Coach Operator

About the Department

INTERCITY TRANSIT IS HIRING COACH OPERATORS!

Intercity Transit provides fare free public transportation to people who live and work in Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, and Yelm. Our mission is to provide and promote public transportation choices that support an accessible, sustainable, livable, healthy, and prosperous community. Our Operators serve the community by safely transporting the public to where they need to go, while also reducing congestion on the roads and protecting the environment. We are looking for customer-focused people to join our team as Coach Operators and help make a difference within the Thurston County community!  

Position Duties

To join our team, there is no CDL required to start.  We will pay you and train you to get your CDL through our internal training program.  All new hires are full-time and guaranteed at least 40 hours a week! If you are interested in a stable career that allows you to serve your community while earning a paycheck, then we encourage you to apply!  We are currently accepting applications for a tentative July 27, 2026, start date.  Interviews and Conditional Job Offers will take place in mid-to-end June. If you have ever considered becoming a Coach Operator, now is the time to apply! 

The hiring wage for Coach Operators is $27.13/hour (Step A), with annual step increases until you reach $38.44/hour (Step F). Coach Operators receive an additional 2% ($39.21/hour) when they reach 10 years of employment and a total of 3% ($39.60/hour) when they reach 15 years of employment. We also offer an outstanding benefits package that includes:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and eligible dependents.
• PERS Retirement Plans (through Washington State Public Employee’s Retirement System) along with voluntary deferred compensation plans (401k and 457) with employer match up to 8.5%.
• 12 to 25 vacation days per year depending upon date of eligibility and length of service
• 12 days of sick leave per year
• Up to 54 hours of floating holiday time
• Paid Bereavement Leave
• $150 per month Family & Wellness Allowance
• Uniforms provided

Additionally, we have a new, modern building that includes a driver lounge with a relaxation room, computer access, pool table, and an on-site fitness room with showers.

Minimum Qualifications

Job qualifications:

• Flexibility to work varied shifts including days, nights, split shifts, weekends, and holidays (not including Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day).
• Possess a valid WA state driver’s license and be able to obtain (by the end of training) and maintain a valid Class “B” Commercial Driver’s License with passenger endorsement and air brake restriction lifted. 
• Must have an acceptable 5-year driving history that meets the agency’s hiring criteria.
• Must successfully complete a Transit Operator exam.
• Must successfully complete a practical fit test to ensure you are able to perform the physical tasks required of a Coach Operator. 
• Strong customer service skills including the ability to interact positively with a diverse population.
• History of good attendance and punctuality.

Prior to start date, candidates must:

• Possess a valid Washington State CDL permit.
• Pass a post-job offer employment-related physical examination and drug screen, as well as a criminal background check, the results of which must meet the agency’s hiring criteria.

Other Qualifications

To apply: 
We would love for you to apply! Please submit a complete application online at www.intercitytransit.com/employment. All applications must include at least 10 years of work/military/school history or an acknowledgement of limited work experience in the application. Incomplete applications will be disqualified, and you will have to re-apply with a complete application to be considered. Intercity Transit’s preferred method of communication is via email, so an accurate and active email address is essential!
 

Hiring Process:

This recruitment will remain open until 4:00 PM on Thursday, May 21, 2026, or until 100 completed applications have been received, whichever occurs first. The posting may close at any time without prior notice once this threshold is reached. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply early.
 
If you have questions about the position or hiring process, please reach out to Hannah Toulme at htoulme@intercitytransit.com.

Intercity Transit is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer and strives to provide a culturally diverse workforce. Intercity Transit does not discriminate in employment or service on the basis of race, creed, color, origin, age, sex, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, or disability. 

This position is classified as safety-sensitive under Intercity Transit’s Drug and Alcohol Policy and is included in the random drug and alcohol testing program. We are subject to the requirements of the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and CFR Part 40 & Part 655, which prohibits the use of marijuana at any time while employed by Intercity Transit.
 
 Note that, if hired, union seniority is determined by date/time application was received.