Recruitment Opportunities
Bus Operator Recruitment
Apply to become a
Bus Operator
Review the information below to learn more about the application process and job details.
Help keep our city moving! Our purpose is to provide a customer focused service that is safe, reliable, and inclusive. We want Hamiltonians and visitors alike to choose our service first.
HSR offers competitive wages and benefits:
Our Culture and Expectations
HSR provides a customer focused safe, reliable, and inclusive transit system that connects people to where they want to go. We operate a fleet of 267 buses on 35 different routes. Our typical service coverage on Weekdays and Saturdays is from 5 am to 2 am and Sundays/Holidays from 6 am to 12 midnight.
Our Bus Operators deliver exceptional service by embodying our core competencies.
- Results driven. HSR aims to increase ridership. You make it your mission to pick up customers on time and deliver them safely to their destination.
- Customer focused. You understand that you work for your customers and make their needs a priority.
- Team player. Your work assignment is a larger part of the Transit system. You work with other Bus Operators and management to keep bus routes running properly.
- Effective communicator. All customers deserve a respectful and professional interaction. You set a positive example for all customers with your friendly and courteous conduct.
Find out if you have what is needed to
Become a Bus Operator
Review the below information to learn about the job requirements, application process and to find out if you have the necessary skills and qualifications to be a fit on the team.
HSR is looking to hire Bus Operators with positive attitudes, who are customer focused and team oriented. Measure your job fit using our handy checklist below:
Job requirements
- safely operate a large vehicle in all types of weather and traffic conditions
- assist with a wide variety of customers, including those who may be rude and/or disorderly
- validate that fares are paid by cash, tickets, passes or PRESTO card
Job involves repetitive and constant physical requirements, including:
- sitting for prolonged periods of time
- reaching, gripping, and pushing/pulling steering wheel
- twisting and turning neck
- sensory/perceptual demands
- regular exposure to fumes, odours, and moderate noise
- shifts may include weekends, holidays, nights and split shifts
- shifts, vacation and days off are allotted based on seniority
- must wear a uniform and maintain a professional appearance
Do you have the below attributes?
- positive attitude
- customer focused
- team player
- enjoy interacting with people
- able to multitask
- calm under pressure
- take criticism in stride
- maintain composure in stressful situations
- work well with minimal supervision
- comfortable using communication to de-escalate conflicts
Responsibilities include
- Safely operate transit vehicles on time and in a proper manner, including during adverse road and weather conditions, on a designated route and schedule
- Abide by Highway Traffic Act, Occupational Health & Safety Act, Manual of Operations, all other applicable legislation, City policies and procedures
- Collect fares and issue transfers, while ensuring validity of transfers and passes
- Report and document all incidents, accidents and injuries immediately
- Be proactive and help Transit Control by reporting other information and problems impacting transit services such as route blockages, accident locations, traffic congestion, weather and road conditions
- Perform daily vehicle inspections
- Regulate heating, lighting, ventilation, etc.
- Monitor vehicle performance, and report any irregularities to Transit Control
Job qualifications
- Have a valid Ontario class G driver’s licence, with a point-free driving record for three years prior to application and hire. You must provide a recent Driver Abstract (no older than 14 days) upon request. Preference will be given to those with a clear Driver Abstract.
- Demonstrate recent experience working with the public, normally acquired through substantial and direct customer-service work that includes interpersonal communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution.
- Be capable of obtaining and maintaining a class C – Z Ontario driver’s licence per the MTO requirements.
- 2 to 3 years’ commercial driving experience is preferred. Previous transit bus driving experience would be considered an asset.
- Ability to work a variety of shifts, including nights, weekends, statutory holidays and split shifts, in all types of weather conditions.
Skills needed
- Strong communication and comprehension skills, including the ability to complete forms
- Efficient problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills
- Ability to withstand or recover from difficult situations while maintaining a high degree of ethical behaviour and professionalism
- A very high degree of punctuality and attendance to support 24/7 transit operations
Physical demands
- Sitting for prolonged periods of time
- Reaching, gripping, and pushing/pulling steering wheel
- Twisting and turning neck
- Sensory/perceptual demands
- Regular exposure to fumes, odours, and moderate noise
HSR has implemented a stepped-recruitment/application approach to evaluate prospective Bus Operators. This process reflects the need for Bus Operators to have excellent customer-service skills, resiliency skills, and superb driving ability.
Stepped Recruitment Application
Once you submit your application and it’s determined you meet the qualification, this is the process:
1. All Candidates Meeting
- Applicants who meet the qualifications based on their resume will be invited to a meeting where more information about the HSR and the job will be provided, and your questions will be answered.
- You must submit a points-free Driver Abstract to receive an invitation.
2. Psychometric Assessment
- Those who attended the All Candidates Meeting will be contacted via email to complete your assessment to determine your fit for this position.
- If you do not receive an email, please check your spam or junk folders or add [email protected] to your safe senders list.
3. Job Shadow and Interview
- Job Shadow exercise where you take round-trips on buses operating on at least 3 different routes and document observations from each trip.
- Submit completed job shadow vouchers prior to your interview.
- Interview to evaluate your ability to think critically, communicate “on the fly”, and demonstrate your level of understanding of the position.
- Questions will be situational and behavioural based
- Review the Job Check List and Job Requirements
- Prepare relevant examples that highlight your specific skills
4. ExceleRATE Assessment
- Applicants who successfully meet the requirements up to this stage will be invited to take part in the ExceleRATE Assessment. This program evaluates cognitive abilities, providing valuable insights to HSR and helping identify opportunities for improvement to ensure you perform at your best.
5. Job Offer
- Successful applicants will receive a written job offer, with the start date corresponding to the training class you are assigned to. This start date may be scheduled up to six months in advance.
- You must provide satisfactory references, ensure your Driver Abstract remains clear, and complete the Medical as required by the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO), and as required by the City of Hamilton and provide a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check
- Analysis as required by the City of Hamilton and provide a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check.
- You must successfully upgrade your licence to class C-Z, and complete all training and the probationary period to secure permanent, full-time status.
- Applicants offered a position receive 6 weeks of paid on-the-job training to obtain a licence upgrade, or on-bus and other operational and service training.
Please note applicants are responsible for the following costs through this recruitment:
- $12 - Driver Abstract
- $40 / $50 - Criminal Record & Judicial Matters (CRJM) Check or equivalent available in your municipality
- Any fees incurred to receive the Medical as required by the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO), and as required by the City of Hamilton
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