The Role

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The Bus Operator is responsible to transport passengers to destinations on defined routes while providing excellent customer service skills in a safe, courteous and professional manner.

Provide excellent customer service skills in a safe, courteous and professional manner at all times.

Transport passengers to destinations on defined routes while adhering to schedules.

Communicate effectively in a variety of situations, including responding to customer queries, interacting with other operators and operations staff.

Ensure the safety of all passengers by obeying and following defensive driving guidelines, local traffic laws, Kingston Transit polices/procedures and the Highway Traffic Act.

Conduct pre and post trip vehicle inspection.

Deal with diverse and challenging situations such as traffic congestion, construction and detours, and collisions.

Operate a variety of transit fleet, including but not limited to New Flyers, Novas and passenger vans in a safe manner under varying weather conditions, on a day, night, and/or split shift.

Operate a ramp or wheelchair lift device when necessary to assist passengers, secure passenger’s wheelchairs to restraining devices to stabilize wheelchairs during trip.

Complete written reports on collisions or other incidents in an accurate and timely manner.

Other duties as assigned.

Meet your department...

We keep Kingston moving safely and sustainably through reliable public transit services. Our team plans routes and schedules, operates and maintains buses, assists customers, and ensures safe, accessible service for riders across the city. Through these efforts, Kingston Transit helps reduce congestion, support the environment, and connect the community.

To qualify, you'll need...

High School Grade 12 diploma or equivalent.

One year of experience driving a large vehicle such as an ambulance, fire truck, school bus, coach bus, heavy truck, tractor trailer, or truck and trailer combinations including towed vehicles an asset.

Customer service experience an asset.

Valid Class G driver’s licence with a clean driver’s record/abstract.

Valid BZ or CZ licence an asset.

Must demonstrate the corporate competencies: Belonging, Collaboration, Accountability, and Innovation.

Ability to operate in a diverse cultural community using demonstrated excellent customer skills and effective communication skills.

Ability to react and deal with emergency situations as they arise.

Ability to read, complete forms and effectively communicate.

Ability to apply clear thinking to select the best course of action to resolve problems or address conflict.

Multi-task and work effectively in stressful situations.

Knowledge of road/vehicle safety precaution, city streets, bus routes and route timing with the ability to call out stops as required by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

Applicants must be able to perform the essential duties of the job such as physical requirements which are repetitive and constant, sitting for prolonged periods of time, reaching, gripping, pushing/pulling of steering wheel, twisting and turning of neck, sensory/perceptual demands, along with good concentration. Regularly exposed to fumes, odors, and moderate noise.

Must be available to report to work, subject to scheduling and staffing requirements including; days, evenings, nights, holidays, weekends, and split shifts.

Must obtain and maintain a satisfactory criminal record check, including Vulnerable Sector.

Passing of a customer service and driving evaluation is required for candidates who are not currently in the role of a bus operator.

Why us?

Join a team that’s building more than a city - we’re building a community where people thrive. At the City of Kingston, your work has real impact: safer streets, greener spaces, inclusive experiences, innovative transit, creative public spaces, and brighter futures for all.

We’re more than just a municipal government - we’re a team of problem-solvers, innovators, and community-builders who take pride in shaping the place we call home. As an employer, we’re committed to your growth, your well-being, and creating an environment where every voice counts. Your career is more than a job - it’s where your impact begins.

Why you’ll love it here…

We provide our employees with a comprehensive and competitive total rewards package, which may include extended health coverage, travel and life insurance, and long-term disability. Specific benefits can vary depending on your role and terms of employment.

In addition, employees may enjoy access to:

• OMERS defined pension plan
• Vacation entitlements
• Employee wellness and assistance programs and resources
• Ongoing training and education opportunities
• Flexible work arrangements
• Corporate perks such as discounted transit and fitness passes
• Learning & development resources and networks
• Relocation assistance and local resources

To learn more about working at the City of Kingston, click here.

Learn more about what makes Kingston so special on PossibleMadeHere.org.

How to apply

Submit your online application by 11:59 PM on the job posting closing date. Click the 'APPLY HERE' button to complete your application.

Applicants must demonstrate in their submission how they meet the minimum education and experience requirements of the position. Please include any relevant education documents (degrees, diplomas, or certificates) to your profile. 

Accommodations are available at all stages of the recruitment and selection process to support a barrier-free experience for all candidates in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC) and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require any accommodations, please let us know. For more information, you can contact us at hrcity@cityofkingston.ca.

Thank you to everyone who applies. While we value each application, only those advancing in the recruitment process will be contacted. All personal information will be handled in compliance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA).

The City of Kingston may utilize artificial intelligence (AI) assisted tools throughout the recruitment process. All final hiring decisions are made by qualified municipal staff.

Internal applications: https://bit.ly/city-kingston-internal
External applications: https://bit.ly/city-kingston-external

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Our commitment

The City of Kingston acknowledges that we are on the traditional homeland of the Anishinabek, Haudenosaunee, and the Huron-Wendat, and thanks these nations for their care and stewardship over this shared land.

Today, the City is committed to working with Indigenous peoples and all residents to pursue a united path of reconciliation.

Learn more about the City's reconciliation initiatives.