Careers
Join the team that keeps the Tri-Cities moving! You’ll enjoy exceptional benefits and generous paid time off–we prioritize your well-being on and off the job.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
Ben Franklin Transit (BFT) is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. It is BFT’s policy to employ, train, promote, compensate, and provide conditions of employment without regard to a person’s race, color, sex, disability, religion, national origin, age, veteran’s status, citizenship, or any other status protected by applicable law.
Benefits – Non-Represented
Ben Franklin Transit proudly offers benefits that support employees’ health, well-being, and future retirement. Below is an overview of the benefits we offer!
Medical, Vision, and Dental Benefits
- BFT covers 95% of employee medical premiums and 80% for dependents.
- 100% of dental and vision premiums are covered.
- A Health Savings Account (HSA) is available with high-deductible medical plans.
- Employees receive a $120 monthly contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) VEBA account for qualifying expenses. An optional Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is also available.
Retirement Benefits
- Automatic enrollment in PERS retirement through the Department of Retirement Systems (DRS).
- Additional retirement savings available through a 457 deferred compensation plan (via DRS or Mission Square).
- Learn more about PERS Plan 2 and PERS Plan 3.
Additional Benefits
- 100% employer-paid legal insurance through MetLife.
- Employee-paid long-term disability and short-term disability coverage through Aflac.
- Voluntary life insurance through MetLife: $35,000 automatic coverage with buy-up options up to $1,000,000.
- Free, confidential Employee Assistance Program and monthly Wellness Program access.
Work-Life Balance Benefits
- 8 paid holidays annually, including New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, the day after Thanksgiving and Christmas.
- 29.5 days of paid time off annually (accrued). Employees accrue additional time with years of service.
- Competitive salary.
Benefits – Represented
Medical, Vision, and Dental Benefits
- Low monthly premiums, set through a Collective Bargaining Agreement.
- No additional cost to add spouse and/or dependents.
Retirement Benefits
- Automatic enrollment in PERS retirement through the Department of Retirement Systems (DRS).
- Automatic enrollment in Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Plan.
- Additional retirement savings available through a 457 deferred compensation plan (via DRS or Mission Square).
- Learn more about PERS Plan 2 and PERS Plan 3.
Supplemental Benefits
- Employee-paid disability coverage through Aflac.
- Employee Time Loss benefit.
- Life insurance with $30,000 automatic coverage.
- Free, confidential Employee Assistance Program and monthly Wellness Program access.
Work-Life Balance Benefits
- Paid time off, including vacation, sick time, and 6 paid holidays.
- Full details are available in each union’s Collective Bargaining Agreement. [Visit our Collective Bargaining Agreements page]
Paid Holidays
- New Year’s Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr., Day (Nonrepresented employees only)
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Day after Thanksgiving Day (Nonrepresented employees only)
- Christmas Day
Retirement Plans
- Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) – All eligible employees are covered by the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and may choose either PERS II or PERS III upon hire.
- Deferred Income Retirement Plans: Ben Franklin Transit offers two 457 Deferred Compensation Plans through MissionSquare and DRS.
Drug-Free Workplace Policy
Ben Franklin Transit is a drug-free workplace. This policy aims to ensure worker fitness for duty and protect our employees, passengers, and the public from the risks posed by alcohol and prohibited drugs. Participation in BFT’s zero-tolerance, drug-free workplace policy is a condition of employment.
The current labor contracts for represented Ben Franklin Transit employees can be accessed below.
Teamsters Union, Local 839:
- Administrative Assistants Collective Bargaining Agreement
- Coach Operators and Coach Operators/Dispatchers Collective Bargaining Agreement
- Dial-A-Ride Drivers and Reservation Clerks Collective Bargaining Agreement
- Dial-A-Ride Dispatchers and Scheduling Specialists Collective Bargaining Agreement
- Fixed Route Dispatchers Collective Bargaining Agreement
- Fleet and Facilities Collective Bargaining Agreement
- Training Instructors Collective Bargaining Agreement
Teamsters Union, Local 760:
