Job Details

Salary: $31.26 Hourly
Location : Multiple Locations In Portland Metro Area, OR
Job Type: Union Full-Time
Job Number: 25-00153
Department: Transportation (Union)
Opening Date: 12/22/2025
Closing Date: 1/5/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

Description

We are hiring Light Rail Vehicle Operators for our Spring and Summer 2026 training classes! On-site interviews will take place in January. Full-time openings available!

Have you ever dreamt of being behind the controls of a 100,000-pound train?
Do you also thrive in an environment demanding constant awareness of your surroundings? Can you stay calm and communicative in critical situations? Above all, are you passionate about serving the community and committed to safety?

If this sounds like you, we encourage you to consider a career as a Light Rail Vehicle Operator.

TriMet is the public transportation agency of the Portland metro area. As a Light Rail Vehicle Operator, your primary duty is the smooth operation of trains on our iconic MAX Light Rail system. Every day you get people to where they want to go and help keep our region moving.

If you're looking for a fun, exciting and rewarding career that enhances the culture and livability of our region, join us and help lead the way!

Essential Functions

Operate Light Rail Vehicle (LRV) safely, governed by the Operations Command Center (OCC) and line supervision in accordance with TriMet Rail Operations Procedures. Provide safe and exceptional customer service to TriMet's riders. Report all safety and reliability concerns to the OCC upon identification.

1. Operate Light Rail Vehicle (LRV) safely, governed by the Operations Command Center (OCC) and Line Supervision subject to TriMet Rail Operations Procedures, Rules, Bulletins, Train Orders, Schedules, Wayside Signal, Interlocking and Radio telephone communications.

2. Maintain complete up-to-date Rail Operations Rule Book and knowledge of all Safety Operating Procedures.

3. Inspect LRV equipment according to procedures and instruction, reporting defects observed while inspecting or during operations to the OCC.

4. Follow necessary steps to restore service by manipulating various LRV components to enable defective train to move, or manually align switches to change or reverse direction of route.

5. Adhere to operating schedule as closely as possible, reporting any change of two minutes or more to the OCC.

6. Comply with Rail Operations Procedures pertaining to Wayside Signals and Interlockings; report all red signal over-run or interlocking rule violations and any observed or suspected wayside signal or interlocking equipment malfunction to the OCC.

7. Take temporary charge during an emergency situation, report the condition to the OCC, protect and calm passengers, use emergency equipment as necessary.

8. Prepare required reporting paperwork and perform all related duties as required by the Rail Transportation Department.

9. Other duties as assigned by Rail Transportation Department and/or a member of management.

Position Requirements

A minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent is required.

One (1) year in a customer service role providing face to face instructions and clarifying information with ability to solve problems and resolve customer inquiries is required.

One (1) year in the transportation industry transporting people or products required.

Possession of current/valid or ability to obtain Class "A or B" Commercial Driver's License issued by Oregon or Washington with Passenger Endorsement and no Restrictions on Airbrakes; three years driving experience with a satisfactory driving record. (Please understand that non-domiciled individuals may not be able to obtain an Oregon or Washington CLP/CDL. For more information see the Oregon or Washington DMV.)Ability to pass a driving record check meeting TriMet driving record standards. To review our driving record standards, click here:

Selection Criteria

1. Demonstrated ability to learn and operate the LRV and all related equipment in a safe manner and satisfactorily complete TriMet's Rail Operator Training Program for Certification.

2. Ability to learn and comply with Rail Operation Procedures, Schedules, Wayside Signals, Interlockings and communication equipment.

3. Ability to concentrate, anticipate and react one-hundred percent of the time while operating a light rail vehicle, in accordance with established Rail Best Practices.

4. Ability to convey information orally in a clear manner, and to understand oral and written instructions. Read, write and communicate in English.

5. Ability to obtain a CDL permit post-conditional offer of employment and prior to start date, and ability to obtain CDL upon completion of training.

6. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, management and the general public, including those from culturally diverse backgrounds, the elderly, persons with disabilities and/or other vulnerable populations.

7. Ability to maintain reliable and predictable attendance, report regularly to work and on time.

8. Willingness and ability to work various hours, including early morning and late night shifts, split shifts, weekends, holidays and split days off.

9. Ability to pass the required post-offer, job-related physical and drug screen for the position, and meet ongoing requirements.
Type of Position /Grade/FLSAUnion, Non-Exempt, Regular, Full-Time. Starting wage effective 12/1/2025: $31.26 per hour. Wage will be in accordance with the current Working and Wage Agreement.Selection Process
Candidates will be selected based at a minimum on the result of:

1. Application Review
2. Driving Record Review - Upon submitting your application, you are required to submit a DMV report from every state (except Oregon) where you have held a driver's license in the past ten (10) years. Refer to online instructions to download and attach documents to your application or email documents to
3. Verification of High School diploma or GED
4. Job Orientation / Supplemental Tests
5. Panel Interview
6. Criminal Background Check / Reference Check
7. DOT Medical Examinations & Drug Screening
8. CDL Class "A or B" Permit or License

Supplemental InformationMake sure you describe in detail how your education, training and work experience fit with this role. You are encouraged to attach a resume, cover letter, training certificates and/or letters of recommendation with your application. You are permitted five attachments of less than 5MB each.

If you are a qualified veteran and would like to apply for veterans' preference points, you will need to reflect your status on the application and attach supporting documentation at the time of application submission.

If you need accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act for any part of the application process, contact our Human Resources staff at 503-###-####, or the TTY line at 7-1-1. Note that we require a minimum of two workdays' notice prior to the need for accommodation.TriMet is an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to developing an organization that is reflective of and sensitive to the needs of the diverse community we serve, including veterans, the elderly and people with disabilities.

ADA Statement
As applied to the workplace, applicants and employees must be qualified to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. Essential functions may include required job functions performed infrequently as well as production standards related to the quality and quantity of work.

If a person with a disability could meet job qualifications with a reasonable accommodation, TriMet will work with the employee to accommodate the need. If TriMet's accommodation is effective in allowing the employee to perform the essential functions of the job, it need not be the employee's preferred accommodation.
Full-Time and Mini-Run Operator (MRO)
Union Employee Benefits

2026 Medical Plan Options

• Regence Union PPO 80/20 - Deductible: $300 Individual/$900 Family; Office Visit: 20%, after deductible; Out-of-Pocket Max: $2,300 Individual/$6,900 Family; Prescription Drugs: $10 Generic/$25 or 20% Formulary/50% Non-formulary. Benefits listed are for in-network, preferred providers.
• Regence Union PPO 90/10 - Deductible: $150 Individual/$300 Family; Office Visit: 10%, after deductible; Out-of-Pocket Max: $1,650 Individual/$4,950 Family; Prescription Drugs: $5 Generic/$15 or 20% Formulary/50% Non-formulary. Benefits listed are for in-network, preferred providers.
• Regence Union Health Savings Account (HSA) - Deductible: $1,700 Individual/$3,400 Family; Office Visit: 20%, after deductible; Out-of-Pocket Max: $5,000 Individual/$10,000 Family; Prescription Drugs: 20%, after deductible. Benefits listed are for in-network, preferred providers.
• Kaiser Permanente EPO - No deductible; Office Visit: $10 copay; Out-of-Pocket Max: $600 Individual/$1,200 Family; Prescription Drugs: $10 copay.

All medical plans include prescription drug and vision coverage.

2026 Dental Plan Options

• Delta Dental of Oregon, provided by Moda - Preventive Services paid at: 100%; Basic Services paid at: 80%; Major Services paid at: 50%; $2,000 max benefit per person/year; Orthodontia paid at: 50% to $3,000 lifetime max/person.
• Kaiser Dental - $10 Copay; Preventive Services paid at: 100%; Basic Services paid at: 80%; Major Services paid at: 50%; $2,000 max benefit per person/year; Orthodontia paid at: 50% to $3,000 lifetime max/person.

Coverage Effective Date
Full-time Employees - Medical, vision, prescription, and dental coverage is effective the first of the month following your date of employment.
Mini-run Operators - Medical, vision, prescription, and dental benefits are effective the first of the month following 30 days of employment.

Medical and Dental Rates - The rates below reflect the employee's portion of the monthly premium.

Effective January 1, 2026

Regence Union 90/10 PPO
Employee: $ 196.92
Employee & Spouse: $ 413.54
Employee & Child(ren): $ 344.62
Employee & Family: $ 551.42

Regence Union 80/20 PPO
Employee: $ 53.14
Employee & Spouse: $ 111.62
Employee & Child(ren): $ 93.02
Employee & Family: $ 148.82

Regence Union HSA
Employee: $ 0.00
Employee & Spouse: $ 0.00
Employee & Child(ren): $ 0.00
Employee & Family: $ 0.00

Regence Union HSA Employer Contribution
Employee: $ 85.70
Employee & Spouse: $ 179.90
Employee & Child(ren): $ 149.94
Employee & Family: $ 239.88

Kaiser Permanente EPO
Employee: $ 52.60
Employee & Spouse: $ 105.22
Employee & Child(ren): $ 94.70
Employee & Family: $ 157.82

Delta Dental of Oregon
Employee: $ 3.32
Employee & Spouse: $ 6.26
Employee & Child(ren): $ 6.30
Employee & Family: $ 9.46

Kaiser Dental
Employee: $ 3.00
Employee & Spouse: $ 5.46
Employee & Child(ren): $ 6.00
Employee & Family: $ 8.58

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
TriMet employees have access to the EAP through Canopy. The EAP is a free, confidential resource available to help employees (and their household members) with life's everyday issues. It also provides many other services including, but not limited to: counseling sessions, webinars, financial coaching, home ownership program, and online access to a wealth of information and resources.

Wellness Program
TriMet supports health and wellness through our Wellness Matters Program. Annual wellness offerings include Flu shot clinics. Omada Healthy Lifestyle Support Program focused on the prevention and management of diabetes and hypertension. Sword, a digital physical therapy program to treat back, joint, and muscle pain from the comfort of your home for employees and dependents who are enrolled in a TriMet medical plan.

Flexible Spending Accounts

• Health Care Spending Account - Allows employees to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for medical, vision, and dental expenses not covered by their health plan.
• Dependent Care Spending Account - Allows employees to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for dependent care expenses.
• Limited Flexible Spending Account - Allows employees enrolled in the Regence HSA plan to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for vision and dental expenses not covered by their health plan.

Childcare Reimbursement Account
TriMet will contribute up to $150 to a Childcare Reimbursement Account every month for employees who contribute a minimum of $25 per paycheck into a Dependent Care FSA and are employed with TriMet for six continuous months or more. This contribution is for qualified childcare expenses incurred in the month contributed.

Disability Insurance
Long-term Disability/Permanent Disability
Refer to the for information on permanent disability.

Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
Basic Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance -TriMet provides Basic Life and AD&D Insurance to assist employees and their families in the event of death or dismemberment. These benefits are fully paid by TriMet.
Union Mini-run Operators
Benefit Amount: $18,250
All Other Union Employees(working at least 20 hours/week)
Benefit Amount: $25,000

Employees may purchase one or more of the following VOLUNTARY coverages:

Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance - Employees may purchase additional life and AD&D insurance for themselves, spouse/domestic partner, and their child(ren). Employees pay the full cost for this insurance and must elect coverage for themselves in order to elect coverage for their dependents.

Hospital Indemnity insurance helps keep your finances on track when you are in the hospital. It pays you or a covered family member directly and you can use it to help cover costs such as copays, deductibles and living expenses.
Critical Illness insurance can help with costs from a serious illness that your medical insurance does not cover. It pays you or a covered family member a lump sum to use toward expenses like deductibles, groceries or childcare during recovery.

Accident insurance can help with costs that medical insurance does not cover if you are hurt in an accident. It pays you or a covered family member directly and you can use it toward your deductible, copay or daily expenses during recovery.
Pension
Defined Contribution Plan 401(a)
TriMet provides a defined contribution pension plan to employees. TriMet deposits the equivalent of 9 percent of an employee's base pay into an investment account each pay period. After December 1, 2027, TriMet's contribution will increase to 10 percent of an employee's base pay.

The employee also has the option of contributing up to 15 percent of his/her base pay pre-tax to the account each pay period. The employee directs the investment of the employee's individual account. The employee is vested in the account after three years of service.

Deferred Compensation Plan 457(b)
A Deferred Compensation Plan Section 457 (a plan for public employees), allows the employee to build retirement savings with pre-tax dollars to supplement pension, Social Security and private investment.

Paid Leave
Refer to the for complete information on sick, vacation, holiday, and personal days.

Free Transit Pass
All full-time employees, their spouses/domestic partners, and eligible* dependents are eligible for a photo identification badge, which is honored as a bus/MAX pass on all lines of the District following their first 120 (one hundred twenty) calendar day probationary period.

Mini-run operators their spouses/domestic partners, and eligible* dependents are eligible for a photo identification badge, which is honored as a bus/MAX pass on all lines of the District following their 6 (six) month probationary period.

*Child dependents are eligible for a free transit pass up to age 19, or age 24 if living at home and attending school full-time.

TEI Membership
TriMet's corporate fitness center (TEI) is available to employees, and their spouse or eligible domestic partner, at five locations. Membership dues are only $13.00 per month for TriMet employees and an additional $6.00 per month for a spouse or eligible domestic partner.

Please note: Full Time (FT) & Mini Run Operator (MRO) employees receive a security ID badge and are eligible to join TEI immediately upon hire. The spouse or domestic partner, however, does not receive a spouse ID badge until after the employee has successfully completed their probationary period. At the end of the probationary period, TriMet spouse identification badges will be issued to the employee's spouse or eligible domestic partner at the employee's request. Once the spouse/domestic partner receives their ID badge, they will be able to join TEI.
NOTICE: The information contained in this document is intended solely to provide general information regarding the benefits offered by TriMet. This information is subject to change at any time.
Revised: 12/10/2025
01

Have you had your license for at least three (3) years? Applicants must have held a valid license in the last three (3) year without any gaps longer than 90 days.

• Less than 3 years
• 3 or more years

02

In the past three (3) years have you received any traffic violations, other than parking violations.

• Yes
• No

03

TriMet is required to review a complete 3 year driving history for each applicant. Applicants are required to submit a CERTIFIED driving history from every state in which they have held a license in the past 3 years. Driving records should be emailed. TriMet will order driving records for current Oregon residents. If you held an Oregon driver's license in the past 3 years and are NOT a current Oregon resident, you must provide your Oregon driver's license number to TriMet so your driving record can be ordered.

• I have held a license in a state other than Oregon in the past ten (10) years and acknowledge that I must submit a ten (10) year driving history from each state within two (2) weeks of submitting my application.
• I have not held a license in a state other than Oregon in the past ten (10) years.

04

Please provide your current driver's license number and the state in which it was issued.
05

This position requires a minimum education of a high school diploma or GED. Please indicate if you meet this requirement.

• I meet the minimum education requirement.
• I do not meet the minimum education requirement.

06

TriMet schedules all Bus Operator shifts and locations based on seniority. Are you willing and able to work any shift out of any one of our three locations in the Portland area, including weekends and nights?

• Yes, I am willing and able to work any shift out of any garage in the Portland-Metro area.
• No, I am not willing or able to work any shift out of any garage in the Portland-Metro area.

Required Question