Transit Operator

Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo; Fort McMurray; On-site; CAD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo in Fort McMurray seeks a Transit Operator to safely drive conventional and on-demand buses, meeting diverse passenger needs while following schedules. You will monitor routes, assist riders, and report incidents as required.

The role requires a High School Diploma, driving experience, and the ability to work in varying weather. A training period offers a $18.00 rate, with standard rate at $45.07 per hour, plus COLA bi-weekly.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Three years of customer service experience required.
• Two years of professional/commercial driving experience required.
• Transit driving experience is an asset.
• First Aid/CPR and defensive driving training are assets.

Responsibilities

• Operate transit vehicles safely according to schedules and policies.
• Review notices, confirm routing, and accommodate detours.
• Perform pre-trip inspections and post-trip tasks.
• Assist passengers and provide transit information.
• Monitor fares and ensure passenger safety and comfort.
• Communicate with dispatch via radio and complete incident reports.

Skills

Customer service

Defensive driving

Communication

Safety awareness

Adaptability

Problem solving

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Valid Class 1 or Class 2 License (Air Brakes) or equivalent

Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector**

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

Requisition ID: 4616
Affiliation: CUPE Transit
Position Type: Temporary Full Time
Fixed Term Duration:Anticipated to end June 27, 2027
Number of Openings: 1
Bi-weekly Working Hours: 80 hours bi-weekly
Shift/Work Schedule:5/2
Department/ Branch: Public Works, Transportation Services
Job Location:Fort McMurray

Transit Rate: $45.07
COLA: Bi-Weekly - $480

**This position has a training rate during the training period for two weeks. The training rate is $18.00.

We strive to make our hiring process accessible to all candidates. If you require accommodation for the interview or any other part of the application process, please let us know.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) is looking for passionate, skilled and forward-thinking individuals to join our Public Works Department — a team that keeps our region running smoothly every day.

From road maintenance and fleet management to park enhancements and snow clearing, our Public Works team plays a critical role in daily life across the region. We’re seeking a hands‑on professional who is committed to public service, enjoys meaningful work and excels in fast‑paced environments.

If you take pride in seeing your work in action and want to contribute to a team that powers the municipality—this is your place.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Transit Operator is responsible for the safe operation of conventional and specialized/on‑demand vehicles in accordance with both established and dynamic routes and schedules, sometimes under difficult circumstances. They will meet a variety of passengers from various social, economic, and cultural backgrounds, as well as physical abilities. Transit Operators must be able to communicate effectively with all passengers and respond appropriately. The Transit Operator must constantly monitor the conditions in and around their bus and exercise 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. Transit Operators must be alert and manage their personal well‑being as they can drive long hours with minimal breaks. Transit Operators may be required to participate in emergency management operations as part of the Municipality’s emergency response plan.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Report to dispatch or designated start location; review notices and confirm schedule, routing, and detours, including last‑minute changes.
• Perform and document pre‑trip vehicle inspections.
• Operate transit vehicles in accordance with schedules, traffic laws, defensive driving practices, and transit policies.
• Navigate both fixed and dynamic routes/schedules using the mobile data terminal, maintaining on‑time performance and ensuring passenger comfort.
• Greet passengers courteously and assist with boarding, exiting, and personal items (up to 50 lbs.).
• Support individuals with disabilities, including the use of ramps, lifts, and wheelchair securement devices.
• Monitor fare collection, issue transfers, and explain fare requirements or transit policies when needed.
• Maintain awareness of vehicle conditions, traffic, and passenger activity.
• Respond to onboard incidents, medical emergencies, or accidents, and communicate with dispatch as required.
• Complete all incident, accident, and safety‑related reports accurately and promptly.
• Provide transit information, respond to passenger inquiries or complaints, and inform about onboard rules when necessary.
• Use two‑way radio to maintain communication with dispatch and relay updates or concerns.
• Conduct post‑operation tasks, including post‑trip inspections, securing lost and found items and reporting safety or routing issues.
• Adapt to changes in routes or schedules on short notice.
• Perform additional duties as assigned in support of daily transit operations or municipal emergency response efforts.

QUALIFICATIONS

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Skilled in the safe operation of vehicles on public roadways, in a variety of weather and traffic conditions.
• Ability to deal courteously and effectively with a diverse range of people, using judgement, tact, and customer service skills.
• Communicates respectfully and can 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 One (1) Operator’s License or Class Two (2) 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.

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.