Chauffeur d'autobus - City of Ottawa, Ottawa

Responsibilities of a Chauffeur d'autobus

As a Chauffeur d'autobus with the City of Ottawa's OC Transpo, you will play a crucial role in providing safe, reliable, and courteous public transport service to the community. This position involves driving city buses and ensuring an excellent customer experience for all passengers. The team of Opérations de transport en commun par autobus is dedicated to delivering efficient and timely service to Ottawa's growing and diverse population.

• Drive des autobus de la Ville d'Ottawa in strict accordance with the Highway Traffic Act and company policy.
• Promote a customer service mindset when interacting with the general public.
• Offer a safe, comfortable, efficient, and reliable transport service.
• Chauffeurs d'autobus working temporarily as bilingual/charter/tour bus drivers or platform driver/instructors will receive appropriate pay rates or a differential premium for the duration of these duties.

Qualifications and Experience

The City of Ottawa is seeking dedicated individuals for these vital transport roles. To be successful, candidates should possess a strong driving record, customer service skills, and the capacity to adapt to various operational conditions. This is a key opportunity for those looking for jobs in Ottawa within public service.

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (Grade 12).
• At least 5 years of driving experience with an impeccable driving record, free of demerit points.
• Ideally, at least 3 years of customer service experience, including direct public contact and interaction with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience in public transport service within an urban environment is considered an asset.
• Successful completion of a defensive driving course or equivalent is desirable.
• Knowledge of important landmarks and locations within the City of Ottawa.
• Desirable knowledge includes public transport fare and pass structure, and the Highway Traffic Act.
• Knowledge and experience using portable communication technologies, such as two-way radios.
• Ability to drive vehicles safely and defensively, adhering to standard safety guidelines, regulations, and limits established by the Transit Service and/or the Ministry of Transportation.
• Capacity to adapt and react to evolving operational conditions and environments.
• Ability to work effectively in a culturally diverse community.
• Attention to detail and the ability to follow specific, detailed procedures.
• Possess persuasion and tact, strong interpersonal skills, and excellent oral communication skills.
• Good written communication skills.
• Basic understanding and ability to use a computer.
• Capacity to multitask, problem-solve, and make decisions.
• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
• Ability to exercise good judgment.
• Capacity to work with minimal supervision and as part of a team.
• Maintain a personal appearance and behaviour that projects a positive and professional image at all times.
• Capacity to act autonomously.
• Ability to communicate clearly in writing, in person, and through City communication technologies, including a two-way radio.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service at all times, resolve difficult situations professionally while remaining calm and self-controlled, and collaborate with Transit Service supervisors and other City of Ottawa employees to meet the needs of public transport clients.
• Be able to work overtime and various shifts, including split shifts, weekends, evenings, and holidays, in accordance with the collective agreement.
• Must be able to meet the physical requirements of the position, including repetitive and constant tasks during a normal bus driver shift (full details not available in source).

About the City of Ottawa and OC Transpo

The City of Ottawa's Directorate General of Public Transport Services (DG des services de transport en commun) and its Bus Operations and Maintenance Service (Service des opérations et de l'entretien des autobus) are committed to providing exceptional public transport. OC Transpo delivers safe, reliable, and courteous services, along with excellent customer service, to 100 million public transport users annually across conventional buses, para-transit, and light rail. Joining the City of Ottawa careers team means contributing to a vital service that supports the daily lives of residents.

The Bus Operations and Para-transit team is dedicated to providing a fast, safe, reliable, efficient, effective, timely, courteous, and cost-effective public transport service to Ottawa's growing and diverse population. This is an opportunity to be part of a dynamic team within the City of Ottawa jobs framework, making a tangible difference in the community.

Compensation and Perks

The City of Ottawa offers a structured compensation package for Chauffeurs d'autobus, with progressive wage increases as you gain experience and tenure. The salary information provided is based on 2026 rates, ensuring competitive pay for dedicated service.

• Training rate: Equivalent to 50% of a full-time bus driver's rate ($18.40/hour, 2026 rate).
• 1st to 8th month of service: 85% of a bus driver's rate ($32.224/hour).
• 9th to 16th month of service: 90% of a bus driver's rate ($34.119/hour).
• 17th to 24th month of service: 95% of a bus driver's rate ($36.015/hour).
• From the 24th month onwards: Full bus driver's rate ($37.910/hour, 2026 rate).