online application process, please contact NeoGov Customer Support toll free at 877.204.4442 or www.governmentjobs.com.

For more information regarding the Bus Driver position, please check out our webpage HERE or contact the Transit Operator recruiting team at DriveForMetro@kingcounty.gov.

Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will be screened based upon the clarity and completeness of their application information. No attachments will be referenced during the application/screening review process.

Applicants who are unable to apply online should follow the instructions under Application Tips and FAQs at www.kingcounty.gov/jobs.

If you need an accommodation in the recruitment process, or an alternate format of this announcement, please inquire directly with the Transit Operator recruiting team at DriveForMetro@kingcounty.gov.

As indicated in our jobsite's Application Tips, applicants having trouble completing our online application may contact governmentjobs.com at 855-524-5627 or support@governmentjobs.com.

Union Membership

The Transit Operator position is represented by Amalgamated Transit Union Local 587 (upon successful completion of training.)

Class Code: 9611100

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

King County is an equal employment opportunity employer. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workplace and workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding values--we are one team, we solve problems, we focus on the customer, we drive for results, we are racially just, we respect all people, we lead the way, we are responsible stewards. We welcome and encourage people of all backgrounds to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ , people living with disabilities, and veterans.

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. Our 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.

Workplace Culture

Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ , people living with disabilities, and veterans.

Benefits

King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what’s best for themselves and their eligible dependents
• Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
• Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
• Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
• 12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays
• Generous vacation and paid sick leave
• Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves
• Flexible Spending Account
• Wellness programs
• Onsite activity centers
• Employee Giving Program
• Employee assistance programs
• Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
• Training and career development programs
  
  

For additional information about employee benefits, visit our Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page.

This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.

NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.

For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.

01

Are you at least 21 years of age as of today's date?

• Yes
• No
  
  

02

Do you currently hold a valid Washington State Drivers license?

• Yes
• No
  
  

03

How many years of experience do you have driving? Please include years of experience for ALL types of driving, including personal vehicles and commercial vehicles.

• I have no experience driving
• 1-3 Years
• 3-5 Years
• 5-10 Years
• 10 Years
  
  

04

Have you tested positive, or refused to test, on any pre-employment drug or alcohol test administered by an employer to which you applied, but did not get hired, for safety sensitive transportation work covered by the Department of Transportation drug and alcohol testing rules during the past two years?

• Yes
• No
  
  

05

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, for which employer and when? If not, please answer "N/A."

06

Have you had an out of state driver license in the last five years?

• Yes
• No
  
  

07

In the last five years, has your license been revoked or suspended?

• Yes
• No
  
  

08

If your license has been suspended in the last five years, please indicate how many times it has been suspended, regardless of reason.

• Once
• More than once
• My license has not been revoked or suspended
  
  

09

If your license has been suspended in the last five years, please indicate the reason below. Check all that apply.

• Moving Violation
• Unpaid parking ticket(s)
• Unpaid traffic ticket(s)
• Child support enforcement
• I have not had my license suspended
  
  

10

Do you have any of the following violations on your driving record in the last five years? Select all that apply. (Your full five-year driving record will be evaluated as a part of this recruitment process.)

• Reckless or negligent driving
• DWI/DUI-driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Hit and run accident citation
• Vehicular homicide or vehicular assault
• Open container citation
• More than one at-fault accident
• None of the above
  
  

11

How many at-fault accidents have you had in the last five years?

• One or no at-fault accidents
• More than one
  
  

12

Have you been terminated, or have you resigned in lieu of termination, from any position in the last five years? (This does not include layoff due to employers' reduction in work force.)

• Yes
• No
  
  

13

If you answered yes to the previous question, please provide the name of the employer(s) and the reason for termination(s). (If not, please answer "N/A")

14

Are you a current King County Metro driver?

• Yes
• No
  
  

15

Are you a former King County Metro driver or previous Transit Operator Trainee applying for rehire?

• Yes
• No
  
  

16

If you are a former Metro Transit Operator applying for rehire, list the date you left employment with King County, your last assigned Base, and your badge number. (If you are not a former Metro Transit Operator, answer "N/A".)

17

Are you applying to this position as an eligible current or previous King County Employee Priority Placement Program Participant? AND Is this position the same or lower percentage of full-time when compared to the position held at the point of the notification of layoff? AND Do you possess the skills and abilities to qualify for this position?

• Yes, I was given a layoff notice from my Career Service role at King County and I am within two years of the effective date of my layoff. Additionally, the position I was laid off from was the same or a higher percentage of FT status when compared to this one.
• No.
  
  

18

If you answered yes to the question above and you are applying for this position as a Priority Placement Participant, to be considered, you must provide the following three pieces of information in the space provided: 1. The title you held when you received your layoff notice 2. The department you worked in 3. The effective date of your layoff

19

Do you currently possess a Commercial Drivers License (CDL)? Please note having a CDL is not required prior to training.

• CDL Class A or B with Passenger Endorsement
• CDL Class A or B no passenger Endorsement
• CDL not Class A or B
• Commercial Learning Permit with Passenger Endorsement
• Commercial Learning Permit without Passenger Endorsement
• I do not currently possess a CDL or Commercial Learners Permit
  
  

20

Do you have previous experience driving any of the following: (Public Transit, School Bus, Private Transit (Greyhound, Microsoft Connecter, TransWest, Access/Paratransit, etc)? If yes how many years?

• No
• Yes, less than 6 months
• Yes, 6 months to 2 Years
• Yes, 2 or more years
  
  

21

If yes, please explain how and where you obtained your previous Transit experience to include previous employers and your length of time in the position. If you have no previous Transit experience please enter N/A.

22

In one to two sentences, please describe what it means to you to be a safe driver.

23

How many years of experience, if any, do you have with customer service or customer-facing roles?

• I have never worked in a customer service role
• 1-2 years of experience
• 3-5 years of experience
• 5 years of experience
  
  

24

Are you willing to commit to a full-time training program with varying start times, including weekends, and no vacation or extended leave?

• Yes
• No
  
  

25

Are you willing to work different shifts, including early mornings, nights, and weekends, with hours ranging from 8 to 13 per day, based on Metro's needs?

• Yes
• No
  
  

26

Can you commit to arriving on time for your shifts, regardless of weather or traffic?

• Yes
• No
  
  

27

Did you ensure that you have completely filled out your application to include work history and fill any gaps of employment? (Reminder, an incomplete application will not be moved forward in the recruitment process.)

• Yes
• No
• Required Question