Transit Operators

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Drive others and your career to places you might never have imagined possible by becoming part of the Edmonton Transit Service team. Whether you become a Conventional Transit Operator, Dedicated Accessible Transit Operator or Community Service Operator, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that career advancement and rewards are well within your reach.

Before You Apply

Review the qualifications and requirements carefully before submitting your application.

Qualifications

These basic qualifications are the same for all positions.

Grade 12 or General Education Development (GED) or equivalent qualifications and experience (1 year face-to-face customer service and 1 year professional driving experience)
Proven ability to understand and execute oral and written instructions in English
Valid Class 5 Alberta Motor Vehicle Operator's license or operator's licensing equivalent (non-probationary and non-graduated)
Held a valid operator's license for the last 3 consecutive years
Selected applicants must provide a minimum 5-year driver's abstract:
- No more than 3 demerits
- No more than 1 moving violation/conviction within 5 years
- No past, or pending license suspensions nor Criminal Code suspensions or convictions within 5 years. Non-driving related suspensions of registry services, if indicated, must show a reinstatement date
Demonstrated success dealing with the public in a position that requires excellent interpersonal, problem-solving, conflict resolution and independent decision-making skills

Requirements

These basic requirements apply to all positions:

Must pass a police security check, including a vulnerable sector search
Must pass a Functional Abilities Recruitment Evaluation test (FARE) which is designed to simulate Transit Operator tasks. Testing consists of a degree or degrees of:
- Lifting, pushing and pulling weights
- Squatting, reaching, bending, twisting, gripping, neck extension and climbing stairs
- Walking on treadmill for 5 minutes at 3.2 miles per hour (heart rate is monitored)
- Steering (3 minutes of full rotations including evasive actions)
A medical examination

These technical requirements apply to some positions:

Some positions require an Alberta Motor Vehicle Operator's Class 4 written Knowledge Test
Some positions require an Alberta Air Brakes Certification
All applicants will be tested

Career Advancement Potential

We offer advantages that other cities can’t match:

Continual growth: opportunities for career advancement
- Transit Delivery Supervisor: provides leadership and support to Transit Operators
- Instructor: provides training and driving assessments for Operators and other ETS staff
- Dispatcher: organizes and supports any Operator scheduling changes
- Inspector: responds to all emergent situations to ensure Operator and patron safety and investigates complaints
On-the-job training and continuing education opportunities: you’ll have access to new and innovative transit technology
Competitive compensation and outstanding benefits: receive the compensation and recognition you deserve with the resources and stability to ensure your continued success.

What it Takes to Succeed

We are looking for those who are:

Passionate for public service: when representing the City of Edmonton in our communities
Ability to multitask: keeping your eyes on the road while being aware of the needs of your passengers
Organized: have good time management, excellent problem-solving, decision making and communication skills
Service oriented: putting the passenger first
Caring: noticing when people need extra help and responding to meet their needs
Responsive: ability to act calmly and quickly in an emergency situation

Hiring Process

Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) incorporates a comprehensive hiring process involving several assessment stages. Some steps may incur a cost to you, such as a police check, license upgrade, an abstract and air brake certification.

How to Apply

View postings online through the City of Edmonton Careers website. Those interested in a driving career with ETS must submit an application on an active or ‘open’ posting. Look at the ‘opening’ and ‘closing’ dates carefully.

Application Screening

Candidates are screened based on the qualifications and requirements of the job posting. Applicants who meet the criteria will receive an email invitation for the next steps. Please check emails regularly for updates, including your junk/spam folder. Email is the only form of communication for all Operator postings.

Online Assessment

Applicants will be sent an email link to complete an online assessment to help you determine if you have characteristics that will help you to be successful in this career.

Map Reading Test

In-person in Edmonton. We will accommodate map reading virtually for all out-of-province applicants

Driving Assessment

In-person in Edmonton. Vehicle is not provided - candidates must bring their own vehicle

Job Shadow

For Conventional Transit Operator (CTO) and Community Service Operator (CSO) postings, your job shadow exercise must be completed in Edmonton before attending the interview. If you do not live in Edmonton, you may complete the job shadow in your hometown.

If you are applying for Dedicated Accessible Transit Service (DATS): The first step is a virtual interview. If you are successful, you will then be sent information on the job shadow exercise which is a 4 hour ride along with another operator. This needs to be completed in Edmonton.

Interview

Virtual interview conducted by 2 panel members

Required:

Two supervisory references
Police security check
Medical/FARE assessment: Must be tested in Edmonton in person even if you live outside of the province. This test is funded by ETS

Note: Conventional Transit Operators receive 31 days of paid training. ETS provides training for a class 2 license.

Transit Operator Positions

Many operators wouldn’t trade their job for anything in the world; the great reputation for service that ETS enjoys is built on it.

Community Service Operator
DATS Operator
Transit Operator

Testimonials

I began working for Edmonton Transit Services in March of 2001 as a Conventional Transit Operator. I learned of the opportunity through one of my friends who dropped off an application for me, and I applied the next day. I thought it would be an awesome job for me since I loved to drive. After a few years as an Operator, I applied for a Dispatcher position which allowed me to change my focus from serving the public to communication and relationship building so I could support my co-workers. Dispatchers make the system run and it was great being in the hub of what makes ETS happen. I took a very natural step a few years later and became a Supervisor where I have spent the last 11 years of my career. It has been a great place to grow and it is exciting to see so many more women active within the ETS community on committees, in relief positions and leadership roles. I still enjoy working with Operators, Dispatchers, Inspectors and many other areas to make public transit better for our citizens.

— Jo-Ann Rauschenberger, Transit Delivery Supervisor

Jo Ann at work

In addition to working with a very nice team of drivers, you can easily find a shift to suit your lifestyle. The wages and benefits are very good, too.

— Denise Meyer, Community Service Operator

What defines the City of Edmonton as an employer? I would say equal opportunity, career advancement and a self-starter attitude. You’re encouraged to learn about different cultures and work as a team. And the backgrounds of the people who work here are very diverse.

— Harpreet Singh, DATS Operator

I like meeting new people, as well as building a rapport with the regulars you see on your route every day. In some cases, you might be the first person they talk to that morning. When you make someone smile, that makes you feel good.

— Dwayne Nemlander, Transit Operator

For More Information

For general information about a career with ETS

Email	etsrecruitment@edmonton.ca

Facebook	http://www.facebook.com/CityofEdmontonJobs
LinkedIn	https://www.linkedin.com/company/city-of-edmonton

Transit Operators

Career Advancement Potential

What it Takes to Succeed

Related Links

Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU 569)

For More Information