Transit Dispatcher - Full Time

Transit Dispatcher

The Transit Dispatcher performs in a central communications role, coordinating, scheduling, and directing bus operators to ensure the 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.

Shift: Schedule may vary depending upon needs. The set hiring range for this position is $43,270.00 to $45,018.00 annually. The Town of Blacksburg is an EEO Employer M/F/D/V

Essential Functions

• Provides ongoing direction via two-way radio to bus operators to ensure timely arrival and departure of all route buses on route
• Assesses and evaluates changing traffic conditions and patterns, and implements route detours through communications and notifications to bus operators and other Transit staff
• Prepares vehicle assignments and coordinates with the Maintenance, ITS, and CCS divisions regarding vehicle needs and issues
• Arranges vehicles in garage nightly according to assignment plan to ensure organized and efficient morning pullout
• Coordinates morning pullout to ensure a timely start of morning service
• Resolves scheduling issues due to late operators, operator call outs, and open shifts.
• Approves operator scheduling changes on operator trip sheets and WhenToWork scheduling system and maintains run sheets
• Provides dispatching and routing services for fixed-route, demand response, and paratransit as appropriate
• Works with Lead Dispatcher, supervisory staff, and operators in resolving concerns related to dispatch services
• Prepares daily dispatch report detailing key events and actions occurring during the dispatch shift
• Creates, maintains, and monitors computerized daily manifests/schedules for dispatching and routing transit services; Modifies and updates schedules to improve services
• Attends all required safety/staff meetings, training, and other meetings when assigned; Maintains and updates supporting logs
• Monitors computers, mobile data terminals, and the two-way radio for information regarding various issues; Notifies the supervisor of situations requiring attention
• Operates fixed route and paratransit vehicles as necessary
• Works 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, tasting or 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)