Skip to content
Mechanics at a depot working underneath an elevated bus

CMBC Careers

A mechanic at Coast Mountain Bus Company touching maintenance equipment

On this page


    As the largest operating company in the integrated TransLink enterprise, Coast Mountain Bus Company (CMBC) operates a diverse fleet of more than 1,600 low- and zero-emission conventional and community shuttle buses and the passenger ferry SeaBus.

    At CMBC, one of BC’s Top Employers, we're committed to providing an innovative, healthy, and engaging workplace. This is reflected in our workforce of over 5,500 employees performing over 400 unique jobs.

    CMBC Job Opportunities

    From human resources and customer service representatives, to mechanics, bus operators, and marine attendants, you'll be sure to find a job that's right for you.


    Trades and Maintenance Opportunities

    Our maintenance roles, including skilled trades, are an integral part of our service delivery that supports nearly 400,000 customers daily and connects people, businesses, and communities in the Metro Vancouver region.


    Requirements and Qualifications

    Learn more about what kind of skills, training, and experience are required for management, skilled trades, and maintenance roles at CMBC.

    Commercial Transport and Heavy Duty Mechanics Roles

    Our Mechanics help transport passengers to their destination safely. They take pride in keeping our buses moving and ensuring that safety is a priority.

    Wages (rate of pay as per Unifor Local):

    Annual salary
    Wage $113,390.60

    Benefits include:

    • Medical, dental, and vision benefits, with the option of family and domestic partner coverage

    • Paid vacation

    • Pension plan

    • Transit pass for you and up to two eligible family members (some restrictions apply)

    • Membership in Unifor Local 2200

    • Paid training

    Required Qualifications:

    To qualify for a Mechanics position, you must:

    • Possess Red Seal Certification as a Truck and Transport Mechanic or Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic in commercial transport vehicle maintenance repair.

    • Must have served an apprenticeship as a Commercial Transport Mechanic or Heavy-Duty Mechanic, or be in receipt of a Military Certificate in Vehicle Technician QL5.

    • Possess a Red Seal Certificate of Qualification Truck and Transport Mechanic.

    • Have a good understanding and working knowledge of electrical work, steering, hydraulic and air brake systems is required.

    • Preference will be given to applicants with a CVIP certification.

    • Have the ability, after training, to hold a Class 2 driver's licence with air ticket is required. An up-to-date driving abstract must accompany application. At the time of application, you must meet the following driving requirements:

      • Maximum 6 points in the past 3 years, no impaired convictions, roadside suspensions or prohibitions in the past 5 years.

    Medical Exam

    Our exam meets the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Act and the medical qualifications necessary to hold a Class 2. Please do not complete this step on your own.

    If you hold a Class 2 commercial learner's permit, you'll be instructed to obtain a driver's medical examination form to take to your appointment. There may be a fee for the form.

    Trades Roles

    • Each position comes with its own set of requirements; however, most roles will require a minimum of between three to five years recent related mechanical and technical experience in a heavy industrial environment or other similar background and profile.

    • An equivalent combination of post-secondary technical training, and experience working towards a relevant trade are also considered. Most roles will require a candidate to obtain a Class 2 Learner’s Permit prior to being hired and a Class 2 BC Driver’s Licence after successful completion of CMBC driver’s training. Candidates cannot have more than 6 points in the last 3 years on their driving record nor any suspensions, prohibitions, or convictions in the last 5 years. Due to the safety requirements of many positions, successful completion of a medical exam may be required.

    • Many positions work collaboratively as part of a team, maintaining our fleet and assets together. Therefore, a demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team is an asset.

    • Candidates should be able to work in high-pressure environments with changing conditions such as working on emergency repairs or during short night maintenance windows. Excellent communications skills are beneficial to effectively relay technical and sometimes complex information.

    Management Roles

    • Each position comes with its own set of requirements; however, most roles will require a minimum of six to seven years' experience in progressively responsible positions relating to vehicle or fleet maintenance, which includes managerial and supervisory experience.

    • Qualification in mechanical or electrical trades, or a diploma or degree in a related mechanical field. Due to the safety requirements of many positions, successful completion of a medical exam may be required.

    • Advanced leadership skills to provide coaching, team building, and development and performance management to manage direct and non-direct reporting staff.

    • The above information on trades and management positions at CMBC provide only the most general qualifications required. To learn more about requirements for a particular role, visit the individual job listing for further information.


    Bus Operator Information

    Our bus operators are ambassadors to our cities. They take pride in getting their passengers to their destination safely and on time and enjoy great pay, benefits, and growth opportunities.

    Conventional Bus Driver

    A woman sitting outside a conventional bus. She's crossing her arms and smiling softly at the camera

    Conventional Bus Operators move over 800,000 passengers throughout Metro Vancouver every day. This full-time position guarantees 37.5 hours per week and offers competitive wages and benefits, opportunities for advancement, and paid training.

    Conventional Bus Operators must be available to work various shifts which is based on seniority:

    • Early straight shifts: May start as early as 4:30 a.m. and finish around noon

    • Mid runs: Start approximately mid-day and finish early in the evening

    • Owls: Start late in the evening and may finish in the early hours the following day

    • Split Shifts: Start in the morning for four hours, break, then four additional hours in the evening


    Shuttle Bus Driver

    A woman looking out of the driver seat window in a Community Shuttle vehicle. She is smiling directly at the camera

    As a Community Shuttle Operator, you'll drive a smaller 24-passenger vehicle throughout the local communities of Metro Vancouver.

    This position is a fantastic opportunity for:

    • Individuals who enjoy working with the public

    • Those looking for flexible schedules

    • Students looking for a flexible well-paying job

    • People working part-time and wanting more hours

    • Parents and caregivers looking to re-enter the workforce

    • Retired individuals wanting to re-enter the workforce or supplement income

    We offer a comprehensive benefits package including a free transit pass and flexible schedules.

    The bus shuttle operator team at CMBC (Coast Mountain Bus Company)

    Community Shuttle Operators start as casual and work on an as-needed basis. Once in the department, you may submit your intent to move into a part-time (20 to 30 hours per week) or full-time (minimum 35 hours per week) position.

    You may also request additional hours if you sign up to drive for vacationing, sick, or unavailable drivers. Community Shuttle Operator training is also paid training.

    Casual Community Shuttle Operators must adhere to the following requirements:

    • Must be available to work four shifts every two-week pay period and two of those shifts should be on a weekday

    • You can choose from available AM shifts (from start of service, 3:00 or 3:30 a.m., to 4:00 p.m.), PM shifts (from 12:00 p.m. to end of service, 4:00 a.m.), or open availability shifts. 

    Journey to Becoming a Bus Operator

    Submitting an Application

    Explore our CMBC Career Opportunities. If you don't see any bus operator openings in the job feed, it means we're not accepting applications at this time. Check back regularly to make sure you don't miss the next posting. We're unable to accept applications in advance of a job opening. All applications for job postings must be submitted online.

    Coast Mountain Bus Company will notify all shortlisted applicants. Applicants who are unsuccessful will be notified that they can reapply after a waiting period.

    Need assistance? Get help applying for a job or read our guide on applying for a transit operator job opening.

     

    Offer of Employment

    At any stage of the recruitment process, additional information may be requested to confirm your suitability for the position. Those who complete all steps are contacted with a verbal offer of employment as a Transit Operator Trainee and a start date is arranged.

    Hired candidates must successfully complete the training program and a 675-hour probationary period of actual time worked for continued employment.

    Coast Mountain Bus Company reserves the right over all hiring decisions.

    Required Qualifications

    To qualify for a Conventional Bus or Community Shuttle Operator position, you must:

    • Be a Canadian citizen or a Permanent Resident

    • Have the ability to understand, speak, read, and write English in order to learn the training materials, communicate effectively with customers, and write reports on incidents involving safety

    • Be willing to work various types of shifts

    • Be able to pass a medical examination

    • Be able to pass reference checks based on attendance and punctuality

    • Have basic computer and internet literacy in order to complete the mandatory traning component

    Driver’s License Requirements

    To apply for a Conventional Bus Operator position, you’ll need a Class 5 BC driver’s license or Canadian equivalent. You must also be able to obtain a minimum of a Class 2 BC commercial learner’s permit with the air brake endorsement unless you hold a valid Class 1 or a Class 2 license. You'll obtain a Class 2 BC commercial license with the air brake endorsement during training.

    To apply for a Community Shuttle Operator Trainee position, you’ll need a Class 5 BC driver’s license or Canadian equivalent. You must be able to obtain a minimum of an unrestricted Class 4 BC commercial learner's permit, unless you hold a valid Class 1, 2, or Class 4 license.

    Driving Record Requirements

    You must demonstrate a safe driving history to qualify for any position that involves the operation of a company vehicle. Your driving record in Canada or out of country over the past five years will be reviewed as part of the application process.

    At the time of application, you must meet the following driving requirements:

    • No roadside suspensions or driving prohibitions in the past five years

    • No more than one violation (moving or non-moving) with a maximum of three points in the past three years

    • No more than one at-fault accident in the past three years

    • If you already have one violation, and/or one at-fault accident when you apply and you receive either an additional violation/at-fault accident or an outstanding violation/accident appears on your driving record during the recruitment process, your application will no longer be considered

    If you have held your BC license for less than five years and held a previous license from another province or country, you will be required to provide us with your driving records (driving abstract and insurance claims summary) to ensure you meet the minimum driving requirements.

    Applications are assessed to determine if applicants have demonstrated a safe and responsible driving and history, as determined by Coast Mountain Bus Company. Even if you're able to meet the minimum requirements, an excessive number of violations, prohibitions, suspensions, and/or accidents in the past may exclude you from consideration.

    Applicants with a Criminal Record

    We evaluate applications from persons with a criminal record. During the criminal record search phase, you must complete a Criminal Record Search, including a Vulnerable Sector Search, through your municipality's Police or RCMP department. This step is completed at your cost. Results from Criminal Record Searches are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

    Medical Exam

    Our exam meets the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Act and the medical qualifications necessary to hold a Class 2 or Class 4 license. Please do not complete this step on your own.

    If you hold a Class 2 or an unrestricted Class 4 BC commercial learner's permit, you'll be instructed to obtain a driver's medical examination form to take to your appointment. There may be a fee for the form.

    HandyDART postings can be found through our service provider, First Transit.

    If you’re having trouble applying online or need assistance, please email jobs@translink.ca or visit the system requirements and support page.


    CMBC Employee Benefits

    We offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports employees through their professional and personal lives.

    Benefits Overview

    • Defined BC Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP)

    • Extended Health including vision care, massage therapy, physiotherapy, prescription drugs with the option of family and domestic partner coverage

    • Dental including orthodontics

    • Life insurance

    • PPE, tool allowance, and coveralls are provided for all trades positions

    • Paid vacation

    • Three-zone transit pass for you and up to two eligible family members (taxable benefit for family passes)

    • Paid training for company-directed training

    • Tuition reimbursement and leadership development opportunities

    • Family Assistance Program

    Wages (rate of pay as per Unifor Local 111, effective: April 1, 2024):

    Experience Dollars per hour
    Trainee (30 days of training) $28.26
    First eight month period $30.28
    Second eight month period $32.30
    Third eight month period $36.33
    Thereafter $40.37

    Benefits include:

    • Medical, dental, and vision benefits, with the option of family and domestic partner coverage

    • Paid vacation

    • Pension plan

    • Transit pass for you and up to two eligible family members (some restrictions apply)

    • Membership in Unifor Local 111

    • Paid training

    Wages paid bi-weekly (rate of pay as per Unifor Local 111, effective: April 1, 2024):

    Experience Dollars per hour
    Trainee (11 days training) $24.28
    First eight month period $27.10
    Second eight month period $30.48
    Thereafter $33.87

    Benefits include:

    • Flexible scheduling

    • Transit pass for you and up to two eligible family members (some restrictions apply)

    • Paid training

    • Membership in Unifor Local 111

    • When starting as a casual you are paid 14% above your hourly rate in lieu of benefits

    • If you choose to move into a part-time regular or full-time regular Community Shuttle position, you will start receiving benefits similar to Conventional drivers


    Career News and Testimonials

    TransLink named one of BC’s Top Employers for 2024

    A portrait of a TransLink office employee in a meeting room with people in background

    TransLink has once again been recognized as one of BC’s Top Employers — for the 10th year in a row!

    A behind-the-scenes look at how Metro Vancouver transit buses are maintained

    Kevin Dirks - Manager of Fleet Overhaul

    Inside CMBC's Fleet Overhaul in Burnaby, the sounds of drilling, scrapping and machinery fill the air and at each twist and turn throughout the massive building.

    Meet Hana: one of our mechanics

    Hana

    Hana shares how she became a mechanic at Coast Mountain Bus Company and why she chooses TransLink as a place to work.

    You Keep Us Moving – Burney

    Burney

    Burney Reid is a member of the CMBC Road Crew. With the CMBC Road Crew, quick repairs can be made and a bus can get back on their route, often with minimal to no delays in service.


    CMBC Job Opportunities

    From human resources and customer service representatives, to mechanics, bus operators, and marine attendants, you'll be sure to find a job that's right for you.