Try this index, Mike:
CREATE INDEX ix_Test ON Jobtran (oper_num, trans_num DESC, job, suffix) INCLUDE (emp_num)
Edit: CREATE INDEX ix_New ON Jobtran (job, suffix, oper_num, trans_num DESC) INCLUDE (emp_num)
For fast, accurate and documented assistance in answering your questions, please read this article.
Understanding and using APPLY, (I) and (II) Paul White
Hidden RBAR: Triangular Joins / The "Numbers" or "Tally" Table: What it is and how it replaces a loop Jeff Moden