Coach Operator
Accepting Applications
APPLICATIONS FOR THE MAY 13TH CLASS – ACCEPTED UNTIL MARCH 25TH
Applications will only be accepted online. While resumes and cover letters are welcome, please ensure all required information is included in the application. Note that applications lacking a driving abstract will not be considered in the hiring process.
To move forward in the application process, you must have the following:
- A strong work history. Commercial driving experience is not required, but customer service is a bonus!
- Valid Washington Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record. (Driving records will be checked, and offers will be rescinded if you have more than one moving violation or any at-fault accidents in the last 3 years)
- Any combination equivalent to graduation from high school diploma/GED
- Per our Teamsters union contract, you need to be able to work all days of the week. Days or hours cannot be guaranteed off since work shifts are awarded by seniority. You will not find out which days you have off until after training is completed.
Hours of Service:
Monday–Friday: 4:25 am – 9:55 pm
Saturday: 6:25 am – 8:00 pm
Sunday: 6:30 am – 8:45 pm
Video Testing
VIDEO TEST – HELD ON MARCH 31ST, APRIL 1ST, AND APRIL 2ND
If your application is found to be competitive, you will be invited to participate in one of the following video tests to evaluate your fit for the Coach Operator position. The test will take approximately 2 hours and is held on-site (2700 Euclid Ave).
We are offering the following dates for the video testing:
- Tuesday, March 31st from 2 – 4pm
- Wednesday, April 1st from 10:30am – 12:30pm
- Thursday, April 2nd from 9 – 11am
Interview and Conditional Offer
Based on the results of your video test, you may be offered an interview. After the interviews, applicants selected to move forward in the hiring process will receive a “conditional” job offer to start in a training class.
You will receive a formal offer after passing the following steps:
- Obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit, which requires passing written exams for the General Knowledge, Air Brakes, and Passenger endorsements at a Department of Licensing office.
- Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam (paid for by Link Transit)
- Driving record review
- Drug screening (including marijuana)
- Criminal background check
- Employment verification
Apply Online
Applications are only accepted online. (Link only active when position is open)
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to be eligible to apply?
- Be at least 18 years old at the time you apply.
- Hold a valid Washington Driver License, and have the ability to obtain a Commercial Learners Permit with the Air Brake and Passenger endorsements.
- Please Note: In order to obtain a Commercial Learners Permit (CLP) in Washington State, you must be able to provide your current license, social security number and proof of US Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Residency
- Education and Experience: Any combination equivalent to: graduation from high school/GED, excellent employment history with a strong customer service background, and a satisfactory driving record.
- Be able to speak and write in English.
- Be available for morning and afternoon shifts.
- Understand the position is subject to DOT drug testing, including marijuana
What will the working conditions be like?
Duties are performed in an outdoor environment. Work is typically performed in a sitting position while driving a transit vehicle. Subject to adverse weather and traffic conditions, exhaust fumes and equipment noises. Also subject to exposure to potential contact with verbally or physically abusive individuals.
Do I need to have professional driving experience or a CDL to apply?
- No, work experience that demonstrates good performance, strong customer service, reliability, and good communication within the last 10 years will be considered.
- Link Transit does not require applicants to have a CDL to be hired for the bus operator position, but candidates must get a Commercial Driver Permit with Airbrake and Passenger endorsements before entering a training class and starting the training process.
How many hours can I expect to work?
- Operators are guaranteed a minimum of 35 hours of work or pay per week.
Link provides service 7 days a week including Sundays. Days off and work shifts are awarded by seniority. - Hours of Service:
Monday–Friday: 4:25 am – 9:55 pm
Saturday: 6:25 am – 8:00 pm
Sunday: 6:30 am – 8:45 pm
Will Link Pay for my CDL Training?
Yes! Link Transit offers paid CDL training!
What will my schedule look like when I start?
- After you are done with training you will be undefined. Call in every night to see what you work the next day. May be split days off and split shifts.
- Every 3 months we bid on pieces of work based on seniority. You will be on the bottom, so you may get an assigned piece of work or you may be undefined until you move up in seniority.
What kind of vehicles will I drive?
- You will be trained to drive all vehicles in the Link Transit fleet to provide both Fixed Route and LinkPlus Service. (40’, 35’ & 30’ Buses, 35’ BYD Electric Buses, Body-on-chassis Cutaways & Arbocs, and mini-vans)
Do transit operators belong to a union?
Transit operators are represented by Teamsters Local Union No. 760.
Does Link Transit require drug testing for transit operators?
All applicants for positions defined as “safety-sensitive” are required to pass a drug test prior to employment and will be subject to random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, return-to-duty, and follow-up drug and alcohol testing. This includes testing for marijuana.
Who can I contact if I have questions, comments, or concerns?
Contact Human Resources at employment@linktransit.com
Contact Human Resources:
For any questions regarding employment, please call Cami Ostrom at (509) 664-7612 or email employment@linktransit.com.
Link Transit is an equal opportunity employer and is a tobacco-free/drug-free workplace.