Transit Dispatcher - Part Time

Job Title

General Definition of Work

Performs in a central communications role coordinating, scheduling, and directing bus operators to ensure timely and effective operation of public transit and paratransit services. Work is performed under the supervision of the Transit Lead Dispatcher. This position is classified as an essential position during designated planned or unplanned events.

Shifts may be scheduled in the morning, afternoons, evenings, and/or nights on weekdays and/or weekends. Scheduled shifts will predominantly be nights and weekends. The Town of Blacksburg is an EEO Employer M/F/D/V

Essential Functions

• Provide ongoing direction via two-way radio to bus operators to ensure timely arrival and departure of all route buses on route
• Assess and evaluate changing traffic conditions and patterns and implement route detours through communications and notifications to bus operators and other Transit staff
• Prepare vehicle assignments and coordinate with the Maintenance, ITS and CCS divisions regarding vehicle needs and issues
• Arrange vehicles in garage nightly according to assignment plan to ensure organized and efficient morning pullout
• Coordinate morning pullout to ensure timely start of morning service
• Resolve scheduling issues due to late operators, operator call outs, and open shifts
• Approve operator scheduling changes on operator trip sheets and WhenToWork scheduling system and maintain run sheets
• Provide dispatching and routing services for fixed-route, demand response, and paratransit as appropriate
• Work with Lead Dispatcher, supervisory staff and operators in resolving concerns related to dispatch services
• Prepare daily dispatch report detailing key events and actions occurring during the dispatch shift
• Create, maintain, and monitor computerized daily manifests/schedules for dispatching and routing transit services; modify and update schedules to improve services
• Attend all required safety / staff meetings, trainings, and other meetings when assigned
• Maintain and update supporting logs
• Monitor computer, mobile data terminals, and the two-way radio for information regarding various issues; notify supervisor of situations requiring attention
• Operate fixed route and paratransit vehicles as necessary
• Work directly with customers in resolving issues, if necessary

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of the safe operation of transit buses
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of public transit operations dispatching duties
• Thorough knowledge of the geography of the service area
• Thorough knowledge of area traffic laws
• Thorough knowledge of the hazards and safety precautions of large scale operations
• General knowledge of computer software applicable to public transit
• Ability to plan and schedule the work of rotating staff
• Ability to operate transit vehicles safely and efficiently
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, public safety staff, and the general public

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED is required
• Experience in public transit service operations as a transit operator, including some supervisory experience is desirable

Special Requirements

• Valid commercial driver's license (Class B with Air Brakes and P endorsement) in the Commonwealth of Virginia with a satisfactory driving record
• This is a safety-sensitive position subject to drug and alcohol testing guidelines as set forth by the Federal Transit Administration and the US Department of Transportation in 49 CFR Part 40, and Part 655, as amended
• A pre-employment drug screening is required for this position
• Drug and alcohol testing guidelines set forth by the U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Transit Administration, will be followed during the employment period

Physical Requirements

• This work requires the frequent exertion of up to 10 pounds of force and occasional exertion of up to 50 pounds of force
• Work regularly requires speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions, frequently requires sitting, reaching with hands and arms and lifting and occasionally requires standing, walking, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, smelling and pushing or pulling
• Work has standard vision requirements
• 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
• Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, using of measuring devices, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities
• Work occasionally requires working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles and exposure to outdoor weather conditions
• Work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic)