Sound Transit Driver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Drive Your Career Forward with SMART Transit

At SMART Transit, we're more than a transportation provider—we're a vital connection for the Wilsonville community. Every day, our drivers help people get to work, school, medical appointments, shopping, and other important destinations safely and on time.

We're looking for dependable, customer-focused individuals who take pride in serving others and showing up when it matters. Whether you have previous commercial driving experience or are looking for a new career path, we'll provide the training and support you need to succeed.

What You'll Do

As a Transit Driver, you'll be the face of SMART Transit and play a key role in delivering safe, reliable, and friendly transportation services throughout our community. You'll operate transit vehicles, assist passengers, maintain a safe environment, and provide exceptional customer service every day.

No CDL? No problem. We provide paid training and will guide you through the process of earning your Class B CDL with Passenger and Air Brake endorsements.

This Opportunity Is Perfect For You If:

• You enjoy helping people and providing outstanding customer service.
• You are dependable and committed to showing up ready to work every day.
• You can stay focused and attentive while performing repetitive tasks.
• You enjoy driving and working independently while being part of a supportive team.
• You value safety and understand the importance of following established procedures.
• You are flexible and adaptable to changing routes, schedules, and passenger needs.
• You want meaningful work that directly impacts the community.
• You are looking for stable employment with excellent benefits and growth opportunities.

Whether you're starting a new career or bringing transportation experience with you, SMART Transit offers the opportunity to make a difference every day while building valuable skills for the future.

This position will remain open until staffing needs are met with qualified applicants.

Essential Job Functions

The following tasks are representative and not to be considered all-inclusive. Provide safe and efficient transportation for the patrons of the Transit Department.

• Operate the bus on scheduled route
• Pick up patrons on dispatched requests for transportation
• Operate the bus on scheduled activities i.e.: Parks & Recreation Department field trips, special movements
• Respond to medical emergencies and injuries to passengers in a manner consistent with the policies and procedures of the Transit Department
• Operate mail run when required

Maintain buses and vans

• Conduct and document a thorough pre-trip inspection of the vehicle prior to operation on a daily basis
• Close all windows at end of run
• Fuel bus when required
• Conduct a post-trip inspection at the end of each shift, including checking the vehicle for damage
• Attend Transit Staff Meetings
• Maintain well-groomed appearance, including wearing the prescribed uniform and maintaining personal hygiene.
• Maintain necessary records including tally sheets, time sheets, and Dial-A-Ride and lift logs

Customer Service Standards for Employees

These standards are to ensure the organization is focused on providing high quality service to the public and other employees. Employees are expected to meet these standards as part of their job responsibilities.

Communication

• Acknowledge customers when they enter a city facility by greeting them with a smile and positive tone of voice whether in person, on the phone or in email.
• Gather necessary information to assist the customer. Where possible, handle issues/questions/requests without transferring customer to someone else.
• Seek out answers to questions first; if unsuccessful provide name/contact information of someone who can assist.
• Listen, understand, and clarify to gain in depth understanding of the needs to ensure they are being met.
• Address difficult or contentious issues in a constructive manner.
• Be positive and enthusiastic when speaking with customers.

Respect

• Be courteous and polite.
• Treat customers with dignity and respect.
• Understand customer's expectations and treat them as a priority.
• Actively listen and give customer undivided attention.
• Appreciate differing perspectives, opinions, and needs.
• Demonstrate integrity and build trust through credibility, reliability, commitment, and ethical behavior.

Responsiveness

• Provide prompt and reliable service.
• Respond to phone/email as soon as possible.
• Follow through in a timely manner on commitments made to customers and provide estimated timeline for completion.
• Change voicemail and email when out of office/unavailable and provide alternate contact person for customers.
• Demonstrate a "can-do" approach.
• Exhibit problem-solving skills leading to sound judgment and quality decisions.

Complete other tasks as assigned.

Education: High school diploma or GED and completion of a commercial (bus) driving training program.

Experience: Six months of on-the-job training in a Transit Department or six months experience operating public transportation vehicles or school buses

Licensing & Other Requirements: Possession of a valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record. Candidates who do not currently possess a Class B Oregon Commercial Driver License (CDL) with Passenger and Air Brake endorsements must obtain a CDL permit and successfully complete a DOT physical examination within the first week of training. Employees must obtain their Class B CDL with Passenger and Air Brake endorsements within six (6) weeks of hire. Ability to pass a post-offer background check, including driving history, and all job-related physical requirements.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of the safe and efficient operation of the Transit Department's coaches and vans
• Thorough knowledge of the safety standards and practices of the operation of the city's coaches and vans
• Ability to learn and implement city procedures, regulations, and requirements with respect to procurement, safety, operations, and organization
• Ability to effectively use oral and written communication in the performance of duties and responsibilities.
• Ability to use independent judgment and make decisions without direct supervision.
• Ability to develop and maintain defensive driving skills and operate a transit bus in a safe and efficient manner, as demonstrated during training period.
• Ability to report to work regularly and on time.
• Ability to work with the public in a variety of situations while performing several tasks simultaneously and to treat all people with sensitivity and courtesy.

Working Environment: Work is performed in the field, operating the bus, regardless of weather conditions. The Transit Driver is exposed to noise, fumes, and road vibration. Work is also performed at the Transit Department garage.

Physical Requirements: This position could require lifting, pushing, and/or pulling up to 75 lbs. Frequent bending, stooping, and squatting. Long periods of sitting with intermittent periods of standing. The work requires lifting and guiding wheelchair riders onto the wheelchair lift and securing tie-downs for wheelchairs as well as performing routine maintenance inspections and procedures on the buses and vans.

Cognitive Functions: The Driver must maintain order and discipline on the bus while driving in a safe and appropriate manner. This position requires intense concentration and the ability to make quick judgment calls to ensure the safety of the driver and the passengers.

Tools & Equipment used: Commercial bus, van, two-way radio, and wheelchair lift.

Equal Opportunity Employer: The City of Wilsonville's South Metro Area Regional Transit is committed to ensuring that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color or national origin be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

The City of Wilsonville offers a generous benefit package including:

Healthcare Benefits: The City offers an extensive employee benefit package, including medical, dental, vision, life, and long term disability plans. Cost share amounts are dependent on an employee's full-time equivalent status.

Retirement: The City is a member of the Oregon Public Employees Retirement System and currently contributes the employee's portion of the