Dispatcher - Community Transit

Overview

ONLY OPEN TO CURRENT COMMUNITY TRANSIT TERM LIMITED DISPATHCHERS. POSTING CLOSES ON JULY 5TH 2024.

As a Dispatcher, you will ensure safe and reliable service throughout our service area by dispatching and scheduling vehicles, coordinating vehicles in the yard, and communicating by radio with coach operators and their vehicles.  You will need to perform duties in any of the following Dispatcher roles:

• Window Dispatcher
• Radio Dispatcher
• Yard Dispatcher

Essential Duties

All Dispatch Assignments:

• Enter data into computer.  Communicate with employees by email in a professional manner, maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Respond to operator questions about routes and assignments.  Explain relevant procedures. 
• Stay current on all department procedures.  Understand and apply rules and guidelines fairly and consistently.
• Facilitate inter- and intra-agency communications.
• Provide input to management.
• Retrieve DVR footage, transfer footage to other mediums, and accurately log tape pull requests.
• Open Mobile Operations Center when required. 

Window Dispatcher Assignment:

• Fill open work needs by assessing the quantity of work needing coverage and matching with available staff.
• Monitor sign-in terminal and document attendance infractions.  Complete and submit absence data to the scheduling system.
• Prepare for staff shortages as they occur for service coverage and change start-time calls for the next day.
• Receive and relay board and overtime schedules to coach operators by phone.
• Distribute mail and other company documents to coach operators.
• Control distribution of relief driver keys.
• Inspect and ensure operator uniform standards are met.
• Receive, log, and prepare lost and found items for delivery to the Ride Store.

Radio Dispatcher Assignment:

• Monitor and enter radio traffic data on log sheet.
• Respond to alarms, emergencies, and accident calls from coach operators.
• Respond to radio requests from coach operators, transportation supervisors, transit police, and security staff.
• Receive and log coach numbers.  Enter numbers to match appropriate coaches.
• Make connections and public service calls for passengers who are requesting assistance.
• Work with the Advanced Public Transportation System (APTS).
• Stay current on all re-routes that affect the service area. 

Yard Dispatcher Assignment:

• Contact Maintenance in the event of mechanical breakdowns.  Coordinate assignment of new equipment or staff to cover routes as necessary.
• Direct vehicle parking assignments in the yard and ensure vehicles are parking in assigned spaces.
• Coordinate vehicle assignments to assist Maintenance Leads in scheduling work.  Track vehicle maintenance status.
• Survey the yard frequently throughout the shift to gather and update vehicle inventory, status, and location information.
• Assist operators with coach-related problems in the yard, including facilitating repairs or change-outs.
• Move fleet around on different routes as needed, to rotate high/low mileage routes between like vehicles.
• Assign coaches to routes daily, ensuring appropriate vehicle type is assigned based on route and operational requirements.
• Enter data and maintain coach assignments in software system.
• Inspect and log vehicle damage reported in the yard.
• Maintain non-revenue vehicle assignments for coach operators and supervisors.
• Pull and download video recordings.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• One year of experience in an environment dealing with critical or emergency situations.
• One year of experience working with computer applications including word processing and email.
• Ability to work weekdays, weekends, and holidays in varying shifts and for extended hours.
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License
• Must obtain a valid Washington State Commercial Driver’s License Class B or A, with passenger endorsement and with airbrake restriction removed, within six months of hire date.
• No written disciplinary action within the last 12 months.

An equivalent combination of education and experience to successfully perform the job duties is also accepted.

Knowledge Requirements

• Operation of basic office machines and computers.
• Transportation operations and practices.
• English language, verbal and written, sufficient to read, understand, retain, and convey information.
• Geographical knowledge of the Snohomish County region.

Skill Requirements

• Fostering an inclusive workplace by valuing and leveraging diversity, equity, and inclusion to uphold Community Transit’s Core Values and achieve the organization’s vision and mission. Inspiring and fostering team commitment, pride, and trust. Facilitating cooperation and motivating team members to accomplish group goals while treating others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect.
• Basic computer functions and using and learning various software programs.
• Understanding and giving clear, concise written and verbal directions and information.
• Data entry with high accuracy.
• Strong interpersonal skills in working with a diverse population.
• Effective written communication, including composition and grammar, for preparing daily reports, incident reports, emails, and memos.
• Exercising good judgment in stressful situations.
• Function effectively as a member of a team.
• Effectively manage multiple priorities in a high stress environment.
• Focus and concentration.
• Resolving problems and making process improvements.

Preferred Skills and Knowledge

• One year of experience in a fast-paced customer service or dispatch environment, requiring independent judgment.

Working Conditions

Work is performed both in an office environment and outside, and requires the use of office equipment and technology.  You may also be required to lift and carry materials up to 20 pounds occasionally, and up to 10 pounds frequently.  Due to the nature of the work, you may also be exposed to automotive fumes, odors, and dust, and may need to complete tasks in noisy environments and varying weather conditions for extended periods of time.

Employee Benefits:Employees (and their families) are covered by medical, dental, vision, basic life and disability insurance. Employees participate in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and have the option to enroll in the agency’s deferred compensation plan.  In addition to WA Paid Sick Leave, employees in this position, accrue nineteen (19) days of Paid Time Off (152 hours) in their first year and receive nine (9) paid holidays throughout the calendar year. Full list of all benefits and details can be found here. 

Application and Selection Process:• Apply online; only on-line applications accepted.  Application must have a resume, a cover letter, and all supplemental questions answered.• Applicants who meet minimum requirements may be scheduled for tests and interviews to demonstrate knowledge and skills for the position.

If you have a family member, or share the same living quarters of a current Community Transit employee, please let your Human Resources Recruiter know as your eligibility for this position may be affected. Community Transit provides a tobacco-free & drug-free work environment.

As a recipient of federal funds, Community Transit is an Equal Opportunity Employer & does not unlawfully discriminate on any basis prohibited by Federal, State or Local law. We value and encourage diversity in our workforce. EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, protected veteran status or disability.