Conventional Bus Operator
Requisition ID: 3686
Affiliation: CUPE Transit
Position Type: Temporary Full Time
Number of Openings: 3
Bi-weekly Working Hours: 80 hours bi-weekly
Department/Branch: Public Works, Transit Services
Job Location: Fort McMurray
Transit Start Rate*: $45.07
COLA: Bi-Weekly - $480
Posted (dd/mm/yyyy): 12/07/2025
Closing Date (dd/mm/yyyy): 27/07/2025
Posting Type: Internal and External
*This position has a two week training period. During the training period, the rate of pay is $18.00 per hour.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The Conventional Bus Operator is responsible for the safe operation of the vehicle they are operating and must follow schedule guidelines, sometimes under difficult circumstances. They will meet a variety of passengers from various social, economic, and cultural backgrounds and customer service is a core focus of the daily duties; Operators must be able to communicate effectively with all passengers and respond appropriately. The Conventional Bus Operator must constantly monitor the conditions in and around their bus and exercises a great deal of tact and diplomacy. The incumbent will deal with heavy traffic and congested streets, while monitoring fare collection, issuing transfers, and providing general transit information. Conventional Bus Operators must be alert and manage their personal well-being as they can drive long hours with minimal breaks, operate during peak periods with split shifts and must cope with adverse weather, construction, and traffic conditions. Conventional Bus Operators may be required to participate in emergency management operations as part of the Municipality’s emergency response plan.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Report to Dispatch or start location at the beginning of shift and review Operator notices.
- Review and confirm shift schedule and routes including approved detours, sometimes with little notice or while enroute.
- Check and visually inspect vehicle during pre/post-trip inspections.
- Drive vehicle safely in accordance with schedule and timing points, while practicing defensive driving techniques with passenger comfort in mind.
- Follow applicable traffic laws at all times.
- Assess and monitor vehicle operating conditions, and report/document issues.
- Ensure safe operation of the vehicle at all times, and pull safely in and out of designated bus stops.
- Greet and acknowledge passengers in a professional and courteous manner.
- Assist with client’s personal items, packages, and luggage (maximum weight of 50lbs).
- Anticipate potential problems and respond to onboard medical emergencies; evacuate if needed.
- Respond to passenger inquiries and complaints.
- Advise of fare requirements, monitor fare collection and passenger loads.
- Inform passengers of vehicle rules and regulations as required.
- Follow safe vehicle operation, passenger boarding and exiting procedures, acting appropriately in accordance with all transit policies for the situation at hand.
- Board and deboard people using accessibility features including ramps and wheelchair securement devices as needed.
- Provide a safe, comfortable environment for all passengers.
- Communicate with Dispatch by way of 2-way radio and RMWB reports.
- Respond to incidents and accidents, seek assistance as required, and complete required reports.
- Operate vehicle in congested areas in a variety of weather conditions.
- Follow established routes and schedules and adapt to short notice adjustments.
- Conduct post operations procedures, receive, and return lost & found items to transit garage, report issues affecting safety and/or normal routing
- Perform other related duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Skilled in the safe operation of vehicles on public roadways.
- Ability to deal courteously and effectively with a diverse range of people, using judgement, tact, and customer service skills.
- Communicates respectfully and is able to clarify and convey information in a clear and concise manner, including completing written reports.
- Ability to work under minimal supervision, demonstrating responsibility and reliability.
- Ability to adapt quickly to change.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Actively seeks to understand information communicated by listening and asking for clarification when needed.
- Maintain professionalism and a positive outlook during periods of stress.
- Strong problem-solving skills.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- High School Diploma or GED equivalent is required.
- Three (3) years of experience working in a service occupation dealing directly with customers is required.
- Two (2) years of Professional/Commercial driving experience is required.
- Driving experience in a transit environment is an asset
- Valid First Aid/CPR Certificate is an asset.
- Completion of a defensive driving course is an asset.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
- Submission of a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search.
- A valid Class Two (2) Operator’s License or Class One (1) with Q-endorsement (Air Brakes) is required.
- A safe driving record is required (no more than 2 demerits and no more than 1 at-fault accident).
- Equipment field testing and/or competency testing will be required as part of the interview evaluation.
- Must be willing to work outside in all conditions.
- Must be medically and physically able to perform all duties of the position on an ongoing basis.
- Auditory testing may be required.
- Ability to work a variety of shifts that includes holidays, split shifts, evening/night shifts, and weekends.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED AT THE INTERVIEW STAGE:
To avoid delays in the recruitment process, we strongly encourage all candidates to gather the following documents before applying. If selected for an interview, candidates will be asked to bring these documents to the interview:
- High School Diploma or GED equivalent - diploma or transcript showing successful completion is acceptable. Please note, if secondary school education was obtained outside of Canada, the candidate is responsible to provide proof of Canadian equivalency. An assessment can be completed through an organization listed on the Alliance of Credential Evaluation Services of Canada website. Wait times vary, and the process should be started as soon as possible.
- Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search from the Municipality in which you reside (completed within the last 3 months).
- Three professional work-related supervisory references (must be a previous or current direct Supervisor/Manager, preferably in driving/operating capacity)
- Driver’s License: either a current Class 1 or a Class 2 with Q endorsement.
- A current 5-year Commercial driver’s abstract (maximum of no more than 2 demerits and no more than 1 at-fault accident) obtained within the last 30 days.
SAFETY:
As an employee of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, the incumbent is responsible for understanding and actively participating in the RMWB’s health and safety management system, and complying with all policies, practices, and procedures. All employees must take reasonable care to protect the health and safety of themselves and others, as well as immediately report any concerns, near misses, incidents, and hazardous conditions to their supervisor.
To apply: Please visit our website at jobs.rmwb.ca
Current employees must apply through the internal careers site.
We appreciate the interest of all applicants; however, only those individuals
selected for interviews will be contacted. Late applications will not be accepted.