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Description

Mason Transit Authority (MTA) is the municipal agency that provides public transportation for people who live and work in Mason County and surrounding communities. Services include fixed route bus service, dial-a-ride, and active community partnerships. Our mission is to provide transportation choices that connect people, jobs, and community, increasing the quality of life in Mason County.

Why Drive for Mason Transit?

Enjoy freedom away from a desk while experiencing the beautiful Pacific Northwest scenery of Mason County. Enjoy a sense of pride in serving your community, experience less traffic, less noise, less hassle driving in our rural community!

MTA is currently seeking full-time Transit Drivers. Ideal candidates are those who exhibit strong customer services skills as a top priority. MTA trains for everything else, including CDL through a rigorous paid training period.

New hires start at step 1 wage of $26.99 per hour. Full salary range: $26.99 to $32.52 per hour. Non-Exempt subject to FLSA requirements.

Comprehensive benefits package includes: Mason Transit Authority offers an excellent benefit package which includes 95% employer paid Medical/Dental/Vision for employee and dependents (benefit coverage begins on the first day of the month upon successfully obtaining the required CDL license and endorsements), life, optional additional life, long-term disability, EAP, 11 paid holidays, vacation accruals based on years of service that begin at 3.69 hours per pay period (12 days per year), additional 1.69 hours of paid sick leave per pay period in addition to the required WA Paid Sick leave (total 12 days per year), two (2) 8 hour personal days per calendar year, three (3) days of bereavement leave per loss of immediate family member, Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) plan options, and optional Deferred Income (IRS 457 plans) retirement plans. This position is eligible for longevity premium beginning at the 10-year employment mark with MTA, $350 uniform reimbursement yearly, $60 timepiece reimbursement every two calendar years. In addition, position is eligible per permitting circumstances for inclement weather pay, meeting and training pay, and education assistance.

Nature of Position:

Under the direction and guidance of the Operations Manager, the Mason Transit Authority (MTA) Driver is responsible for providing mobility through delivering transportation services to the citizens of Mason County and surrounding areas. MTA Drivers perform essential frontline work by providing the safe operation of motor vehicles, passenger assistance and customer service, radio operations, recordkeeping, and adherence to all applicable laws. This position requires the ability to consistently display sound judgment that results in decisions that promote positive and professional relationships with passengers and other team members, and that place the agency in the best possible light.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Employees assigned to this class are part of the team effort that provides service and assistance to passengers, the public and other MTA team members. Incumbents are responsible for providing excellent customer service, efficient and safe operation of vehicles under varying traffic and road conditions; properly collecting all authorized fares; and promoting and maintaining positive relationships with customers and co-team members.

Supervision received from: Operations Manager, Operations Supervisor(s)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Operate a passenger vehicle on specified routes. Obey traffic rules and regulations. Adhere to MTA policies and procedures. Monitor safe mechanical operating condition of assigned vehicle. Safely pick up and discharge passengers at designated locations.
• Operate vehicle in a safe manner, using defensive driving techniques. Strive to maintain assigned schedule. Make designated stops either on assigned routes or at Dial-A-Ride (DAR) pickup and drop-off locations.
• Inspect and prepare assigned vehicle for operation by performing a thorough pre-trip inspection including adjusting seat, mirrors and seat belts, displaying proper signage, testing the lift, and equipping coach with needed supplies, i.e., farebox, schedules, trip sheets, rider alerts, route binder, etc.
• Inspect vehicle at the end of each shift for damage and lost articles. Remove passenger and schedule information, debris, and other inappropriate items. Complete appropriate paperwork and turn in lost and found items.
• Maintain an awareness of the conduct of passengers while they are riding the bus and/or, when present at designated boarding locations. Take action to ensure safe and comfortable environment for everyone on the bus; may be called on to refuse service to a rider on occasion in accordance with company policies and procedures.
• Collect appropriate cash fares and ticket fares, through the operation of a farebox collection system. Check passes and other fare instruments.
• Promote positive passenger relations; greet passengers in a friendly and courteous manner. Properly secure passengers and mobility devices; provide assistance in loading and unloading packages or other items carried by passengers.
• Maintain a clean, professional appearance at all times. Observe uniform requirements and/or other rules, policies, and regulations as outlined by MTA.
• Provide information concerning routes, schedules and transfer points. Assist passengers as appropriate, including the announcement of all major stops on fixed/deviated routes.
• Monitor two-way radio calls, reporting conditions such as accidents, passenger incidents, mechanical malfunctions, delay in service, and traffic problems using predetermined codes.
• Attend and actively participate in training and meetings; maintain certifications in compliance with licensing requirements.
• This position requires utilizing a tablet as a tool to complete your daily work. You will receive training on the procedures for using the tablet, but willingness to learn or experience using a touch screen tablet to navigate menus and submit data is required.

OTHER FUNCTIONS:

• Perform duties in support of ongoing and special projects.
• Serve on committees, task forces and other work groups.
• Perform other duties as assigned and any duties of a similar nature or level needed to make MTA a world-class transit agency.
• Assist and/or provides route training to new drivers.
• Participate in the driver volunteer assistant program.

Coach Operators are represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District Lodge 160. Current labor agreement may be found on MTA's website.

This Summary Job Description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

This job description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with this job; it is intended to be an accurate reflection of those principal job elements essential for making fair pay decisions about this job.

Mason Transit Authority is an equal opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, gender, wage, color, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran's status, disability status, sexual orientation, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law.

Mason Transit Authority follows the requirements of the "Fair Chance Act," RCW 49. We will not inquire about prior arrests and convictions until after we determine an applicant is otherwise qualified for the position for which the applicant applied, except as allowed under RCW 49. There are specific exemptions for applicants working with children under 18 years of age, or vulnerable persons, certain financial institutions, law enforcement, and volunteers.

Please let Mason Transit Authority know if you need accommodations in order to participate in the application process.

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Knowledge of: Mason County geographic area; defensive driving techniques and basic customer service principles.

Skill in: communicating effectively both orally and in writing; establishing and maintaining cooperative and effective working relationships with others; driving safely.

Ability to: operate a transit passenger vehicle in accordance with traffic laws, ordinances and rules; calculate and handle fares and donations; tactfully and courteously meet and assist the public; promote good passenger relations; maintain a clean, neat appearance and pleasant disposition; and make sound judgments in a crisis situation; read, interpret and follow written policies and instructions; obtain Class B commercial driver's license (CDL) with passenger endorsement and air brake restriction removed; successfully pass physical examination required for CDL and overall driving fitness.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Required:

• High School Diploma or equivalent (GED);
• General knowledge of Mason County geographical area;
• Flexibility to work varied days, nights, weekends and holidays; punctuality and reliable attendance are essential;
• A valid Washington State driver's license;
• Must be 21 years of age with five years licensed driving experience;
• No moving violations within the past three years and no at-fault accidents within the last five years;
• Provide drivers abstract dated no more than one month prior to application date;
• Successfully pass background check;
• Successfully obtain and maintain a medical certification card.
• Must obtain CDL Learners Permit by first day of hire - September 21, 2026.

PREFERRED:

• A valid CDL with passenger endorsement and air brake restriction removed.
• Experience in providing excellent customer service.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Reliable transportation to and from work.
• Telephone or other reliable communication device, such as a cell phone or pager.
• Accurate time piece (watch, etc.) carried at all times while on duty.
• Ability to be sensitive to a diverse group of individuals, including the elderly and persons with disabilities.
• Capability to perform as a frontline essential public servant.
• Must be able to work around unsupervised children under the age of 18, or other vulnerable persons.

This position is classified as safety-sensitive under MTA's Drug and Alcohol Policy and is included in random drug and alcohol testing program. Note: MTA is subject to requirements of the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and CFR Parts 40 & 655, which prohibits the use of marijuana at any time while employed with MTA.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Able to walk, reach, push, grasp, and talk.
• Able to sit for extended periods of time.
• Able to work varying shifts, hours and days, including nights, weekends and holidays as needed. Shifts vary in length, and will be assigned to meet business needs.
• Able to work in hot or cold weather with different quality degrees of vehicle air conditioning or heating systems.
• Able to lift up to 40 pounds.

UNUSUAL WORK REQUIREMENTS:

Exposure to fumes and noise of traffic; tension caused by heavy traffic conditions; adverse and unpleasant passenger characteristics.

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It is the responsibility of the applicant to supply sufficient information and detail on their application materials to permit the Agency to properly evaluate qualifications and abilities as they relate to the position. This recruitment is open until 12:00 pm, Friday, August 28, 2026. Interviews will take place on August 31 2026.

*Note that if hired, union seniority is determined by date/time application was received. Don't wait - apply today!