Instructor, Lead

***THIS IS AN INTERNAL OPPORTUNITY OPEN TO CURRENT INSTRUCTORS ONLY***

Pierce Transit is dedicated to fulfilling the mission of improving the quality of life in our community by providing safe, reliable, innovative, and useful transportation services that are locally based and regionally connected.

Pierce Transit is seeking a knowledgeable and motivated Lead Instructor from within our existing Bus Training team. This is a unique opportunity for current Instructors to advance their careers and further develop their leadership skills in a key role within our organization.

As a Lead Instructor, you will guide and support a team of Instructors while ensuring training programs meet the highest standards for safety, consistency, and effectiveness. You will play a key role in curriculum development and continuous improvement of training programs, while collaborating with internal partners and contributing to agency-wide initiatives. From coaching new operators to analyzing training trends and refining instructional methods, your work will directly impact service quality and operational excellence.

If you are passionate about training, leadership, and shaping the next generation of transit professionals, this is your chance to make a meaningful impact.

Key Responsibilities of the Lead Instructor:

• Provide leadership and direction to Instructors by planning, assigning, and monitoring daily training activities to ensure consistency, safety, and quality standards are met.
• Coordinate and adjust training schedules, staffing, and assignments to accommodate absences, new training requests, and operational needs without service disruption.
• Develop, update, and deliver training curriculum, including instructional materials, presentations, and assessments for Transit Operators and staff.
• Observe, coach, and support Instructors and trainees by providing guidance, feedback, and on-the-job instruction to enhance training effectiveness.
• Monitor trainee progress and training outcomes, identifying trends and recommending improvements to strengthen training programs and success rates.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and participate in committees to support system safety, training initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts.

BENEFITS:
At Pierce Transit, our employees’ health is important to us too!
That’s why we offer four on-site fitness rooms and an incredible Wellness Program in addition to excellent medical, dental, and vision packages.

If your career goals change while you’re employed, we are here to help. Pierce Transit offers $5,000 per year (up to a total of $18,000) in Tuition Assistance after your one-year anniversary. Certifications, and career skills must be connected to a position at Pierce Transit.

All of Pierce Transit are required to participate in the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). Pierce Transit offers two Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) plans to choose from, PERS2 andPERS3, as well as a matching program for 457 deferred compensation.

Employees are not covered under the Social Security System except for a 1.45% payment for Medicare.

Pierce Transit provides an ORCA Card benefit for each employee and a family member. This benefit providesfree access to service on Pierce Transit, Sound Transit, Community Transit, Everett Transit, King County Metro, Kitsap Transit, Seattle Monorail, Seattle Streetcar, King County Water Taxi and Kitsap Foot Ferry.

PAID LEAVE:
Full-time Pierce Transit employees are eligible to receive 11 paid holidays, 2 personal paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 12 vacation days per year, and the ability to earn 2 Wellness Days. Vacation leave accrual rates increase per the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement.Essential FunctionsThe following functions are not intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performedin this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Plans and schedules work assignments for Instructors. Observes work in progress, or upon completion, to determine compliance with established work standards for safety, quality, and quantity. Provides on the job instruction and correction to Instructors, and Trainees, when needed.
• Review daily Instructor absences and requests for time off and make adjustments to training assignments to avoid lapse in service. In the absence of the Bus Training Assistant Manager, approve Instructor time cards.
• Ensure that new Instructors receive the appropriate training to meet compliance with established work standards for safety, quality and quantity.
• Consult with the Bus Training Assistant Manager when counseling and/or identified training is needed for Instructors.
• Monitor Track-it system for new training requests. Review current training assignments, current and upcoming schedules to best determine how to accommodate new training requests while providing the best service to the requestor and not creating a lapse to existing training.
• Reviews progress of Transit Operator Trainees and new hires during training. May ride along with other Instructors during training to observe. Provide coaching and redirection where needed.
• Evaluate overall training trends to include success rate of trainees, where trainees are failing. Bring data and recommendations to the Bus Training Assistant Manager.
• Supervises and instructs Transit Operator Trainees on passenger relations, vehicle and equipment operation, emergency and accident procedures, and route information.
• Recommends trainees for graduation or for further instruction.
• Prepares training files, develops, modifies, and administers curriculum for class instruction and training.
• Conducts performance evaluations of Transit Operators to assess basic vehicle operation, safe driving skills and overall job performance.
• Reviews and discusses with the employee the skills required for optimal job performance.
• Recommends and conducts retraining as necessary.
• Assists operators in completing appropriate reports upon requests.
• Reviews preventable accidents with operators and recommends appropriate retraining.
• Conducts training for Operations, Maintenance, and administrative personnel to focus on system safety.
• Prepares and updates training program materials and classes.
• Develops sessions, performs record keeping functions, and conducts training needs analysis.
• Assists with coordinating and implementing the annual Bus Roadeo.
• Responsible for administrative functions as it relates to the development and maintenance of all training materials and documentation.
• Regular and predictable attendance.
• May be required to perform tasks and responsibilities as assigned by the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) personnel, when the EOC protocol is activated.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required:
High School diploma or equivalent and four (4) years’ experience providing technical instruction in transit operations with Pierce Transit, or another transportation agency, or equivalent experience providing technical instruction for commercial driving in the transit industry.

Meets CFR Part 380 (1) or (2):
Holds a CDL of the same (or higher) class and with all endorsements necessary to operate the CMV for which training is to be provided and has

• at least 2 years of experience as a BTW CMV instructor, OR
• at least 2 years of experience driving a CMV requiring a CDL of the same or higher class and/or the same endorsement.

Meets and maintains all applicable State qualification requirements for CMV instructors (49 CFR Part 380).

Applicants must have performance history which demonstrates integrity, accountability, safety and responsible behaviors while employed at Pierce Transit.

Desired:
One-year of experience in a leadership capacity providing counseling or advising of staff; planning, overseeing, and reviewing work.

To be considered, applicants must submit electronic applications documenting their ability to meet the minimum qualifications.

Important note:Information on attachments including resumes and/or cover letters will not be used to determine whether or not you meet the minimum qualifications.

Knowledge of:

• Pierce Transit system, routes, and fares; safety rules and procedures;
• Operations Department policies, procedures, rules and regulations; safe driving techniques including defensive driving, wearing seatbelts, following posted speed limits;
• Washington state vehicle code and other laws and regulations governing public transportation and the operation of commercial vehicles to develop and administer effective training programs.

Ability to:

• Plan, organize and guide the activities of others; counsel, advise, train, and motivate a team of Instructors and Transit Operators regarding performance and procedures;
• Deal tactfully and effectively with culturally diverse individuals at all levels and of varying socioeconomic backgrounds;
• Recognize problems and recommend solutions; understand, interpret, and apply contracts, laws, policies, procedures and regulations;
• Exercise sound judgment in stressful situations;
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing;
• Operate word processing and other computer software programs, audio visual equipment and other training aides to build effective curriculum for training of staff;
• Operate 25-foot cutaway vehicles, 30-foot, 40-foot, 45-foot, and 60-foot transit articulated coaches; bend, reach and extend arms and legs to demonstrate securement devices.

Physical RequirementsMust have the ability to perform the essential functions as described above including the ability to maneuver 300 pounds (passenger and wheelchair) over a 6" curb and up typical wheelchair ramps.

The position involves physical demands, such as exerting up to 40 lbs. of force to move objects. Requires the ability to see to read fine print, hear to receive information in person or on the telephone, speak clearly and distinctly to provide information, be stationed at a desk or stand and operate a computer for extended periods of time.
Working ConditionsThis job may work in an office or outdoor environment. Occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards.
Special Requirements

• Must possess a valid Washington State driver license at time of application, with maintenance thereafter.
• Must possess and maintain a CMV B Class CDL or higher with a P1 and airbrake endorsement and have two (2) years of commercial driving experience.
• Must maintain acceptable driving record throughout employment.
• This job is considered safety sensitive, covered by the Agency’s drug and alcohol program and subject to testing according to federal regulations and Pierce Transit Policy.
• Clearance is required prior to accessing Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM). Employees in this classification are subject to recurring background checks conducted by JBLM.
• Within six (6) months of appointment: Must obtain CDL Training Instructor professional license with Washington State Department of Licensing, with maintenance thereafter.
• Internal hires who have not been a Pierce Transit employee for at least twelve (12) months and external hires will be required to attend the Transit Operator Trainee training.

***Note: Applicants who meet minimum qualifications may be required to complete an online skills assessment such as Microsoft Office, Wonderlic or TalentClick Assessment (cognitive, motivation and personality assessment) as the first step in the selection process.

Application Instructions

To be considered for this vacancy you must apply online:

1. The online application must include a chronological work and/or education history covering ten years.
2. Applicants must also attach a cover letter stating how they meet the qualifications for the position in order to be considered.
3. At least 3 professional references to include a recent or current supervisor with names, email addresses and current phone numbers.

READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION COMPLETELY:

• Carefully review your application for accuracy, spelling and grammar before submitting.
• Please ensure that your work history has been updated to include employment end dates as applicable.
• The initial screening of applications will be solely based on the information provided in the supplemental questions and the content and completeness of the "work experience" and "education" sections of your application at www.piercetransit/careers/.
• A resume will not substitute for completing the "work experience" section of the application.
• All information may be verified, and documentation may be required.

For questions regarding this recruitment or assistance with the application process, please contact Pierce Transit Employee Services @ 253-581-8095 orjobs@piercetransit.org

If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or emailsupport@neogov.com.

Pierce Transit Is An Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
Pierce Transit has a strong commitment to the community we serve and our employees. As an equal opportunity employer, we strive to have a workforce that reflects the community we serve. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class.

Pierce Transit's Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay and all other forms of compensation, including benefits, and all other terms and conditions of employment.