Bus Operator

Requisition ID: 20295
Department: Transit Services Dept.
Service: Transit Bus Oper & Maintenance Service
Branch: Bus & Para Transit Operations Branch
Employment Type: Employment Type: Multiple Full-time Permanent
Work Hours: 40.00 hours per week (Shift Work)
Affiliation: ATU 279

Salary Information: Training rate is 50% of full-time Bus Operator wage rate ($18.400/hr) (2025 Rates of Pay)

Note: Rates of pay after successful completion of training are as follows:

• 1st - 8th month - 85% of Bus Operator rate ($32.224/hr)
• 9th - 16th month - 90% of Bus Operator rate ($34.119/hr)
• 17th - 24th month - 95% of Bus Operator rate ($36.015/hr)
• After 24 months - Full Bus Operator rate ($37.910/hr) (2026 Rates of Pay)

Location: Transit Service, 1500 St.Laurent
City: Ottawa, ON
Job Category: Transit Services - OC Transpo
Application Close: 18/06/2026

JOB SUMMARY

Transit Operations provides safe, reliable and courteous transit services and excellence in customer service delivery to 100 million transit customers per year, by means of conventional bus, para transit and rail operations. The Transit Bus and Para Transit Operations team provides safe, reliable, efficient, effective, on time, courteous and cost-effective rapid transit service to a growing and diverse City of Ottawa.

You operate City of Ottawa buses in accordance with the Highway Traffic Act and corporate policy. You also promote a customer service mindset when interacting with the general public and provide a safe, comfortable, efficient and reliable transportation service.

Bus Operators who temporarily work in the roles of Operator/Bilingual Sightseeing and Charter Sightseeing and Operator/Platform Instructor will be paid the appropriate rate or differential for the time that this work is performed.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Completion of Grade 12.

Minimum of 5 years of driving experience with a clean driving record free of demerit points and including ideally a minimum 3 years of relevant customer service experience including direct contact with the public and dealing with a diverse population.

Public Urban transit experience is an asset

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENCES

Completion of Defensive Driving course or related is an asset

KNOWLEDGE

• City of Ottawa landmarks and locations

Desirable Qualifications:

• Knowledge of transit fares and pass structure
• Knowledge of the Highway Traffic Act
• Knowledge of/experience using portable communications technologies, such as 2-way radio

COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Able to adapt/react to changes in operating conditions/environment
• Able to operate in a highly diverse cultural community
• Attentive to detail and able to adhere to specific detailed procedures
• Persuasive and tactful with excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills
• Possess good written communication skills
• Basic understanding of and ability to use computers
• Able to multi-task, solve problems and make decisions
• Able to remain calm in stressful situations
• Able to exercise sound judgement
• Able to work with minimum direct supervision and in a team environment
• Ability to use a radio and microphone and to communicate effectively
• Ability to call out stops as per the CTA directive
• Ability to read and understand trip dockets
• Ability to operate a bus in high-density traffic in the downtown core
• Ability to react and deal with emergency situations as they arise
• Ability to talk to and assist passengers while safely operating a bus
• Able to project a positive and professional image at all times, through personal appearance and conduct
• Able to act independently
• Able to communicate clearly in writing, in person, and by using corporate communications technologies, such as 2-way radio, etc.
• Able to deliver excellent customer service at all times and to deal with all situations in a professional manner by remaining calm and self-controlled when dealing with difficult situations, and co-operating with Transit Supervisors and other City of Ottawa personnel to meet customers’ transit needs
• Available and able to work overtime, and work a variety of scheduled shifts including split shifts, weekends, evenings and holidays, as per the collective agreement

Applicants must be able to meet the physical requirements of the job including, but not limited to, performing the following tasks, which are repetitive and constant during a normal shift as a Bus Operator:

• Ability to sit for long periods of time in the driver’s seat while wearing a seat belt
• Ability to bend, twist body and to manipulate controls independently or simultaneously at any given time, while wearing a seatbelt in the driver’s seat
• Ability to “reach over-head” with both arms to manipulate controls
• Constant twisting and neck rotation of different ranges to check mirrors, bus passes, etc.
• Ability to perform required MTO pre-trip inspection, which involves walking, bending, squatting, climbing, reaching, twisting body in many different positions
• Medium duty lifting while assisting customers with special needs
• Constant gripping, pulling and pushing to manipulate control (steering controls, control valves, etc.)
• Bending, stooping, crouching and twisting in order to keep stairway clear of ice and snow build-up
• Ability to manipulate dual foot controls independently or simultaneously at any given time
  

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• Language Requirement: English oral, reading, writing; Various language requirements, locations may require English only, French only OR Bilingual competencies. Some positions require English oral, reading, and writing. Some positions required French oral, reading and writing.
• Police Record Check: The successful candidate will be required to complete a Vulnerable Sector Check (Level 3) with the Police Services detachment in their jurisdiction to the City of Ottawa’s satisfaction.; Police record checks completed by a third-party company will not be accepted.
• Driver’s License Requirement: A valid Ontario unrestricted G class driver’s license (or provincial equivalent) with 0 demerit points accumulated to the City of Ottawa’s satisfaction.
• Must be able to work shifts, weekends and statutory holidays at a variety of locations.; Additional vacancies may occur during the competition process
• Must be able to pass the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) medical exam required to obtain a class "C" license prior to hire.
• Experience and formal training combined with demonstrated performance and ability may substitute for stipulated academic requirements.
• Additional vacancies may occur during the competition process; Must be able to work shifts, weekends and statutory holidays at a variety of locations.
• Experience and formal training combined with demonstrated performance and ability may substitute for stipulated academic requirements.
• Please save a copy of the job poster. Once the closing date has passed, it will no longer be available

We wish to thank all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

The City of Ottawa promotes the principles of diversity and inclusion and adheres to the tenets of the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code. We encourage applications from members of Indigenous, Black and other racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women and non-binary persons, persons of all ethnic origins, religions, sexual orientations, classes, gender identities and expressions.
Candidates are encouraged to self-identify as a member of one or more designated employment equity groups in the self-identification questionnaire.

The City of Ottawa provides accommodation to applicants during all parts of the hiring process, upon request.