Specialized Transit Vehicle Operator

About Us!

The Region of Waterloo is a thriving, diverse community committed to fostering opportunities for current and future generations. Home to over 674,000 residents and expected to grow to nearly one million by 2051. Guided by our 2023-2027 Strategic Plan, “Growing with Care,” we focus on equity, inclusion, and sustainability. Our mission is to provide essential services that enhance the quality of life for all residents, while our core values emphasize caring for people and the land we share. Join us and be part of a team dedicated to making a meaningful difference in our community.

Dish with One Spoon Wampum:

• Recognizing our shared humanity and land
• Taking only what we need
• Leaving some for others
• Keeping the dish clean

This agreement underpins our vision, mission, and core values, and reinforces our dedication to meaningful reconciliation and equity.

The Role

Operates specialized vehicles to provide public transit to persons with special needs.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Safely operates vehicles (including hydraulic wheelchair lift and other equipment) per legislation and assigned schedule, subject to frequent change. Reads and interprets passenger itineraries to determine best route.
• Picks up/drops off registered passengers from accessible door to accessible door; provides basic assistance to passengers to access the vehicle (e.g., guiding/pushing wheelchairs, assisting ambulatory passengers), as necessary. Ensures passengers are safely inside dwellings or in the care of a competent individual/staff member if residing at a facility, before leaving drop-off site.
• Ensures passengers wear seatbelts. Secures wheelchairs and other passengers using safety equipment (including the Q-straint system), per policy and manufacturer guidelines.
• Completes and submits incident, accident, and other reports to supervisors, as required.
• Conducts pre-trip inspections and completes inspection forms to ensure vehicle, equipment, and belts are in good working condition; reports safety concerns to supervisor. Reports new vehicle damage before using vehicle. Monitors vehicle condition while in service and promptly reports malfunctions to the supervisor/service advisor in supervisor’s absence. Submits vehicle defect report and explains defects.
• Monitors mirrors to ensure safety of clients, the public, and vehicle, including watching for health and safety concerns. Radios dispatch or ambulance for assistance and transports clients to hospital directly, as required.
• Ensures passenger fares are placed in fare box; deposits report into fare box at the end of shift.
• Communicates with Dispatcher/Reservationists using two-way radio to exchange information regarding schedules and ensure efficient and effective service. Exchanges information with health care professionals, other care providers, and receptionists.
• Performs related duties, as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Reading, writing, math, and communications skills, and knowledge of the proper and safe use of buses and related equipment acquired through a Grade 12 education or equivalent industry experience, plus a valid Class F driver’s license, plus 2 years of driving and customer service experience. -OR-
• Reading, writing, math, and communications skills acquired through a Grade 12 education or equivalent industry experience, plus a valid minimum G driver’s license (or other classified license), plus 3 years of driving and customer service experience, with eligibility and ability to obtain a Class F license upon completion of Region-sponsored training. Applicants who hold a G license must obtain a Class F license to pass probation.
• Must possess an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to follow/knowledge of the Regional roads system and corporate policies/procedures and related legislation (e.g., Occupational Health and Safety Act, Highway Traffic Act).
• Communication and human relations skills to exchange information with co-workers and the public; use tact, patience, listening, and courtesy when dealing with clients; resolve problems/complaints from the public; report vehicle malfunctions; and participate as an effective team member.
• Knowledge of constraints for persons with disabilities.
• Must hold a valid Emergency First Aid certification with CPR.
• Ability to work independently per schedule (subject to review by supervisor). Ability to refer incidents regarding inaccessible locations, new types of wheelchairs, difficult passengers, vehicle problems, and work assignments to supervisor.
• Must provide an acceptable Police Vulnerable Sector Check (Level 3).
• Ability to read, interpret, and follow assigned schedules. Ability to complete reports (e.g., incident, accident, CVOR, daily schedule, cash).
• Ability to support and project the Region’s values.