Bus Dispatcher

Description

Under the supervision of the Transportation Manager and leadership of the Chief Dispatcher, is responsible for providing dispatch and scheduling for transportation services. Responds to requests for public bus transportation, schedules routes accordingly and logs scheduling information.

• Receives telephone, e-mail, and fax requests for transportation, both in and outside the county, determines if requested time and route can be accommodated, and suggests alternative times if appropriate.
• Schedules rides taking into consideration the special needs (e.g., physical requirements, mental disabilities, etc.) of many of the passengers served by the department.
• Prepares daily logs to include recording time, address, and fare information for each pickup.
• Responds by phone to provide professional customer service and answers questions from the public regarding transportation services in the County.
• Operates and effectively communicates (speaks clearly and concisely) using base station or hand held radio and enforces FCC required radio procedures to ensure radio discipline of drivers.
• Complies with all applicable safety requirements, laws, and regulations concerning refueling procedures when dispatching buses.
• Collaborates with the Chief Dispatcher and Transportation Manager for resolution of customer complaints.
• Maintains records and receipts.
• Balances receipts, prepares deposits and enters all data into computerized system.
• Notifies bus system management of any safety or maintenance concerns.
• Communicates positively with bus patrons, responding to issues or needs.
• Attends training and staff meetings as required.
• Performs other duties as directed.

Requirements

• A high school diploma or equivalent and two years of progressively more responsible experience as a dispatcher.
• The county, at its discretion, may consider an alternative combination of formal education and work experience.
• Ability to learn and master radio equipment and transportation software.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of scheduling and routing, and providing customer service.
• Considerable knowledge of county roads, reading maps, providing customer service while scheduling passengers, working with a variety of people including providing service to passengers with special needs and assistance, performing basic math skills, and preparing receipts and reports.
• Skill in effectively communicating ideas and concepts orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships and use good judgment, initiative and resourcefulness when dealing with county employees, contractors to the county, representatives of other governmental units, professional contacts, elected officials, bus patrons and the public.
• Ability to learn new technology applicable to the position.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Two years of progressively more responsible experience as a dispatcher.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job.
• Ability to learn and master radio equipment and transportation software.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of scheduling and routing, and providing customer service.
• Considerable knowledge of county roads, reading maps, providing customer service while scheduling passengers, working with a variety of people including providing service to passengers with special needs and assistance, performing basic math skills, and preparing receipts and reports.
• Skill in effectively communicating ideas and concepts orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships and use good judgment, initiative and resourcefulness when dealing with county employees, contractors to the county, representatives of other governmental units, professional contacts, elected officials, bus patrons and the public.
• Ability to learn new technology applicable to the position.

Skills

• Radio equipment operation.
• Transportation software proficiency.
• Scheduling and routing.
• Customer service.
• Effective communication.
• Working with diverse groups.
• New technology learning.

Benefits

• Teamsters Bus Local 214 MERS (Municipal Employees' Retirement System) Defined Contribution Plan, Employee elects 1-3% and County contributes 2%.
• Normal Retirement Age: 60.
• Vesting – 3-6 years graded vesting.
• Health Benefits.
• Medical/RX Priority Health HMO Priority Telemedicine 24/7 Access to physicians.
• Dental 100/75/50/50, $1,000 ortho max, $1000 annual max.
• Vision Insurance 12/12/12.
• Medical Opt-out Option Eligible employees electing not to participate in the Employer’s group medical care coverage will receive an annual stipend of $2,000, to be paid quarterly.
• Life/ADD/Disability.
• Life Insurance $10,000.
• ADD $10,000.
• Short Term Disability up to 26 weeks of coverage 66 2/3% of pre-disability earnings Max: $500 per week.
• Holidays.
• Personal Time.
• Vacation Time.
• EAP Program.
• Wellness.
• On-site wellness room.
• Powerhouse Gym membership.
• Employee Assistance Program.