Graduation marks another recruitment milestone for TriMet’s ongoing hiring initiative
It’s unheard of for every graduate of a TriMet training class to share one unique trait. But that’s what happened earlier this month when more than a dozen MAX trainees made the jump into the operator’s seat.
The graduates were part of the first rail training class dedicated entirely to MAX operators hired from outside of TriMet. Prior to this, MAX operators were required to spend time operating a bus first. The change came as part of TriMet’s hiring push, an ongoing initiative to fill open operator and maintenance positions.
The new operators will join TriMet at an exciting time, with the agency being ranked as one of the five best places in Oregon to work, based on a survey of current employees. With their title of MAX Operator now official, the new graduates say they’re excited to help riders reach their destinations. That’s the most fulfilling part of the job, according to Larry, who graduated from the training class.
“There are people who will go out of the way to thank you,” Larry said. “And it makes you happy that you went through all the steps to help people get from point A to point B.”
Zoe, another recent graduate, said new operators feel prepared to operate a 100,000-pound train.
“Now that I’m at the end of all this experience and all this training, I feel like I’m ready,” Zoe said. “I feel lucky to have made it this far. It’s definitely a pretty unique experience.”
It’s also an experience that remains open to others throughout the community. TriMet has once again posted the job and is accepting applications from the general public. In addition to joining the ranks of a select number of well-trained MAX operators, new hires also receive a $7,500 hiring bonus!
Twelve weeks of rail training
When TriMet first began recruiting external candidates for MAX operator positions in spring 2024, it led to 851 applications, the single largest number of applications ever received over a two-month period. Of those who applied, 50 candidates received job offers.
But first, they had to go through training.
MAX light rail training is rigorous. Prior to training, candidates must have a Commercial Driver’s License permit, which is earned by passing a written test. Then they need to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License, a process for which TriMet provides the training. After that, rail training begins: 12 weeks of classroom instruction, weekly tests and lots of time spent behind the controls of every type of light rail vehicle in our fleet. Currently, TriMet has six types of light rail vehicles, covering four decades of train technology.
Those who don’t pass rail training are offered the opportunity to enter the bus training program, an eight-week course. They also receive the same $7,500 hiring bonus.
Whether they’re operating a bus or train, new operators join the more than 2,800 TriMet employees who are represented by the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 757, a critical partner to TriMet. In addition to operators, the ATU represents maintenance workers, mechanics, customer service employees and others across the agency. TriMet and the union recently came together to negotiate a four-year contract that expands benefits and gives union workers a raise.
Great pay, benefits and opportunities
The new union contract enhances employee benefits and secures a 13.64% pay increase for union employees over the coming four years, with the first raise effective December 1, 2024. This agreement aims to improve service reliability while supporting TriMet’s diverse workforce. This helps them build rewarding, long-lasting careers with competitive salaries and benefits that often surpass those of private employers.
TriMet’s commitment to career growth, with excellent pay and benefits, is one reason why Forbes Magazine recently named the agency one of the top five places in Oregon to work. TriMet even claimed the title of the top Oregon-based employer and the leading transportation and logistics employer in the state!
Benefits include low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance, health spending accounts, paid leave and two retirement plans with employer contributions. Additionally, employees receive annual transit passes valued up to $1,200.
Everyone is valued–apply today!
At TriMet, diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values. We welcome and support employees from all backgrounds. To help foster an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive, TriMet offers nine Employee Resource Groups, each representing a community of employees with shared life experiences. These groups provide a space for employees to socialize, reflect, innovate, and grow, empowering them to contribute their unique perspectives to the company.
Larry and Zoe both say they are proud and excited to be joining a team that will value their contributions and help them grow as employees.
“I’ve always admired people who drove trains and buses–and the efficiency of TriMet,” Zoe said. “I always looked at operating a train as something I wanted to do someday.”
Larry said he is eager to see how far his career at TriMet will take him.
“Being a rail operator was my end goal,” Larry said. “But now being here, learning about TriMet’s opportunities, I’m definitely looking up ahead now–either a supervisor role, the control room or even a station agent. You have so many opportunities, honestly.”
With positions at TriMet suited for various skills and backgrounds, the right one might be waiting for you. To find out more about all of TriMet’s career opportunities, visit trimet.org/careers.
