Bus Operator

10698BR

Bus Operator

Job Posting

Halifax Regional Municipality is inviting applications for permanent full-time Bus Operator positions with the Transit Operations division of Halifax Transit.

Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is committed to reflecting the community it serves and recognizing Diversity and Inclusion as one of the Municipality’s core values. We have an Employment Equity Policy and we welcome applications from African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Women in occupations or positions where they are underrepresented in the workforce, Indigenous/Aboriginal People, Persons with Disabilities and 2SLGBTQ+ Persons. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify on their application.

This competition involves several phases. Due to the high volume of applications received, email will be the primary means of communication. Candidates are REQUIRED to monitor the email address they used to submit the application.

Bus Operators are responsible for the safe operation of their vehicles and must follow schedule guidelines, sometimes under difficult circumstances. Customer service is a large part of the Bus Operator’s daily duties, they must be able to communicate effectively with all passengers and respond to their needs. Bus Operators must constantly monitor their passengers and other drivers and exercise a great deal of tact and diplomacy. Bus Operators deal with heavy traffic and congested streets, while monitoring fare collection and advising of the Fare Policy, issuing and receiving transfers, and checking passes. 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. Bus Operators may be required to participate in emergency management operations as part of the municipality's emergency response.

Halifax Transit services the urban core of the municipality, namely the Halifax, Bedford, Dartmouth, and Sackville areas along with adjacent outlying communities with over 400 buses, over 70 routes, operating close to 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Halifax Transit is the largest transit system in Atlantic Canada, carrying over 19 million passengers a year.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Report to dispatch or start location at the beginning of shift and review operators’ notices
• Check and visually inspect vehicle for pre-trip
• Drive vehicle and practice defensive driving techniques while following the Nova Scotia Motor Vehicle and Motor Carrier Acts and HRM policies at all times
• Assess and monitor vehicle operating conditions, and report issues
• Greet, acknowledge, and assist passengers and the public in a professional and courteous manner
• Monitor fare collection and passenger loads
• Anticipate potential problems, passenger emergencies and respond to medical emergencies
• Monitor the behavior of passengers to ensure the safety of others and contact the Communications Centre for assistance as needed
• Provide assistance to passengers as requested. All Halifax Transit buses have wheelchair accessible features, which require Bus Operators to assist passengers on and off the bus by operating ramps and securing wheelchairs.
• Ensure passenger safety and comfort
• Secure and return items to Lost & Found
• Conduct post-operations procedures

QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience:

• Grade 11 or equivalent education and related experience
• A valid Canadian driver’s license
• Three (3) years of recent driving experience
• A safe driving record (no more than 2 demerit points and no more than 1 at-fault accident)
• Three (3) years of experience working in a service occupation dealing directly with customers
• Completion of a defensive driving course is an asset
• Driving experience in a transit environment is an asset

Technical / Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities:

• Be capable of meeting the physical demands of the job such as sitting for prolonged periods of time, reaching, gripping, push/pull of steering wheel, twisting and turning of neck, sensory/perceptual demands along with good concentration
• Be able to demonstrate dependability and reliability
• Have strong problem-solving skills
• Be able to react quickly and remain calm in difficult and stressful situations
• Be able to understand, speak, read, write English in order to learn training materials, communicate effectively with the travelling public, and write reports
• Be able to work variable hours including weekends and statutory holidays

Security Clearance Requirements: Applicants may be required to complete an employment security screening check.

Please note – In-person testing will be conducted as a component of the selection process to assess technical and job specific knowledge. Candidates who are selected for testing, may be tested in a group setting, scheduled at the employer’s discretion.

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