Applying to be an Auto Body Technician

Working as an Auto Body Technician is a rewarding career. You work on the interiors and exteriors of our buses and CTrain light rail vehicles to ensure they’re maintained to our high standards.

Who should apply?

- You are committed to creating a safe work environment.

- You work well individually and within a team.

- You are able to interpret and apply information from vehicle manuals.

- You possess a sound judgment and problem‑solving skills.

- You are mechanically inclined.

- You enjoy learning new skills and using current skills in your everyday work.

Duties and responsibilities

- Design, build, repair, modify, paint, refinish, and adjust all types of wooden and metal automotive bodies. This includes: trucks, buses, automobiles, auxiliary units, and accessories.

- Perform related body shop tasks, such as: prepping, welding, spray painting, body repair and parts replacement.

Operate a wide variety of power tools, hand tools, and equipment while following blueprints, patterns, or specification manuals.

Minimum requirements

- A completed Journeyman Certificate as an Auto Body Technician (which includes all three certificates: Prepper, Refinisher, and Repair), as recognized by the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board; or equivalent Red Seal.

- A valid class 5 driver’s licence (or provincial equivalent), with no more than six demerits and no current suspensions or charges pending.

- A valid Q endorsement is considered an asset; all successful applicants must be able to obtain a Q endorsement within two months of employment.

- The ability to lift 20 kg (45 lbs) on a regular basis.

- Ability to obtain a City of Calgary operator’s permit.

- Preference will be given to applicants with training or experience in woodworking, welding, upholstering, and/or frame and wheel alignment.

- Success in this position requires you to demonstrate: sound judgement in safety standards; well‑developed communication and interpersonal skills; excellent technical proficiency, work standards, and initiative; and strong planning and organizational skills.

Applications for the Auto Body Technician position are only accepted when there is an open job posting.

As this is a competitive process, only the most qualified applicants will be invited in for an interview.

Interview

The interview uses The City of Calgary’s targeted selection method. Please bring:

- Proof of education. If Certification is obtained from a different province, please bring your inter‑provincial Red Seal.

- Two pieces of identification: A driver’s license and another form of government identification, one which must be picture identification.

- A current (no older than 60 days) driver’s abstract with six demerits or less from all jurisdictions that you have been a licensed driver in the last two years.

- Three work‑related references who have directly supervised you for a minimum of six months.

Reference checks

References must be someone who has directly supervised you for a minimum of six months.

Security clearance

Once you have passed the interview, you must complete an electronic police information check with our agency. You may be required to attend in person for security reasons.

Medical exam and tests

Applicants selected for training will be required to take a pre‑employment drug test. This will be conducted at a specific medical facility and paid for by Calgary Transit.

Job offer

Once everything is completed successfully, a job offer will be conducted a minimum of two weeks prior to the start.

FAQs

How long does the recruitment process take?

The whole process can take eight to 12 weeks. Once the top qualified applicants are identified, you will then be invited in for an interview. If you are successful, we would then contact your references, and you must complete a pre‑employment drug test and a security clearance. This would be followed by a job offer two weeks prior to the start of employment.

When can I apply?

Applications are only accepted when there is an open competition.

I met all the minimum qualifications; why wasn’t I chosen?

Minimum qualifications are the minimum required for your application to be considered. As this is a competitive process, we choose the most qualified applicants for the position. This may include a combination of factors such as: pre‑hire qualifications, previous experience, training, education and class of driver’s licence.

What certifications do I require to be an Auto Body Technician?

You will require all three Certifications: Prepper, Refinisher and Repairer to meet minimum qualifications.

Is this position temporary or permanent?

Some postings are for temporary positions and some are for permanent. The posting would indicate which one the position would be.

Can a temporary position lead into a permanent position?

Although there is no guarantee of a permanent position, as a temporary employee, you can apply for permanent positions. This would be seniority based.

Do I need a special driver’s licence to become an Auto Body Technician?

You would need to have a full class 5 driver’s licence. You would also need to obtain an air brake certificate within two months of hire.

Is there a written test I must pass in the recruitment process?

No. Those applicants that have been selected to move forward in the process will go straight to the interview stage.

What type of shifts would I work?

You could work a day, afternoon or weekend shift.

What type of vehicles will I work on?

You may be hired as a bus Auto Body Technician or an LRT Auto Body Technician. You may also work on any fleet vehicles Calgary Transit has such as pickup trucks or vans.

How does vacation work?

Your vacation is based on the hours worked your previous year. Vacation selection is based on seniority. Not all weeks may be available as a new employee.

Is there a training period or do I start immediately as an Auto Body Technician?

You will be paired up with another Technician initially for a couple of weeks.

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