Transit Operator - Specialized & Conventional

POSITION SUMMARY:      Under the general supervision of the Supervisor, safely operate conventional and/or specialized/on-demand transit vehicles in accordance with established routes and schedules with a varying number of stops.  Provides courteous service and responds to customer enquiries concerning transit information.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides excellent customer service and public relations to transit customers and the general public.
• Operates City buses and/or vans and transports passengers safely according to Thunder Bay Transit and Lift+ routes, schedules and procedures.
• Transports and assists passengers with accessibility needs, which under the specialized service program may include escorting/providing assistance to passengers door-to-door and maneuvering & securing mobility devices such as wheelchairs.
• Responsible for collecting fares, ensuring the safety of all passengers and documenting all incidents.
• Issues properly validated transfers and checks the validity of all transfers and passes.
• Responds to customer inquiries concerning transit services; provides information and assists passengers in a courteous manner.
• Provides assistance to passengers with accessibility needs and language barriers, and deals with other passenger issues as per Transit policies and procedures.
• Checks and reports on condition of buses before leaving depot and at such other times as may be designated or required.
• Enters information as to time, mileage, defects, and other pertinent information on Daily Bus Report.
• Surrenders vehicle to relieving operator, or drives to depot at the end of run.
• Completes accident or incident reports, passenger counts, or other reports as required.
• Receives, reports, and forwards "lost and found" articles to depot.
• Performs such other related duties as may be assigned.

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QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Experience:

• Grade 12 education
• At least one (1) year of frontline customer service experience, including regular direct interaction with the public through face-to-face and/or telephone communication.

Skills/Abilities:

• Must have the ability to effectively evaluate customer related situations and determine the best course of action
• Must be safety conscious, risk adverse, and cautious
• Excellent customer service skills with the ability to interact with the public in a courteous and tactful manner
• Ability to understand accessible transportation service delivery and the requirements of travelers with disabilities
• Must be resilient, exhibit self-control, accommodating of others, and inclusive
• Personal neatness and a commitment to customer service excellence is essential
• Ability to communicate effectively, including the ability to issue and accurately comprehend written/oral information and instructions
• Must possess attentiveness, good judgment, safe driving habits, and an ability to deal with all kinds of people in varying circumstances with minimum supervision
• Must possess and maintain a valid Class "G" Ontario Drivers Licence, or equivalent
• Must meet the definition of a competent driver as defined by the Corporation
• Must be competent within the meaning of the Occupational Health and Safety Act

Assets:

• Familiarity with city streets and Thunder Bay area
• Experience in positions involving the routine operation of a motor vehicle for the transportation of passengers and/or goods.

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CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Within 15 working days of receiving a conditional offer of employment, must successfully obtain a written beginners licence for an Ontario “C” Class drivers licence with a “Z” endorsement
• After training, must obtain and maintain an Ontario "C" class licence with a ‘Z’ endorsement
• Must remain a competent driver as defined by the Corporation
• May be required to provide a successful driver’s record (uncertified)
• Must undergo a successful Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC)
• Must be able to perform duties under challenges such as varying weather and traffic conditions, dealing with difficult passengers and following a set work schedule
• Must be able to work a flexible work schedule that includes being on call, various shifts; nights, split shifts, weekends, holidays and with various days off
• Must be physically able to perform the essential duties of the position

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Wage Rates:

Operator wage increases progress as follows:

Training Rate $23.33 (Note: Operator training is approximately 6 weeks in duration only)

1st 6 months $26.66

2nd 6 months $30.00

Thereafter $33.33

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General Information:

As an equal opportunity employer, the City of Thunder Bay encourages applications from Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minority groups, women and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

ONTARIO HUMAN RIGHTS CODE:  It is a contravention of the Human Rights Code of Ontario to discriminate on the basis of: race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, disability, age, record of offences, gender identity or gender expression.  Therefore, a resume submitted to the City must not include references to any of the above characteristics.  Do not include: 

• Photos
• Any certificates that have photo identification
• Driver’s licences
• Police records checks

Note: The above documentation will be requested by the Human Resources Division should you be the successful applicant.  If a Criminal Record Check is required, it will be requested by Human Resources should you be the successful applicant.  Please do not submit your Criminal Record Check with your application.

ACCOMMODATION:  Reasonable accommodations are available upon request for all parts of the recruitment process.

PRIVACY: Personal information on this form is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act, c. 302, as amended, and will be used to determine eligibility for employment. Questions about this collection of personal information should be directed to the Human Resources Division, 125 Syndicate Ave Suite 42, Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7E 6H8, Telephone: 625-3866

The City of Thunder Bay provides exceptional quality of life to those who live, work, and play in Thunder Bay – a culturally vibrant, economically diverse community with a metro population of over 120,000. Located on the north shore of Lake Superior, under the protective watch of the Sleeping Giant, Thunder Bay is rich in people and resources, and connects Northwestern Ontario to the world. We value our high quality of life and promote a clean, green, beautiful, and healthy community that provides economic opportunity, respects diversity, and provides affordable and safe neighbourhoods that are accessible to all.

The City of Thunder Bay is a place where art, culture and nature come together!

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