DRIVE YOUR CAREER
NOW HIRING!
COACH OPERATORS
A Growing Organization
STA continues to expand service to meet the need of our growing region.
This means adding new employees and allowing others to gain seniority quickly.
New employees can also get desirable work schedules early in their career.
We are investing in the future by transitioning the STA fleet from diesel to state-of-the-art zero emission vehicles, and our coach operators have the chance to drive the only electric buses in the region.
Check out the different types of passenger vehicles in the STA fleet you’ll be trained to operate:
Attractive Employee Benefits
There are very few employers in the Spokane region that offer the range of benefits available at STA.
We offer a state public employee pension plan. Payouts are guaranteed, no matter what happens in the future economically.
We also have some of the lowest employee premiums for health insurance in the entire region, and our dental plans are $5.14 a month for your entire family.
At STA we believe in a healthy work/life balance. And because family comes first, our employees receive great leave benefits – paid vacation time plus 12 paid holidays a year. Senior operators get up to 6 weeks of paid vacation a year.
Career Advancement
STA is known for investing in its employees.
Operators looking to move up the career ladder are given encouragement and opportunity.
It’s a source of pride for the agency that many managers began their STA careers as coach operators.
It’s our goal to provide every STA employee at least one paid training opportunity a year.
“There are so many opportunities here.”
Cassie Williams started at STA as a coach operator.
After just five years she was promoted to management.
“I never imagined that would be me.”
Kyle Trotchie started at STA as a coach operator.
After three years he was made an instructor, and two years later promoted to management.
Application Process
The operator application process usually takes 1-2 months. Once hired by STA, new operators begin receiving full-time pay the day they start their training.
There are six steps to becoming an STA coach operator:
Step #1
Submit Application & Resume
Filling out an application to drive for STA takes about 30 minutes.
It covers licensing and general information about yourself.
You do not need a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or professional transit experience to be hired as a coach operator. We teach operators everything they need to know during training.
In addition to an application, you also need to turn in a resume.
Your resume should include basic information about your skills and work experience.
The resume is uploaded with the application.
Find tips on formatting a resume here:
Step #2
Interview at STA
Interviews are usually about 30 minutes long and focus almost entirely on customer service and strong communication skills.
We are looking for employees who are good with people. Serving the public with a good and helpful attitude is #1 in our book.
In the interview, remember to highlight any experience in customer service, hospitality or retail.
Be prepared to give examples of situations where you’ve successfully interacted with customers, colleagues or members of the public. Experience at giving information to people is what STA is looking for in an operator candidate.
Interviews are held at STA’s main office with the Human Resources team.
Find tips for preparing for a job interview here:
Step #3
Job Offer
Successful candidates are given a job offer.
Start dates coincide with the next training class. Once training begins, so do full-time paychecks.
There are usually 3-4 coach operator training classes each year.
NEXT PARATRANSIT OPERATOR CLASS BEGINS IN:
Step #4
Turn In Documents
The Federal Transportation Administration and Department of Transportation require several documents from new public transit operators.
Medical Certificate
The medical certificate shows that you are physically able to operate a motor vehicle. STA assists in scheduling this appointment with a medical provider.
CDL Learner's Permit / Endorsed License
New operators must obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Learner's Permit, or Driver License with passenger endorsement and no airbrake suspension.
The CDL Learner's Permit is obtained by passing a knowledge test through the Department of Licensing. STA assists new operators in scheduling and study materials. Washington and Idaho have different CDL study guides.
Pre-Employment Drug Screening
Passing a drug test before employment is a federal requirement. The test detects illegal drugs including marijuana. STA’s objective is solely on ensuring applicants and employees remain drug free.
Step #5
10-Week Training Program
During training, all drivers receive full-time pay.
The training program for coach operators is ten weeks, and six weeks for Paratransit operators. The training includes classroom instruction, closed course driving and city driving. It ends with a graduation ceremony and a pay raise.
All drivers must successfully pass the training program, even if they possess a CDL. This maintains consistency of service across the STA fleet, which includes three types of battery-electric buses.
NEXT COACH OPERATOR CLASS BEGINS IN:
Step #6
Start Driving!
After graduating the training class, new operators hit the road and are now the “captain of the ship.”
A pay raise comes six months after your first official operator shift. That date is important — you’ll get an automatic pay raise on that date each year until reaching top pay.
Other perks for STA employees include discounts at local stores and restaurants, and to Chiefs and Indians games. There is also 24-hour access to the STA Gym, and paid vacations and holidays. STA drivers, their spouse and dependents get free transit passes.
STA is a family as well as one of the Spokane region’s most stable employers. Everyone on our team receives competitive benefits and career advancements opportunities.
Our operators are the public face of the agency and the backbone of our transit services. This is a stable job with great benefits where you can fast-track your career while getting to serve your community.
Questions?
Talk to an HR recruiter today:
Other Jobs at STA
STA is a large agency with openings in many different departments.
We are always hiring to support the agency’s expansion.
Customer Service
human resources
OPERATIONS
FACILITIES & GROUNDS
planning
communications
INFORMATION SERVICES
PARATRANSIT
vehicle
maintenance
finance
SECURITY
CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT