Transit Dispatcher

Title:Transit Dispatcher Salary Grade 13 Department: Transportation Salary Range: $20,135 - $32,994

Type: Various

General Statement of Duties

The job duties of the Transportation Dispatcher and Scheduler are interchangeable. The policy of the department is to combine both jobs, and to assign individuals to each role. The job description below defines the areas of responsibility for each assignment to distinguish specific accountabilities and areas of responsibility. The position reports to the Transit Manager.

Distinguishing Features of the Class

DISPATCHING: Facilitates the completion of passenger trips and ensures timely and efficient travel of drivers to and from destinations; answers the telephone to offer and receive information regarding passenger trips; communicates with drivers, administrative staff and Transportation leadership; enters accurate data and updates trip statuses in the scheduling software; reinforces safe operating practices for passengers and employees; understands and is able to execute emergency response protocol in the event of an accident.

SCHEDULING: Uses information from passengers and contracted agencies to assemble demand response and subscription routes; uses passenger information to determine the need for ADA compliance; and assigns drivers and vehicles in a manner that ensures safe, timely and efficient travel to and from destinations.

Work involves a special understanding of the needs and behavior of clients served. The position is supervised by the Transportation Manager, and is evaluated based on the safe and efficient operation of the vehicles, records and reports, and client feedback.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Tasks

DISPATCHER AND SCHEDULER

  • Answers incoming calls and takes action related to the completion of passenger trips.
  • Monitors and coordinates drivers’ schedules with the Scheduler to ensure compliance with budgeted hours.
  • Updates passenger records in the database as necessary.
  • Uses emergency response protocol to direct driver activities in the event of an

accident or other emergency.

  • Assists the department to enforce cancellation and no show policies when scheduling.
  • Covers driver absences by completing assigned routes as necessary.
  • Informs Transportation leadership promptly of issues related to driver performance, passenger and other motorist safety and vehicle maintenance.
  • Performs related duties as assigned.

DISPATCHING

  • Operates radio base station and communicates with drivers by radio and by phone.
  • Tracks location of drivers and provides instructions for efficient and timely completion of trips.
  • Coordinates driver activities in the schedule to include training, meetings, random drug and alcohol testing, vehicle maintenance and cleaning.
  • Calls in advance to confirm passengers will travel out-of-county as scheduled.
  • Monitors and follows up on issues needing driver attention including: transit system schedules for communication to passengers; cost of fares; items to be replenished in vehicles.

SCHEDULING

  • Enters passenger appointments in the database and monitors trips entered by others.
  • Assigns runs and trips to drivers.
  • Reviews Driver Utilization data in the scheduling software to assist decision making for assignments.
  • Organizes data by trip type, e.g. demand response, subscription and out-of-county.
  • Produces printed copies of schedules for distribution to drivers, or emails same.
  • Before trip dates, communicates cancellations and/or provides revised schedules to drivers.
  • Coordinates and assigns the use of vehicles based on need, e.g. lift equipped for wheelchairs.
  • Assists dispatcher as needed; operates two-way radio to direct drivers.

Training and Drug and Alcohol Testing and Training

An employee performing the Dispatcher or Scheduler function is considered a covered safety sensitive position and is subject to NCDOT new hire and random drug and alcohol testing and new hire and annual safety training.

Recruitment and Selection Guidelines

Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities

Proficiency in the use of computer software including MS Office, email and Access databases

Considerable knowledge of geographical layout of County and surrounding areas. Working knowledge of safe and efficient operation of vehicles.

Ability to understand and work with special populations.

Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written forms.

Ability to compile information and to maintain accurate records and reports.

Ability to interact courteously and tactfully with the public.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the elderly, children, handicapped, other employees, and the general public.

Physical Requirements

Driving and assisting the disabled is heavy work requiring the exertion of 100 pounds occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently and up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects; work requires climbing, balancing, stooping, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, lifting and rasping; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for visual inspection, operation of equipment; and observing general surroundings and activities. The worker is exposed to inside and outside environmental conditions and may be exposed to blood borne pathogens and required to wear specialized personal protective equipment.

The Dispatcher/Scheduler must possess the visual acuity to compile and maintain records.

Desirable Education and Experience

Graduation from high school,experience with MS Office, general office work and some experience in public transit; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Polk County

Dispatcher and Scheduler Combined 2014

PCTA Dispatcher/Scheduler Job Description - November 2014Page 1