More than 850 people applied, 50 were hired, following TrIMet’s first-ever public recruitment of MAX operators

An unprecedented hiring initiative led to the one of the biggest waves of job applications in TriMet’s history, adding to a pool of candidates that will help fill vacant operator positions in the short and long term. More than 850 people applied to become among the first MAX operators hired from the general public following TriMet’s April announcement that we were fast-tracking some of the positions.

Of the 851 people who applied during the first round of external applications, between April and June, 50 were hired and invited to enter MAX operator training. The first classes with these students began in July.

Fast-tracking the positions meant candidates didn’t have to first undergo eight weeks of bus operator training. Nonetheless, they did have to meet several important requirements to be selected as a future MAX operator.

‘I applied the first day’

Chief among the hiring requirements: having one year of experience transporting people or goods, a safe driving record and the ability to obtain—or already possess—a valid “A or B” Commercial Driver’s license (CDL). Applicants could take three written DMV tests to obtain a CDL learner’s permit before entering training. For Larry, a longtime electrical contractor, operating heavy machinery was a part of his professional life for years—but it came with a catch.

“I was tired of doing career changes every six to eight months,” Larry said. He found himself moving from gig to gig, working for multiple companies a year with few opportunities to move up. “Being with TriMet and seeing all the opportunities—I’m excited to do rail and also see how far I can move up in the company.”

Another important requirement was having zeal for the job. Jake, a self-described “train guy” and former member of TriMet’s On-Street Customer Service team, had his sights on operating a train ever since growing up near the MAX Yellow Line.

“I told myself that as soon as they opened up MAX operator positions to non-bus applicants, I would throw my name into the ring,” he said, “I applied the first day it opened.”

Although the new MAX trainees come from different backgrounds, one thing they share is enthusiasm, especially for taking on new and fulfilling challenges. Tyler, another MAX operator trainee, gave up a job in web development for an opportunity to serve the community.

“To me, it’s one of the biggest landmarks of the city,” he said of the MAX system. “Working in web development, I didn’t feel totally fulfilled. Here, you’re performing a public service that everyone relies on, so you can feel pride in that”

Roughly half of the applications moved to the review stage, where the candidates’ combination of qualifications, driving records and passion for public transportation were considered. Some then moved on to interviews, background checks and conditional job offers. In the end, about 6% of the 851 candidates met all of the requirements and were invited to join an upcoming training class

The 12 weeks of training combine lectures, coursework and practical instruction behind the controls of MAX trains. In order for trainees to become MAX operators, they will have to first successfully graduate from the program and prove they can safely operate a train while at the same time providing exemplary customer service.

Jobs with great pay, benefits and support

The starting wage for a MAX operator is currently $29.18 per hour, with regular pay increases and a $7,500 hiring bonus for those who successfully complete training and join the team.

MAX operators receive other great benefits, such as access to overtime, generous retirement accounts—including an 8% employer contribution to TriMet’s 401a retirement plan—paid time off and career development opportunities. 

Opportunities at TriMet are plentiful. Bus operator positions are also still available, and they too come with competitive pay and the same great benefits as MAX operators. They also come with the $7,500 hiring bonus! But if you have a more mechanical skillset, TriMet is also looking for diesel mechanics, with a starting salary of $41.39! Those positions come with a $2,500 hiring bonus.

New operators start this fall

New MAX operators will begin this fall after completing three months of training. This will be followed by a six-month probationary period.

They will start their new careers at TriMet during a time of expansion and improvements: At the end of this month, the MAX Red Line will be extended 10 stations west into Beaverton and Hillsboro, the final piece of our A Better Red project. It will be the first expansion of the MAX system in nine years. We are also currently testing our newest trains, the Type 6s, which we plan to introduce later this year. These and other improvements come as TriMet embarks on an ambitious series of service changes.

Moving forward

Starting Sunday, Aug. 25, TriMet will be rolling out one of our largest-ever series of service updates— improvements that will affect both trains and buses. As part of these improvements, TriMet will be:

• Adding bus lines and adjusting routes to make service faster and more convenient, as well as to fulfill the goals of our Forward Together Service Concept.
• Replacing late-night, early-morning MAX service with buses, allowing for more overnight MAX system maintenance during times when ridership is low.
• Extending the MAX Red Line west 10 stations in Beaverton and Hillsboro, improving schedules and giving more people a one-seat trip to Portland International Airport.

We don’t stop moving—and neither do our careers. If you’re looking for a job with momentum, TriMet provides family-wage employment and pathways for advancement. Learn more at trimet.org/careers.