Transit Officer recruitment

All transit officer intakes and job vacancies are advertised on our current opportunities page.

You may be required to address selection criteria and provide a comprehensive resume including two work related referees.

Applications are submitted online via the current opportunities page, and will not be accepted after the closing time specified in the advertisement.

 

The selection panel will read through all submitted applications and assess against the work related requirements stated in the job advert. The panel will shortlist those who are competitive against these requirements.

The PTA uses online aptitude tests to assist in identifying applicants who are suitable for the role of a Transit Officer. The tests are designed to specifically measure verbal and numeric skills relevant to the transport industry and relate to the duties of the role.

 

Following the Shortlisting stage, applicants will be invited to attend a session that tests their physical fitness for the role.

 

1. Shuttle Run: Beep Test

• Purpose:
  • The purpose of this test is to measure the candidate’s ability to respond to critical incidents on time, including the requirement to run up to level 5.1. 
• Instruction:
  • Two markers are placed 20 metres apart with candidates needing to run back and forth between the markers as indicated by an audio cue. Speed gradually increases until candidates are unable to keep pace.

2. Stairs: Step Up & Down x20 L&R Leg (20cm Step)

• Purpose:
  • To assess the candidate’s ability to ascend and descend stairs.
• Instruction:
  • The candidate will ascend and descend 2 flights of stairs. If stairs are not available, step up and down a 20cm step, leading x10 times with L leg & then repeat x10 times with R leg.

3. Kneeling: Standing ➔ Kneeling ➔ Standing

• Purpose:
  • The purpose of this test is to assess a candidate’s capacity to perform tasks while kneeling. 
• Instruction:
  • The candidate will need to adopt a kneeling position, then stand up and then return to kneeling. Repeat 5 times.

 4. Sustained Grip, Carry, and Lift: 20kg Aqua Bag over 15m 

• Purpose:
  • Assess the candidate’s ability to complete a dynamic lift and carry.
• Instruction:
  • The candidate will be Instructed to lift the aqua bag (20kg) from the floor. Carry the aqua bag over 15m, lift it overhead, and then place it back on the ground.

5. Drag: 50kg Mannequin over 15m

• Purpose:
  • The purpose of this test is to assess dynamic pulling strength and capacity e.g., moving non-compliant detainees. 
• Instruction:
  • The candidate will be instructed to correctly grip and drag the 50kg Mannequin from start to finish with no stoppages or drops. The test comprises dragging the Mannequin through with a 180-degree turn, over a 10-metre straight, negotiating a 90-degree left or right turn, and a further 5-metre straight.

6. Sustained Pinch Test: Pinch and hold for 5 seconds.

• Purpose:
  • The purpose of this test is to assess pinch grip strength and ability to operate handcuffs and grip keys.
• Instruction:
  • The candidate must sustain a pinch grip of greater than 7kg for 5 seconds, gripping the dynamometer using the index finger and thumb. Repeat with the other hand.

7. Prolonged Standing: Standing for 2 hours

• Purpose:
  • The purpose of this test is to assess tolerance for standing over a prolonged period.
• Instruction:
  • The candidate will be instructed that there is a prolonged standing component to their testing as it is a large component of the Transit Officer role. Once the testing process has begun, the candidate is to remain standing throughout the functional assessment, or until a finish time is communicated.

The panel will contact your referees to assess your suitability for the role and integrity forms wil be sent to the PTA Investigation Team. This may include investigations into suspensions from employment, past employment records and performance, workers compensation and pending criminal charges. These screenings may be undertaken at any time throughout the recruitment process.

 

 

Applicants who progress to this stage will be invited to attend a job interview and bring a photo ID and a copy of their current National Police Certificate. Referee checks may be conducted at any stage in the recruitment process.

 

 

This is a series of psychometric assessments that provide information about a person’s mental agility and personality characteristics. Links to the online assessments will be sent to you via email.

All PTA employees are required to undergo medical assessments. A one-on-one interview with a psychologist will be conducted to further assess suitability. A physical medical assessment will also be completed, this includes a medical history questionnaire.

Successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified by email at the conclusion of each stage of the process. Those successful at the end of the process will be placed into a pool, which will remain open for a period of 12 months.

Successful applicants will commence training course (up to 15 weeks) which includes both coursework and practical training, as well as on-the-job experience. The training must be successfully completed before becoming a fully operational Transit Officer.