Transit Operators

Main page content begins here

Learn more about the Transit Operator hiring process, job qualifications, requirements and what it takes to succeed.

Drive your career to places you might never have imagined possible by becoming part of the Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) team. Whether you become a Transit Operator or Community Service Operator (CSO), you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that career advancement and rewards are well within your reach.

Job Classification Update

Starting January 1, 2024, all new Transit Operators hired will be required to operate conventional buses as well as the Dedicated Accessible Transit Service (DATS) vehicles. In December 2023, the City and Amalgamated Transit Union Local 569 signed a new collective agreement unifying DATS Operator and Conventional Transit Operator positions into a single Transit Operator position.

As the Transit Operator position is a new classification, the job description and the qualifications required to be a successful candidate are different from the previous Conventional Transit Operator and DATS Operator roles. The CSO role is not impacted by the new collective agreement and will remain the same.

Before You Apply

Review the qualifications and requirements carefully before submitting your application.

Education and Experience

For Transit Operator

Grade twelve (12) or GED - If education is from outside of Canada, you must obtain a Canadian equivalency OR an equivalent combination of training and experience (2 years of professional driving experience with passengers)
A minimum of 2 years of experience in the customer service field that includes experience dealing with the public (face-to-face)

For Community Service Operator

Grade 11 or an equivalent combination of training and experience (2 years of professional driving experience with passengers)

Licence Requirements

Applies to both Transit Operator and Community Service Operator positions.

Valid Alberta Class 5 driver's licence (or higher) or provincial equivalent (non-probationary and non-graduated)
- Applicants must have held a valid licence for the last five (5) consecutive years
Selected applicants MUST provide a minimum 5-year Commercial Driver's Abstract meeting all of the following criteria:
- No more than three (3) demerits (or equivalent) and no more than one (1) moving violation/conviction within the last five years
- No past or pending license suspensions or Criminal Code suspensions or convictions within the last 5 years
- Non-driving related suspensions of registry services, if indicated, must show a reinstatement date
Demonstrated success dealing with the public in a position that requires excellent interpersonal, problem-solving, conflict resolution and independent decision-making skills

Pre-Hire Employment Requirements

For the candidates successful at the interview stage, hiring is dependent on the following:

Police Information Check, including a Vulnerable Sector check satisfactory to the City of Edmonton
Pre-employment medical examination and a Functional Abilities Assessment Evaluation (F.A.R.E.) satisfactory to the City of Edmonton
Possession of an Alberta Air Brake Endorsement and Alberta Class 2 driver's licence written knowledge test prior to training (For Transit Operator position only)
Obtaining a full Class 4 licence at your own cost prior to the training start date (For CSO position only)

Hiring Process

ETS’s hiring process involves multiple steps for Transit Operators and Community Service Operators. Some steps may incur a cost to you, such as a police check, licence upgrade, driver’s abstract and an air brake certification.

Hiring Process Steps

Submitting Your Application

View postings online through the City of Edmonton Careers website.

You can create job alerts to receive a notification when a Transit Operator or Community Service Operator position is posted online. For more information, refer to the Job Application Tips.

Application Screening

The Talent Acquisition Team will review your application. Only candidates being considered for the assessment stages will be contacted by email. Check your email junk/spam folder regularly.

Job Shadow Exercise

Candidates are required to complete the job shadow exercise before attending the interview. This exercise aims to expose you to the actual work environment of a Transit Operator or a Community Service Operator.

ETS will provide candidates with direction and instructions on completing the job shadow exercise.

Interview

An interview panel will conduct a competency-based interview. Competencies measured through this process may include communication, customer service, problem-solving, safety, conflict resolution, the ability to serve diverse needs and abilities, and the ability to deal with emergency situations. To get some tips on how to prepare for the interview, please click here.

If you successfully pass the interview, you will move to the next steps which include:

Reference checks - Two (2) supervisory references are required.
Security clearance check - A police information check, including a vulnerable sector check satisfactory to the City of Edmonton, is required.
Medical/ Functional Abilities Assessment Evaluation (FARE) - Candidate must be tested in Edmonton in person, even if they live outside of the city. This test is funded by ETS.

Required Assessments

Online Assessment

Applicants will be sent an email link to complete an online assessment. The questions in the assessment are based on the competencies required to be successful in the role of transit operator. Applicants will have 72 hours to complete the assessment.

Map Reading Assessment

Candidates will be assessed on their map reading ability. This will take place in person.

Here are a few tips to help you prepare:

Understand the signs and symbols used in a paper map
Familiarize yourself with local landmarks and directions
Practice planning driving routes to local locations

Driving Assessment

This phase includes a two-part driving assessment as follows:

Driver Cognitive Assessment Testing: This is an online assessment completed in person on a tablet.
Driver On-Road Evaluation: This is the second, practical part of the assessment. Applicants will be required to drive a predetermined route in their own vehicle while under the observation of an evaluator.

This assessment will be conducted in person in Edmonton. A vehicle will not be provided. Candidates must bring their own vehicles with valid registration and insurance.

Training Program

A successful candidate will be required to complete the ETS training program. The training program is designed to help new trainees become Transit Operators or Community Service Operators. Candidates will be provided with paid training.

For the Transit Operator position, ETS will provide the training to upgrade from a Class 5, 4 or 3 to a Class 2 driver’s license. The first exam fee for converting from a Class 5, 4 or 3 to a Class 2 license will be covered by ETS. Any additional exams, if granted, will be the trainee's responsibility.

For the Community Service Operator (CSO) position, ETS will provide training. However, a successful candidate must obtain a Class 4 license prior to the training start date by completing a Class 4 knowledge test at a registry at their expense.

Transit Operator Positions

Many operators wouldn’t trade their job for anything in the world; the great reputation for service that ETS enjoys is built on it.

Community Service Operator
Transit Operator
Transit Operator

Testimonials

I began working for Edmonton Transit Services in March of 2001 as a Conventional Transit Operator. I learned of the opportunity through one of my friends who dropped off an application for me, and I applied the next day. I thought it would be an awesome job for me since I loved to drive. After a few years as an Operator, I applied for a Dispatcher position which allowed me to change my focus from serving the public to communication and relationship building so I could support my co-workers. Dispatchers make the system run and it was great being in the hub of what makes ETS happen. I took a very natural step a few years later and became a Supervisor where I have spent the last 11 years of my career. It has been a great place to grow and it is exciting to see so many more women active within the ETS community on committees, in relief positions and leadership roles. I still enjoy working with Operators, Dispatchers, Inspectors and many other areas to make public transit better for our citizens.

— Jo-Ann Rauschenberger, Transit Delivery Supervisor

Jo Ann at work

In addition to working with a very nice team of drivers, you can easily find a shift to suit your lifestyle. The wages and benefits are very good, too.

— Denise Meyer, Community Service Operator

What defines the City of Edmonton as an employer? I would say equal opportunity, career advancement and a self-starter attitude. You’re encouraged to learn about different cultures and work as a team. And the backgrounds of the people who work here are very diverse.

— Harpreet Singh, DATS Operator

I like meeting new people, as well as building a rapport with the regulars you see on your route every day. In some cases, you might be the first person they talk to that morning. When you make someone smile, that makes you feel good.

— Dwayne Nemlander, Transit Operator

Contact Us

For general information about a career with ETS

Email	etsrecruitment@edmonton.ca