Bus Operator in Kingston upon Thames

The City of Kingston is grateful to experience the traditional territories of Anishinabek, Haudenosaunee and Huron-Wendat. Kingston is a smart, livable city in the heart of eastern Ontario. Its stable and diversified economy includes global corporations, innovative start-ups and all levels of government. At the City of Kingston, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential elements of a thriving workplace. We value the unique perspectives and experiences that each individual brings to our team. As we continue to grow, we are dedicated to creating an environment where all employees feel welcomed, respected, and empowered to contribute their best work. The City of Kingston views diversity as its strength and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented communities.

As staff, you play a pivotal role in enhancing people's lives by delivering exceptional, customer‑centered services of the highest quality. Within our highly ethical environment, you'll embrace accountability by consistently going above and beyond, actively listening to our customers, creatively addressing their needs, and maintaining unwavering respect for all individuals you serve. As a result, you'll become an integral part of our qualified and dynamic team, recognised for its compassion, excellence, integrity, inclusivity, and adaptability.

Position Summary

The Bus Operator is responsible for transporting passengers to destinations on defined routes while providing excellent customer service skills in a safe, courteous and professional manner. Responsibilities include:

• Transporting passengers to destinations on defined routes while adhering to schedules.
• Communicating effectively in a variety of situations, including responding to customer queries, interacting with other operators and operations staff.
• Ensuring the safety of all passengers by obeying and following defensive driving guidelines, local traffic laws, Kingston Transit policies/procedures and the Highway Traffic Act.
• Conducting pre and post trip vehicle inspections.
• Dealing with diverse and challenging situations such as traffic congestion, construction and detours, and collisions.
• Operating a variety of transit fleet, including but not limited to New Flyers, Novas and passenger vans in a safe manner under varying weather conditions, on a day, night, and/or split shift.
• Operating a ramp or wheelchair lift device when necessary to assist passengers, securing passenger’s wheelchairs to restraining devices to stabilise wheelchairs during trips.
• Completing written reports on collisions or other incidents in an accurate and timely manner.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications, Competencies

• High School Grade 12 diploma or equivalent.
• One year of experience driving a large vehicle such as an ambulance, fire truck, school bus, coach bus, heavy truck, tractor‑trailer or truck and trailer combinations including towed vehicles an asset.
• Customer service experience an asset.
• Valid Class G driver’s licence with a clean driver’s record/abstract.
• Valid BZ or CZ licence an asset.
• Must demonstrate the corporate competencies: Belonging, Collaboration, Accountability, and Innovation.

Skills, Abilities, Work Demands

• Ability to operate in a diverse cultural community using demonstrated excellent customer skills and effective communication skills.
• Ability to react and deal with emergency situations as they arise.
• Ability to read, complete forms and effectively communicate.
• Ability to apply clear thinking to select the best course of action to resolve problems or address conflict.
• Multi‑task and work effectively in stressful situations.
• Knowledge of road/vehicle safety precautions, city streets, bus routes and route timing with the ability to call out stops as required by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
• Applicants must be able to perform the essential duties of the job such as physical requirements which are repetitive and constant, sitting for prolonged periods of time, reaching, gripping, pushing/pulling of steering wheel, twisting and turning of neck, sensory/perceptual demands, along with good concentration.
• Regularly exposed to fumes, odours, and moderate noise.
• Must be available to report to work, subject to scheduling and staffing requirements including days, evenings, nights, holidays, weekends, and split shifts.
• Must obtain and maintain a satisfactory criminal record check, including Vulnerable Sector.
• Passing of a customer service and driving evaluation is required for candidates who are not currently in the role of a bus operator.

Closing Statement

Please inform us of any accommodations we need to make to ensure a barrier‑free recruitment experience. Accommodations are available in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC) and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) at any stage in the recruitment process. We’re happy to provide more information if you email us at HRCity@cityofkingston.ca. Please apply to Career Opportunities at: www.cityofkingston.ca/Careers. Your résumé must demonstrate how you meet position requirements. Please upload to your profile any educational Degrees, Diplomas and/or Certificates that are relevant and required for the position. We thank all who apply, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. Information collected will be handled in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The City of Kingston may utilise artificial intelligence (AI) assisted tools throughout the recruitment process. All final hiring decisions are made by qualified municipal staff.