Transit Bus Driver Jobs in Yakima, WA (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $22.23 - $27.91 Hourly
Location : Yakima, WA
Job Type: Temporary
Department: Public Works
Division: Transit
Opening Date: 01/01/2026
Bargaining Unit: AFSCME
Initial candidate eligibility is based on the job application and any accompanying documentation. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide sufficient information and details within the body of the application (education and work experience sections) to permit the City of Yakima to properly evaluate the candidate's qualification, abilities and experience as it relates to the requirements of the position. For calculation of experience, one year of experience equals 12 months with a minimum of 173.33 hours per month. Additional required documents must be attached. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of application fields.
Overview and Minimum Class Requirements
THIS IS A TEMPORARY NON-CIVIL SERVICE POSITION NOT TO EXCEED 866 WORK HOURS IN THE YEAR. Temporary positions are not covered by collective bargaining benefits. Temporary operators may be eligible for promotion to a permanent operator position.
****ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED****
A "Full" or "Employment" Driving Record MUST BE ATTACHED WITH YOUR APPLICATION.
You can obtain your driving record from the local DMV or online at License Express (WA)
Record must have been obtained within 30 days of submission. If you have difficulty attaching your driving record, please contact 509-575-6090 for assistance.
***Applications without an employment driving record will not be considered.***
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
CDL license as defined. High school diploma/GED AND six (6) months driving and/or customer service experience is preferred.
Shall be subject to drug and alcohol testing, pursuant to Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations (49 CFR Part 40) and the Federal Transit Administration's Regulations (49 CFR Part 655).
LICENSE, REGISTRATION & CERTIFICATES
Must possess and maintain a valid Class A or B Commercial Driver's License. Passenger endorsement is preferred and must be obtained within six (6) weeks of hire. Must obtain and maintain a valid First Aid/CPR Certificate within six (6) months of appointment.
Job Summary
Under general supervision; operates a City bus in a safe and efficient manner to transport passengers over local routes according to prescribed time schedules; performs related work as required.
Essential Functions
Drives transit vehicles over prescribed City routes in accordance with established safety procedures; provides information to passengers about business locations, routes, time schedules, and transfer points; collects fares from patrons and issues transfers on request; must maintain an attitude of professional concern for passengers, pedestrians and vehicular traffic around bus while operating bus in a manner to avoid traffic and pedestrian hazards, providing the greatest personal safety to passengers being transported.
Works to ensure passenger and operator safety by enforcing passenger rules, regulations and City policies and procedures. Helps ensure bus is kept clean and orderly for passenger safety and comfort.
Assists passengers with physical disabilities and secures wheelchair passengers. Cares for and turns in lost-and-found articles.
Inspects transit equipment such as lights, horn, and brakes to insure the proper and safe operation of the vehicle; cleans buses, on occasion; may periodically use two-way radio to communicate with transit office to report accidents, emergencies, or unusual operating conditions.
Participates in special events and/or operate buses on special routes that involve or promote public transit; participates in meetings with supervisors and general staff as required; completes mandatory and recommended trainings timely and as directed.
Fosters an attitude that encourages cooperation and coordination of efforts and efficient use of resources. Provides continuous effort to improve operations, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide exceptional customer service to internal and external customers.
Requires regular and reliable attendance.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Major Worker Characteristics
Knowledge of Federal, State and local transit safety rules and regulations, passenger safety rules, and City of Yakima rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
Strong working knowledge of streets witin urban area and scheduled bus routes. Knowledge and ability to operate and communicate via two-way radio transmission and mobile data terminals.
Knowledge of record keeping systems, processes, and practices; municipal records retention procedures, and techniques. Demonstrates knowledge and sound judgement with regard to public disclosure, and confidentiality standards.
Working knowledge of: industry applications; division procedures and practices. Ability to operate standard office equipment including but not limited to: computer, copy machine, telephone etc.
Knowledge of techniques and/or strategies for dissemination information to a wide range of individuals. Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively, with employees, members of the public representing diverse education and background utilizing well-developed communication skills, both written and oral, with appropriate use of English, including but not limited to correct grammar and vocabulary. Must be able to respond in a diplomatic and confident manner to upset individuals. Must routinely and regularly maintain confidentiality and discretion through all forms of communication.
Ability to operate transit vehicle safely in varied weather conditions with passengers in an urban environment with typical and unexpected hazards. Must possess ability to read maps and understand verbal direction, maintain vehicle inspection records, prepare incident/accident reports, maintain ridership records and passenger counts as needed.
Ability to consistently work safely and in compliance with the federal, state and local regulations, laws, policies and standards. Ability to maintain constant attention to detail while operating a bus, and awareness of surroundings. Ability to recognize traffic hazards and other potential safety concerns. Must have ability to sustain consistent attention to maintaining bus schedules and timeliness standards.
Ability to respond to emergency situations encountered from traffic accidents, medical emergencies or bus passengers, and community disaster evacuation plans. Ability to stay calm under adverse conditions is essential.
Ability to work independently with self-direction and minimal direction or oversight; maintain sustained attention to detail; and work under timeline pressures. Must possess ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities and demands.
Ability to perform a basic mathematical computations with ability to read, apply and explain codes, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Must possess ability to identify problems, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
Ability to establish, facilitate, and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, and the public; to continually demonstrate tact, diplomacy, and respect to individuals, groups and organizations representing a wide diversity of ethnicities, cultures, opinions, and beliefs. Ability to positively receive feedback and take direction is essential.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Work is primarily performed on a bus while sitting for excessive periods. Constant use of both hands in reaching/handling/grasping/keyboarding and other fine motor skill manipulation while performing duties and/or operating buses. Heavy work may include lifting and carrying up to 40 pounds. Occasionally ascends/descends stairs and other inclines or uneven terrains while maintaining balance. Occasional bending/twisting at knees/waist/neck and occasional stooping, bending, kneeling, climbing and/or crawling while performing duties. Constant use of all senses including feeling/talking/hearing/seeing while performing duties and communicating with co-workers, general public and completing all tasks as assigned. Must be able to distinguish color and maintain long-term and short-term memory. Work will require travel to a variety of locations. May work outside in all weather extremes and be exposed to members of the public and bodily fluids, traffic, stinging or biting insects, animals, dust, dirt, water, mud, snow, rain, ice, sleet, pollen, noxious odors/fumes, chemicals, solvents, oil, needles, drug paraphernalia, vibrations and/or other hazards. May work alone, with others, confined spaces, or in noisy work area. Will be required to wear safety protective gear when necessary. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS
May encounter angry, upset and/or emotionally disturbed individuals. Continual distractions from passengers in the bus, other motorists and pedestrians. Exposure to fumes and noise of traffic; tension caused by heavy traffic conditions; adverse and unpleasant passenger characteristics. May be required to be available by telephone and report to work on short notice and during an emergency.
The City of Yakima is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Temporary employees are not covered by collective bargaining benefits listed below.
The City of Yakima is a premier employer in the Yakima Valley with extensive opportunities for training and growth. The City offers a competitive benefit package including:

• Up to 5% Bilingual/Biliterate English/Spanish special pay
• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage
• FREE healthcare clinic!
• WA State PERS pension plan
• 3% contribution to a 457 deferred compensation plan
• Leave accruals:
  • Vacation - Starting at 7.34 hours/month
  • Sick - 8 hours/month
  • Personal holiday - 16 hours
  • Observed holiday - 11 holidays
• Much more!

The pay range listed for this position is establish through the City of Yakima's Master Pay Ordinance in accordance with the Municipal Code and/or the applicable collective bargaining agreement. New employees generally start at step A with progression through the steps based on merit and successful performance evaluation.
City of Yakima employees are paid and accrue benefits on a monthly basis.
01
Did you attach a copy of your current driving record?

• Yes
• No

02
What is your highest level of education?

• High School diploma/GED
• Some College
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree
• Technical/Trade Certification
• None of the above

03
Do you possess a valid WA Class A or B Commercial Driver's License?

• No
• Yes
• I currently have a CDL permit
• No, but i can qualify for a permit within 30 days of employment

04
If you answered YES above, does your CDL include a passenger endorsement?

• Yes
• No

05
Did you clearly document your work history in the Work Experience section of your application including dates, titles and duties for each position/classification held?

• Yes
• No

06
Please describe particular skills, experience or training which you believe BEST qualifies you for this position.
Required Question