Bus Operator
Job Number: 642
Job Type: Part-Time
Job Category: Transportation
Department: Transit Operations Kitchener Waterloo
Division: Transportation Services
Hours of Work: up to 32 hours per week
Union: Unifor 4304
Salary Range: $22.88-$35.35 per hour
Our Story:
Committed to fostering opportunities for current and future generations, the Region of Waterloo is an inclusive, thriving and sustainable region of connected rural and urban communities with global reach. Our mission is to serve, engage and inspire, by delivering quality services to a diverse population of 630,000+, while creating a healthy, collaborative environment of learning, respect and innovation. This is a place where employees are valued and recognized for their talents and contributions to our success. Our employees take pride in making a difference in people's lives through the work that we do. We are looking for people like you to help make it happen.
Please note: Openings for full-time operators are filled from part-time positions; GRT does not post full-time bus operator positions.
GRT is hiring Bus Operators who are customer service focused and enjoy interacting with the public. GRT Bus Operators are role models of safe driving and, courteous and kind behaviour, which sets the tone for our passengers to enjoy their ride with us.
GRT is now accepting applications from drivers with a Class G licence (including A, D, E, & F licences) who are eligible to obtain a BZ licence. GRT will cover the cost of upgrading to a BZ Licence for qualified applicants.
The path to a rewarding full time career at GRT starts with being hired as a part time Operator. Part-time employees can work up to 32 hours per week (with the possibility of full time temp work- 40 hours per week) and must provide availability for no less than eight (8) full shifts per month, including four (4) weekend dates per month (weekend dates include Friday, Saturday and Sunday). In some circumstances 12 shifts will need to be provided.
Qualifications at a glance. See below for a detailed list of qualifications.
Applicants must:
- have a Grade 12 education or equivalent,
- be at least 21 years of age,
- hold a class BZ driver's license and two years driving and customer service experience; and
- obtain a satisfactory pre-health assessment and vulnerable police records check that is satisfactory to the Region of Waterloo
OR applicants must:
- Have a Grade 12 education or equivalent
- have a valid G (including A, D, E & F licences) class drivers license, with 3 years driving and customer service experience, and eligibility to obtain a BZ class drivers license; and
- A driver's abstract that is satisfactory both to the Ministry of Transportation and the Region of Waterloo, and a pre-health assessment and a vulnerable police record check that is satisfactory to the Region of Waterloo.
- Applicants who hold a Class G Licence (including A, D, E & F licences) must meet the provincial requirements for a Class B driver's Licence. For additional information please check the Ministry of Transportation website.
The Role
Operates buses per legislation and corporate policy, and provides related customer service.
Duties/Responsibilities
- Safely operates bus per assigned route and schedule. Programs fare boxes and collects fares via same. Issues passenger transfers, as requested. Interprets conditions on passes. Provides passengers with information regarding fares, schedules, transfers, detours, and stops, and responds to complaints.
- Monitors bus condition through daily pre-trip inspections, reports malfunctions, and submits incident/collision reports per procedures.
- Monitors passenger behavior to ensure the safety of the public, other passengers, and bus. Contacts management/police in the event of disputes, per protocol. Contacts police in situations that threaten the safety of passengers, employees, and vehicles.
- Assists passengers boarding and leaving the bus, as necessary (e.g., the elderly, customers with special needs).
- Ensures passenger and pedestrian safety by performing work per legislation and policies, procedures, and practices.
- Allows people in need of emergency assistance to board the bus, makes preliminary assessment of their needs, and contacts on-duty supervisor for further direction.
- Exchanges/provides information to other Bus Operators.
- Participates by operating a bus in the Regional Emergency Plan Evacuation Program at nursing homes, hospitals, and industrial plants, as required.
- Performs related duties, as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Reading, writing, math, and communications skills, and knowledge of the proper and safe use of buses and related equipment acquired through a Grade 12 education or equivalent industry experience, plus a valid BZ drivers license, plus 2 years of driving and customer service experience. -OR- Reading, writing, math, and communications skills acquired through a Grade 12 education or equivalent industry experience, plus a valid minimum G drivers license (or other classified license), plus 3 years of driving and customer service experience, with eligibility and ability to obtain a BZ license upon completion of Region-sponsored training. Applicants who hold a G license must obtain a BZ license to pass probation.
- Must possess an acceptable driving record.
- Ability to follow/knowledge of corporate policies/procedures and legislation related to transit services operation (e.g., Highway Traffic Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act).
- Customer service, communication, and human relations skills to determine customer/client needs; understand/relay information; provide assistance/information; build positive rapport, confidence and trust; contact appropriate personnel in emergency situations; and participate as an effective team member.
- Ability to relate in a professional, courteous, calm, and friendly manner to all passengers, and respond to difficult passengers and situations.
- Ability to drive buses independently (subject to review by supervisor) and make decisions based on training and experience when responding to inclement weather, adverse road conditions, detours, road closures, fare disputes, and emergency situations.
- Must provide an acceptable Police Vulnerable Sector Check (Level 3).
- Ability to read, understand, and follow assigned schedules, routes, and standard operating procedures. Ability to write collision and incident reports.
- Ability to support and project the Region’s values.
The Region of Waterloo is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process. At the Region, we respect, encourage and celebrate our diversity. The Region of Waterloo is committed to providing accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require an accommodation, please notify us and we will work with you to meet your needs.
Alternate formats of this document are available upon request. Please contact the Service First Contact Centre at phone number (519) 575-4400, TTY number (519-575-4608) to request an alternate format.
Please note: Due to the high volume of applications we receive, only those candidates selected for an interview with be contacted through email. Please check your spam or junk folder occasionally as some candidates have noticed our emails in those folders (Gmail and Hotmail in particular).