DATS is a door-to-door public transportation service operated by ETS for adults who can not use regular ETS service because of physical or cognitive disability. DATS Operators drive wheelchair lift-equipped buses (passenger vans) that have up to 8 seats and room for up to 6 wheelchairs. These buses contain GPS equipment, computerized mapping features and interactive touch screen computers for communication with the DATS Service Control Centre.

City of Edmonton Jobs: DATS Operator Video

Customer care is an essential element of the position of DATS Operator and applicants should have experience working with, providing regular care, or assisting persons with physical and/or cognitive disabilities. Many of DATS customers are regular users and DATS Operators have a unique opportunity to get to know their clientele in a personal and caring atmosphere.

DATS Operators must be able meet the physical demands of the position, which may include prolonged sitting, walking, squatting, lifting, pushing, pulling, reaching, kneeling, twisting and gripping in order to safely operate the bus, its controls and provide passengers with assistance. Pre-employment testing will include a Functional Abilities Recruitment Evaluation (FARE), which will test for those physical demands, including testing on a treadmill (while heart monitored). All testing must successfully be passed.

The nature of the DATS service means that routes and travel patterns are always different and the job takes the DATS Operator all over the city. DATS Operators must have excellent map reading skills and knowledge of the geographical Edmonton area. All DATS routes start and finish daily at the Percy Wickman Garage (5610-86 Street).

Hours of Work

DATS Operators work various hours of shift work (straight shifts or split shifts), any time of the day, any 5 days of the week and up to 40 hours per week. Full Time positions work up to 80 hours bi-weekly. Part Time positions work up to 40 hours bi-weekly when in a PT40 position and up to 60 hours bi-weekly when in a PT60 position.

Salary Range and Benefits

The rates quoted are in accordance with the collective agreement between the Amalgamated Transit Union 569 and the City of Edmonton. Current rates of pay are:

  • Training Rate - $25.65 per hour
  • Post Training Rate - $28.76 to $33.26 per hour

This is a permanent position with a probationary period of up to 6 months. Benefits begin 90 days after your start date if in a Full Time position.

Part Time - Not eligible for benefits.

Job Requirements/Qualifications

  • Grade twelve (12) or General Education Development (GED) or equivalent qualifications and experience.
  • Proven ability to understand and execute oral and written instructions in English.
  • At least 6 months of experience working with, providing regular care, or assisting persons with physical and/or cognitive disabilities with a proven ability to deal directly and professionally with the public.
  • Valid Class 5 Motor Vehicle Operator's license (non-probationary and non-graduated Class 5 status – no GDL).
  • Must have held valid operator's license for 3 consecutive years.
  • Applicants must provide a minimum 5-year Driver's Abstract showing no more than 3 demerits (or equivalent) and no more than one (1) moving violation within 5 years and no past, or pending license suspensions nor Criminal Code suspensions or convictions within 5 years.  Non-driving related suspensions of registry services if indicated, must show a reinstatement date.  Demerits reduced by attending a defensive driver training course are not accepted. The 5-year driver's abstract must be obtained within 14 days of the Driving Assessment date. The abstract is not required at the time of application, but must be presented before testing.
  • Selected applicants must pass all assessments and testing.
  • Selected applicants must provide 3 references from persons who have supervised or trained the applicant and must pass reference checks. All references will be contacted.
  • Selected applicants must provide a clear Police Check including Vulnerable Sector Search at applicant’s expense.
  • Selected applicants must be able to pass a medical examination as well as a Functional Abilities Recruitment Evaluation ​assessment​ (FARE), and must be able to meet the physical requirements of the job such as: operating bus controls and providing assistance to passengers with wheelchairs, strollers et cetera.
  • Selected applicants must successfully obtain an Alberta Motor Vehicle Operator's Class 4 written Knowledge Test at applicant’s expense prior to training. The Class 4 Alberta Motor Vehicle Operator's road exam will take place during training
  • Selected applicants must successfully complete the ETS Operator Training Program (25 days), including successfully passing the Class 4 Alberta Motor Vehicle Operator's road exam.

Additional Information

  • Applicants are asked to check emails on a regular basis, as this will be the primary means of communication during the hiring process.

How to Apply

If you wish to apply for a position, please apply online.