Bus Operator

JOB SUMMARY

Transit Operations provides safe, reliable and courteous transit services and excellence in customer service delivery to 100 million transit customers per year, by means of conventional bus, para transit and rail operations. The Transit Bus and Para Transit Operations team provides safe, reliable, efficient, effective, on time, courteous and cost-effective rapid transit service to a growing and diverse City of Ottawa. 

You operate City of Ottawa buses in accordance with the Highway Traffic Act and corporate policy. You also promote a customer service mindset when interacting with the general public and provide a safe, comfortable, efficient and reliable transportation service.

Bus Operators who temporarily work in the roles of Operator/Bilingual Sightseeing and Charter Sightseeing and Operator/Platform Instructor will be paid the appropriate rate or differential for the time that this work is performed.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Completion of Grade 12.

Minimum of 5 years of driving experience with a clean driving record free of demerit points and including ideally a minimum 3 years of relevant customer service experience including direct contact with the public and dealing with a diverse population.

Public Urban transit experience is an asset

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENCES

KNOWLEDGE

• City of Ottawa landmarks and locations

Desirable Qualifications:

• Knowledge of transit fares and pass structure
• Knowledge of the Highway Traffic Act
• Knowledge of/experience using portable communications technologies, such as 2-way radio

COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Able to adapt/react to changes in operating conditions/environment
• Able to operate in a highly diverse cultural community
• Attentive to detail and able to adhere to specific detailed procedures
• Persuasive and tactful with excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills
• Possess good written communication skills
• Basic understanding of and ability to use computers 
• Able to multi-task, solve problems and make decisions
• Able to remain calm in stressful situations
• Able to exercise sound judgement
• Able to work with minimum direct supervision and in a team environment 
• Ability to use a radio and microphone and to communicate effectively
• Ability to call out stops as per the CTA directive
• Ability to read and understand trip dockets
• Ability to operate a bus in high-density traffic in the downtown core
• Ability to react and deal with emergency situations as they arise
• Ability to talk to and assist passengers while safely operating a bus
• Able to project a positive and professional image at all times, through personal appearance and conduct
• Able to act independently
• Able to communicate clearly in writing, in person, and by using corporate communications technologies, such as 2-way radio, etc. 
• Able to deliver excellent customer service at all times and to deal with all situations in a professional manner by remaining calm and self-controlled when dealing with difficult situations, and co-operating with Transit Supervisors and other City of Ottawa personnel to meet customers’ transit needs
• Available and able to work overtime, and work a variety of scheduled shifts including split shifts, weekends, evenings and holidays, as per the collective agreement

Applicants must be able to meet the physical requirements of the job including, but not limited to, performing the following tasks, which are repetitive and constant during a normal shift as a Bus Operator:

• Ability to sit for long periods of time in the driver’s seat while wearing a seat belt
• Ability to bend, twist body and to manipulate controls independently or simultaneously at any given time, while wearing a seatbelt in the driver’s seat
• Ability to “reach over-head” with both arms to manipulate controls
• Constant twisting and neck rotation of different ranges to check mirrors, bus passes, etc.
• Ability to perform required MTO pre-trip inspection, which involves walking, bending, squatting, climbing, reaching, twisting body in many different positions
• Medium duty lifting while assisting customers with special needs
• Constant gripping, pulling and pushing to manipulate control (steering controls, control valves, etc.)
• Bending, stooping, crouching and twisting in order to keep stairway clear of ice and snow build-up
• Ability to manipulate dual foot controls independently or simultaneously at any given time