Kitsap Transit is hiring Transit Operators (Drivers)

Salary: $27.28 - $38.26 Hourly Location : Bremerton Job Type: Part-Time Job Number: 202600001 Department: ACCESS and Routed Service Operators Opening Date: 01/01/2026 Purpose of the Job Kitsap Transit is seeking customer service specialists to help drive our community! Start your career with Kitsap Transit as a bus driver today. Are you passionate about delivering exceptional customer service and making a positive impact in your community? As a bus driver, you will be responsible for providing top-notch customer service while efficiently and safely transporting passengers to their destinations in a safe and courteous manner. You will build and maintain relationships with passengers and fellow employees, fostering a positive partnership through your service to the communities in Kitsap County. Please note that training requires full-time availability. If you're interested in a career that helps move our community and offers work-life balance, apply today! Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities Prerequisites For the Job: - Excellent customer service skills - A valid driver's license for at least 5 years - A willingness to learn (no experience required!) - A strong work ethic and a desire to serve others - The ability to work split shifts, holidays, weekends, and evenings - The ability to pass an FTA drug screen and a pre-employment physical Minimum Qualifications and Knowledge Skills and Other Characteristics Ideal Candidates: - A team player - Passionate about helping others - Responsible and reliable - Looking for a career, not just a job - Safety-minded Job Benefits: - Competitive salary and great benefits - Public Employees Retirement System - Medical coverage for you and your dependents - Generous leave starting at 6.76 hours per pay period after starting - Paid training to obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Starting Pay: - Paratransit Driver: $27.28/hr., annual increases to $37.11 at year 7, per current wage chart. - Fixed Route Driver: $28.54/hr., annual increases to $38.26 at year 7, per current wage chart. Join us and be part of a team that makes a difference! Licenses/Certifications, Benefits, ADA and Other Requirements APPLICATION PROCESS Only complete online applications will be accepted. Incomplete application packets will not be considered. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: You must be in good physical condition including eyesight correctable to 20/40, and have normal speech and hearing ability. You must pass a pre-employment physical capacities test, CDL physical examination and a drug screen prior to hire. Additionally, you must pass a practical fit test to ensure that you have sufficient strength to operate a large vehicle and help passengers in wheelchairs with their personal belongings. You must be able to fit comfortably in the driver's seat, safely and effectively reach and operate pedals and equipment and push/pull manual wheelchairs with passengers in them. WORKING CONDITIONS: Sit and operate a bus for long periods with few breaks. Turn side-to-side and reach overhead to adjust mirrors and push/pull a force of 20 pounds. Lift up to 25 pounds overhead. Lift up to 50 pounds to assist passengers with bags or packages. Partial lift/slide of wheelchair on the bus (up to 115 lbs. of force). Bend, squat, kneel to secure wheelchairs, to install tire chains, and to complete pre-trip inspections of vehicles. Climb up and down steps to get on and off the bus frequently. The successful candidate will be expected to meet the qualifications for the position and perform the essential duties with or without reasonable accommodations. Selection Process - Applicants who meet the minimum requirements may be scheduled for a variety of tests to demonstrate knowledge, and skills for the position as well as an interview. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION Kitsap Transit is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the hiring process, contact or 360-479-4348 (TDD). VETERANS SCORING If you qualify for the Veterans Scoring Criteria under RCW 41.04.005 and 41.04.010, you must answer all questions regarding Veterans Scoring Criteria Status Declaration in the application and upload a copy of the substantiating document as listed in the application. For question regarding the job announcement and/or application: Janel Silver or email: or (360) 473-1138. Benefits for our Operators vary and Operators are eligible to receive benefits the first of the following monthly an Operator is eligible. Please find more information at 01 Please review some important information about the position so you have a clear understanding of the role and what to expect if you are hired. This position is based on seniority. When you first begin, your choices of work schedules will be limited. Most new operators will not know your assignment until the evening before. You will have one guaranteed day off and one regular day off per week, though you may still be called in to work on your regular day off if needed. You could have split shifts, with one starting in the morning and another beginning in the evening, working out of different bases. It generally takes about one to two years to have a consistent schedule.Our service operates long hours, and shifts may fall anywhere within these times: Monday through Friday from 3:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. These hours are subject to change as needed to meet the demands of the community. Flexibility in your availability is especially important when you are starting out. As you gain seniority, you will have more flexibility and control over your schedule. We conduct four quarterly work bids each year, which allow operators to select their work base (North, Central, or South), their days off, whether they prefer a five-day or four-day workweek, their start times, and the routes and bus sizes they operate. Over time, this process allows you to shape your schedule to better fit your lifestyle. In terms of benefits, after five years you will become vested in the Public Employees Retirement System, also known as PERS. Many of our operators have been with Kitsap Transit for decades, some for over forty years, which speaks to the stability and quality of our organization. As a Coach Operator, safety and customer service are our top priorities. You will be expected to provide safe and reliable transportation, deliver excellent customer service, and maintain professionalism at all times. Operators are required to wear a uniform and follow all company policies and procedures. We provide full training and will assist you in obtaining your CDL license. From the beginning, you will have the support and resources you need to be successful. Now that you've had an overview of the position, Do you accept the requirements of this job? Yes No 02 Are there any hours of the day or days of the week you are unavailable to work? Yes No 03 Total training may take anywhere between 8 to 12 weeks, which will be held at various locations throughout the county and at different times during our hours of operation, Monday through Friday, 3:30 AM - 10:30 PM, Saturday 6:00AM - 7:30pm and Sunday 7:00AM - 5:30PM.You must be available to attend up to 200 hours (5 weeks) of initial training, Monday through Friday, usually during regular business hours at our various reporting locations. Following the initial training, you will receive approximately 2-3 weeks of ACCESS on-the-road operator training.Are you available and willing to attend the required training at varied times, shifts and locations? Yes No 04 ACCESS service operates from three bases at these locations: Bremerton, Poulsbo and Port Orchard. Are you able and willing to report to work at any of these three bases providing your own transportation? Yes No 05 Do you have the legal right to work in the U.S.?Note: All employment offers are contingent upon proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. Yes No 06 Are you or will you be at least 18 years of age at the time of hire? Yes No 07 Qualified applicants must posses a valid Washington State Driver's License at the time of hire, with 12 months driving experience and have an excellent driving record. Do you have, or are you able to obtain, a Washington State Driver's License by the time of hire? Yes No 08 If you are chosen for the position you must pass a physical capacities test demonstrating your ability to perform the tasks listed in this questionnaire, a CDL physical exam and a urine drug screen. Also, we require visual acuity of 20/40 in each eye. Corrective lenses will be required as per DOT guidelines.As far as you know, can you pass these exams?(Failure to pass the physical exam or drug screen will result in withdrawal of the conditional employment offer). Yes No 09 Have you received any DUI/DWI citations within the last seven (7) years? Yes No 10 We are required to utilize a service to monitor employee driving record activity. Do you agree to have your driving record monitored during your employment with Kitsap Transit? Yes, I agree No, I do not agree 11 Have you been convicted of a felony within the last ten (10) years?(If yes, your application will not be considered for employment. As this position includes going to the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Kitsap Transit is unable to accept applications from candidates who may be disqualified under this criteria.) Yes No 12 Within the past two (2) years, have you either refused to be tested or tested positive on ANY PRE-EMPLOYMENT drug or alcohol test for a safety sensitive job you applied for but did not get? Yes No 13 If you have received any of the following citation(s) and/or incidents in the past five years, total the number of points associated with the citation(s). Date and type of Incident/Citation and/or Conviction.Your personal and employment driving history during the last five years will be verified by contacting the licensing departments of the state(s) where you have had a driver's license.(1 point) Accident (not at fault)(2 points) Accident (at fault)Add a point to any offense listed below if the offense occurred in a company vehicle or on company time2 Operating without lights on2 Carpool/toll lane violation2 Driving on the shoulder2 Driving without insurance2 Failure to appear2 Failure to signal2 Following too close2 Impeding traffic (travelling too slowly)2 Improper lane travel2 Speeding (0 - 8 mph)2 Distracted or Inattentive Driving3 Improper child restraint3 Failure to yield to emergency vehicle3 Speeding (9 - 12 mph)3 Driving without a valid driver's license3 Seatbelt use violation3 Speeding in a school or construction zone (1 - 5 mph over the speed limit)4 Speeding in a school or construction zone (6 mph and over the speed limit)4 Cell phone use or texting violation4 Deferred prosecution for negligent driving, reckless driving, hit and run, leaving an accident scene, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol4 Driving too fast for conditions4 Failure to yield or stop, disobeying a road sign4 Red light camera violation 4 Illegal passing, turning or lane change4 Open alcohol container4 Speeding (13 mph over the speed limit)4 Violation of bus stop paddle4 Eluding law enforcementNever Eligible Offenses - Any conviction surrounding a fatal accident (vehicular homicide, manslaughter, etc.), using a vehicle in commission of a felony, and/or vehicular assault appears on their driving record - LIFETIME INELIGIBILITY10 Year Ineligible Offenses - Any conviction for negligent driving, reckless driving, hit and run, leaving an accident scene, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol - 10 YEARS INELIGIBILITY5 Year Ineligible Offenses - Any conviction for suspension/revocation related to a 4-point offense (see Offense Point Table) - 5 YEARS INELIGIBILITY3 Year Ineligible Offenses - Any conviction or combination of convictions earning 4 or more points (see Offense Point Table) - 3 YEAR INELIGIBILITY Total points equal 3 or less Total points equal 4 or more 14 If you answered YES to the previous question, can you document that you have successfully completed a Return to Duty process with a Substance Abuse Professional?If you answered NO to the previous question, please select "n/a". Yes No N/A 15 Having a telephone with message capability is a requirement of the job.Do you or will you have a telephone with message capability at the time of hire? Yes No 16 There are many positive aspects to the ACCESS & Routed Operator jobs, as well as some aspects that some people find stressful. Listed below are some of those aspects of the jobs.Please read the items below and indicate whether you are able and willing to do each one if you receive appropriate training.• Escort and assist passengers door-to-door.• Assist passengers on/off the bus who may be in visibly poor health.• Assist passengers on/off the bus who may have poor hygiene/offensive body odor.• Transport people who may be difficult to understand and who may become easily frustrated or angry.• Transport people who may be verbally abusive and who use profanity.• Transport passengers who use mobility aids such as wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, canes and crutches.• Transport passengers with mental issues such as Alzheimer's/Dementia.• Transport customers who may need to use service animals.• With adequate training, handle passengers who may be infected with blood borne pathogens.• Report to various work locations on a daily basis.• Have physical contact with passengers such as offering your arm to escort elderly people, fasten shoulder and lap belts for passengers, assist passengers from their wheelchair to the bus seat and back to their wheelchair again.• Report for work consistently on or before the time your shift begins.• Report to work and drive in inclement weather.• Willing to operate all service vehicles in the fleet.• Able to communicate using a two-way radio frequently throughout the day.• Use a fax machine to send and receive correspondence from outstations.• Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections daily on your bus.• Complete required forms and reports.• Empty trash • Install tire chains in snow. YES, I am able and willing to do each of these if I received appropriate training No, I am not willing and able to do these things 17 Regarding Procurement of Information for Employment PurposesImportant: Please read carefully before signingA consumer report and/or investigator consumer report - which may include information concerning your character, employment history, general reputation, personal characteristics, police record, education, qualifications, motor vehicle record, mode of living and/or credit and indebtedness - may be obtained for employment purposes in connection with your application for and/or continued employment with Kitsap Transit.Under federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, the term "employment purposes" when used in connection with a consumer report means "a report used for the purpose of evaluating a consumer for employment, promotion, reassignment or retention as an employee." 15 U.S.C. §1681a(f).Before any adverse action is taken, based in whole or in part on the information contained in the consumer report and/or investigative consumer report, you will be provided a copy of the report, the name, address and telephone number of the reporting agency, and a summary of your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.I authorize Kitsap Transit to obtain a consumer report and/or investigative consumer report to be used for employment purposes. This authorization shall remain in effect over the course of my employment. I agree that a copy of this authorization has the same effect as the original. I agree to authorize Kitsap Transit to obtain a consumer report and/or investigative consumer report to be used for employment purposes. I do not agree to authorize Kitsap Transit to obtain a consumer report and/or investigative consumer report to be used for employment purposes. 18 Please read the items below and indicate whether you are able and willing to do each one if you receive appropriate training:• Lifting: Lift engine compartment cover (up to 25 pounds) to check engine fluids prior to operation. Lift passengers' packages (up to 50 pounds) and carry them to and from bus to passenger door. Partial lift/slide of wheelchair on the bus (up to 115 lbs. of force).• Pushing/Pulling: Frequent pushing/pulling (20 pounds) is required to turn bus steering wheel. The buses have power steering. Infrequent overhead pushing/pulling when lifting engine compartment door or assisting passenger boarding bus, opening/shutting bus windows, and adjusting mirrors.• Twisting: Adjust left outside mirror daily by twisting and reaching through window from seat of bus. Install and remove tire chains. Twist during wheelchair securing.• Reaching: Adjust right outside mirror daily by reaching above head. Reach overhead to use radio handset, adjust sun visor, and to operate controls.• Grasping: Continuous grasping of steering wheel, punching transfers, operating various dash switches and radio handset.• Squatting, lunging, crouching, kneeling, bending over, or stooping: Install and remove tire chains. Inspect lights, tires, and wheel-lug and axle nuts of the bus prior to beginning shift. Attach and disconnect wheelchair-securing devices several times daily.• Sitting: Sit up to ten hours a day with limited adjustments for comfort. Bus and seat may vibrate considerably on bad roads.• Depressing: Constant depression of accelerator (5 pounds) and frequent depression of brakes (20 pounds) with right foot; with left foot, depressions of turn signals.• Speaking and Hearing: Speak and hear at normal levels• Climbing: Climb up and down 3 steps up to 40 times per day to get on or off the bus. YES, I am able and willing to do each one if I receive appropriate training NO, I am not able and willing to do these things 19 Please note that you are responsible for ensuring that during the course of employment, you meet the fitness requirements for the job as a CDL holder under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration/Department of Transportation guidelines. Kitsap Transit will follow FMCSA/DOT guidelines in all medical fitness issues. Are you willing and able to meet these requirements? Yes No 20 The position for which you have applied may have unsupervised access to children under 16 years of age, developmentally disabled persons or financially vulnerable adults. Pursuant to RCW 43.43.830-.840, you are required to complete the following disclosure statement. This information will be kept confidential.Have you ever been convicted of any of the following crimes against children or other persons?NOTE: The term "crimes against children or other persons" as used in this question means a conviction for any of the following offenses: aggravated murder; first or second degree murder; first or second degree kidnapping; first, second or third degree assault; first, second or third degree rape; first, second or third degree rape of child; first, second or third degree robbery; first degree arson; first degree burglary; first or second degree manslaughter, first or second degree extortion; indecent liberties; incest, vehicular homicide; first degree promoting prostitution; communication with a minor; unlawful imprisonment; simple assault; sexual exploitation of minors; first or second degree criminal mistreatment; child abuse or neglect as defined in RCW 26.44.020; selling or distributing erotic material to a minor; custodial assault; child buying or selling; first or second degree custodial interference; malicious harassment; first, second or third degree child molestation; first or second degree sexual misconduct with a minor; patronizing a juvenile prostitute; child abandonment; promoting pornography; violation of a child abuse restraining order; prostitution; or any of these crimes as they may be renamed in the future. Yes, I have been convicted No, I have not been convicted 21 If your answer to this question is YES, please set forth the crime for which you were convicted, the date of conviction, the court in which you were convicted and the penalty and/or sentence imposed:If you answered NO to the previous question, please enter "n/a" in the text box below. 22 Have you ever been convicted of any of the following crimes related to financial exploitation of a person sixty (60) years of age or older, who has a functional, mental or physical inability to care for himself/herself or is a patient in a state hospital: First, second or third degree extortion; first or second degree robbery; first, second or third degree theft; forgery; or any of these crimes as they may have been renamed? Yes, I have been convicted No, I have not been convicted 23 If you answered YES, please describe and provide the date(s) of the conviction(s) and the sentence(s) imposed.If you answered NO to the previous question, please enter "n/a" in the text box below. 24 Have you ever been found in any dependency action under RCW 13.34.030(2)(b) to have sexually assaulted or exploited any minor or to have physically abused any minor? YES, I have been found in a dependency action NO, I have never been found in a dependency action 25 If your answer to this question is YES, please set forth the name of the dependent child, the court in which the dependency action took place, the date of the finding and the penalty and/or sentence imposed:If you answered NO to the previous question, please enter "n/a" in the text box below. 26 Have you ever been found by a court in a domestic relations proceeding to have sexually abused or exploited any minor or to have physically abused any minor? Yes No 27 If your answer to this question is YES, please set forth the title or caption of the domestic relations proceeding, the name of the court in which the proceeding took place, the date of the finding and the penalty and/or sentence imposed:If you answered NO to the previous question, please enter "n/a" in the text box below. 28 Have you ever been found in any disciplinary board final decision or in any final decision of the Director of the Department of Licensing to have sexually or physically abused or exploited any minor or developmentally disabled individual? Yes No 29 If your answer to this question is YES, please set forth the name of the disciplinary board or the Director of the Department of Licensing, the business or profession regulated, the date of the final decision and the penalty and/or sentence imposed:If you answered NO to the previous question, please enter "n/a" in the text box below. 30 Have you ever been found by a court in a protection proceeding under RCW Chapter 74.34 to have abused or financially exploited a person sixty (60) years of age or older who has a functional, mental, or physical inability to care for himself/herself or who is a patient in a state hospital? Yes No 31 If your answer to this question is YES, please describe and provide the date(s) of the finding(s) and the penalty(ies) imposed.If you answered NO to the previous question, please enter "n/a" in the text box below. 32 The successful candidate must be able to obtain a Bsecurity clearance badge in order to drive a vehicle in the Bangor and Naval Base Kitsap.The criteria to obtain this pass is that you must be a citizen of the United States or Permanent Resident.Are you a citizen of the United States or Permanent Resident or will you be able to obtain citizenship or permanent residency status by the time of hire?(You will be required to provide proof that you are a United States citizen or Permanent Resident at the time of hire). I am a United States citizen or Permanent Resident. I am not a United States citizen or Permanent Resident but I AM ABLE to obtain citizenship or permanent residency by the time of hire. I am not a United States citizen or Permanent Resident and I AM NOT ABLE to obtain citizenship or permanent residency by the time of hire. 33 All statements submitted in response to these questions set forth above are subject to investigation and verification prior to appointment. Kitsap Transit may verify any conviction record or offenses against persons, adjudications of child abuse in civil actions, and disciplinary board final decisions.We may verify your record of criminal convictions for offenses against persons, civil adjudications of child abuse, and disciplinary board final decisions.YOUR EMPLOYMENT IS EXPRESSLY CONDITIONED ON OUR RECEIPT OF A SATISFACTORY REPORT.I, the undersigned, have received a copy of this disclosure statement and do hereby certify, under penalty of perjury, that my responses to the questions set forth above are true, correct and complete.I understand and agree that if I am hired, I can be discharged for any misrepresentation or omission to the above questions. Further, I understand and agree that if I am hired, my employment is specifically conditioned on Kitsap Transit's receipt of a satisfactory report. Yes, I understand No Required Question

Created: 2026-03-04