Transit Operator

Are we right for you...

After 3 years of service, Transit Operators make a minimum of $76,932 annually. Transit Operators also have the ability to receive additional hourly wage premiums based on the Collective Agreement through various shift premiums and overtime. Additionally, the employer-paid benefits totals a minimum of $16,313 per year. These employer-paid benefits include dental, extended health, disability plans, an employee bus pass, and a defined benefit pension contribution. 

We’re passionate about people and creating sustainable, safe and affordable solutions to BC. We are an organization that has a People First approach and considers people first in every business decision that we make. We are part of the solution and what we do matters; from fighting climate change with battery electric buses, to affordability through cost effective transportation, to connecting remote communities, we bring the heart, soul and innovation to public transportation.

It’s an exciting time to be in the transit industry and we’re looking for creative and passionate people to join our team. Not only would you be joining an engaged organization but you’d also get to enjoy flexible work arrangements, extended benefits and a pension plan as just a few of the benefits BC Transit employees are eligible for. Keep reading to find out if this role is meant for you!

What you'll be doing...

You will be the face of BC Transit, assisting all community members ensuring they get where they need to go safely. We are looking for customer service superstars, who we will teach to drive all of the buses in our fleet, from double deckers to small capacity buses. Our routes will take you anywhere from Sidney to Sooke, you will have an office with a view!

What you'll bring to the table...

• Minimum valid BC Class 5 driver's license or out of province equivalent
• 2 years’ non-learners and non-novice Canadian driving experience OR 1 year non-learners and non-novice Canadian driving experience and 5 years’ of international driving experience in a jurisdiction covered within ICBC’s Driver’s License Exchange Jurisdictions. 
• 5 years’ Claims Experience Summary dated within the past 14 days with no more than one at-fault claim in the past 5 years, preference will be given to those candidates with a clean driving record
• National (N) and Provincial (P) driver’s abstracts, each dated within the past 14 days indicating safe and responsible vehicle operation over the past 5 years with no more than 1 violation totaling no more than 4 points, preference will be given to candidates with a clean driving record. 
• Ability to pass a comprehensive ICBC medical examination relating to the Motor Vehicle Act requirement for a Class 2 driver’s license and capable of, after on-the-job training, holding a Class 2 driver’s license
• Willing and able to work shifts (both straight and split shifts) anytime within BC Transit’s operating 23 hours a day
• Clearly demonstrated customer service skill set including conflict resolution, problem solving and sound decision-making
• Ability to understand, speak and write English in order to comprehend BC Transit policies, effectively communicate with the traveling public and report on incidents involving safety and/or service
• A good knowledge of the Greater Victoria area is an asset.

What we'll bring to the table...

Hourly wage schedule as per the Unifor Local 333BC collective agreement: 

• $25.00- Starting wage 
• $27.20 - After 6 months
• $29.63 - One year anniversary
• $32.05 - Second year anniversary 
• $36.86 - Third year anniversary 
• $37.96 - After 5 years of service 

Premiums: 

• As a Transit Operator, you will receive hourly wage premiums based on the collective agreement and shift selection. For example:
  • Sunday is time and a half
  • Night shifts after 8:00 pm, will receive an additional $1.00/hour

Benefits:

• Comprehensive extended health and dental to support you and your family, regardless of what life throws at you
• Membership in BC’s Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP). Nationally recognized for its strong investment and governance practices, PSPP is a “defined benefit” plan
• Access to Fitness and Lifestyle Centers to help you take care of your physical fitness and health
• Flexible work schedules
• Various premiums based on the collective agreement and shift selection 
• Various programs that support employees such as an
• Employee and Family Assistance Program 
• Health and Wellness initiatives and events aimed at fostering your mental health
• A complimentary employee bus pass (plus taxable dependent passes)
• A Corporate Learning and Development Program to help you in continuous career growth
• An Employee Recognition Program where we all recognize each other successes (not just your Leaders!)
• Membership in Unifor Local 333
• A Social Club that gives you access to events throughout Victoria
• 7 weeks paid, on the job Class 2 driving training with our world class training department
• 3 weeks paid vacation 
• Additional 2 weeks off each year with the ability to bank statutory holidays 
• Ability to bank overtime to take more time off or have it paid out in lump sums
   

The physical requirements of the role...

• The physical demands of a Transit Operator most often require manual handling of loads between 5 kg and 15 kg. Manual handling requirements are considered to occur on a rare basis throughout the work day/week.
• We require Transit Operators to meet  the Medical Standards for Commercials Drivers as required by the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) Medical Standards found here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/driving-and-cycling/roadsafetybc/medical-fitness/medical-prof/med-standards 
• If you would like to learn more about the physical demands and work environment of the position, please visit our "Drive With Us" page to read the full Job Demands Analysis and view the full job description.

What next steps could look like...

The Application Checklist on our "Drive With Us" page will walk you through what to include in your application if you are interested in applying. 

Along with your resume, you must include the following in order to be considered for this role:

• 5 year drivers abstract (Provincial) 
  • This will have a ‘P’ in the British Columbia Driving Record Search Field
• 5 year drivers abstract (National) 
  • This will have a ‘N’ in the British Columbia Driving Record Search Field 
• 5 year insurance and claims history 
• Copy of drivers license (front and back)  

If you have less than 5 years of driving experience in BC, you will need to attach the below documents to your application from your previous Country or Province dated within 14 days:

• 5 year drivers abstract (Provincial) 
• 5 year drivers abstract (National/Commercial) 
• 5 year insurance and claims history
  • If you did not hold insurance at any time during this period, please advise us of these dates 

Additional Information:

• The position requires the completion of a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search.
• An eligibility list may be established for future full time regular vacancies.
• If you have a disability that requires an accommodation during any stage of our recruitment process, please contact careers@bctransit.com to let us know how we can assist you.
• BC Transit is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. If the organization identifies this position as a reasonable accommodation for an existing employee, all candidates will be notified as soon as reasonably possible.

Click here to get answers to frequently asked questions about working as a Transit Operator and our application process