Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is Looking for Conventional Bus Operator Full Time

Requisition ID: 1741
Affiliation: CUPE Transit
Position Type: Temporary Full Time
Fixed Term Duration: Approximately six (6) months
Number of Openings: 1
Bi-weekly Working Hours: 80 hours bi-weekly
Department/ Branch: Public Works, Transit
Job Location: Fort McMurray
Rate*: $ 41.24
COLA: Bi-Weekly – $480
Closing Date (dd/mm/yyyy): 05/03/2023
Posting Type: Internal and External

During the training period the rate of pay for the position is $18.00.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Conventional Bus Operators are responsible for the safe operation of their vehicles and must follow schedule guidelines, sometimes under difficult circumstances. Customer service is an essential part of the daily duties as Operators must be able to communicate effectively with all passengers and respond to their needs, constantly monitor their passengers and other drivers, and exercise a great deal of tact and diplomacy. Conventional Bus Operators deal with heavy traffic and congested streets, while monitoring fare collection and advising of the fare requirements, issuing, and receiving transfers, and checking passes. Conventional Bus Operators must be alert and manage their personal well-being as they can drive long hours with minimum 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.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Report to dispatch or start location at the beginning of shift and review operators’ notices.
• Review and confirm shift schedule and route for the shift.
• Check and visually inspect vehicle for pre-trip.
• Drive vehicle and practice defensive driving techniques.
• Follow applicable traffic laws at all times.
• Assess and monitor vehicle operating conditions, and report issues.
• Pull vehicle into bus stops.
• Daily interaction with transit riders focused on safety, customer service, quality, and improvement of the municipal transit experience.
• Greet and acknowledge passengers in a professional and courteous manner.
• Assist with passenger personal items, packages, and luggage (maximum weight of 50lbs), when required.
• Anticipate potential problems and handle customer complaints.
• Respond to passenger inquiries.
• Ensure passenger safety and comfort.
• Monitor collection of fares, advise of fare requirements and receive, verify, and issue transfers
• Monitor passenger loads.
• Inform passengers of vehicle rules and regulations as required.
• Follow safe boarding and exiting procedures.
• Board and exit people with special needs. Many buses have wheelchair accessible features, which require Conventional Bus Operators to assist passengers on and off the bus by operating ramps and securing wheelchairs.
• Ensure all door areas and aisles are clear of items.
• Ensure passengers are seated or secure.
• Monitor the behaviour of passengers to ensure the safety of others and make contact with the Communications Centre for assistance as needed.
• Document issues and concerns and provide the information to the Communications Centre.
• Anticipate passenger emergencies and respond to medical emergencies.
• Respond to on-board emergencies, evacuating passengers as needed.
• Respond to incidents and accidents, seek assistance as required, and completed required reports.
• Drive vehicle in congested areas.
• Monitor stop areas and report damage and/or issues to the Communications Centre.
• Follow schedule routes and schedule guidelines, and respond to schedule and routing adjustments.
• Monitor speed and time points, and report deviation from schedule to the Communications Centre
• Conduct post-operations procedures.
• Conduct post-trip inspection, and report lost items.
• Report issues affecting safety and/or normal routing.
• Check out with dispatch.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Strong communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills.
• Ability to demonstrate dependability and reliability.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to react quickly and remain calm in difficult and stressful situations.
• Ability to understand, speak, read, and write English in order to learn training materials, communicate effectively with the travelling public, and complete written reports.
• Ability and willingness to obtain First Aid/CPR Certificate is required within three (3) months of employment.
• Ability to complete a Defensive Driving course.

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.
• Five (5) years of recent driving experience.
• Minimum six (6) months’ experience in the transit industry. Driving experience in a transit environment is an asset.
• Completion of a defensive driving course is an asset.
• Valid First Aid/CPR Certificate is an asset.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to provide a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search for review and acceptance.
• A valid Class Two (2) Operator’s License is required.
• 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.
• Immunizations are strongly recommended for work in unsanitary 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 rotating shift that includes holidays, evening/night shift, and weekends.

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, including all policies, practices, procedures, as well as properly utilizing all control measures including the required use of personal protective equipment. 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.