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.

Examples of Duties

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions. These examples do not include all of the duties, which the employee may be expected to perform. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.

• 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.
• Coordinates 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.

Typical Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job.

Requirements include the following:

• 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.

Supplemental Information

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in an office setting. The employee is regularly required to communicate in person and by telephone, read regular and small print, view and produce written and electronic documents and enter data on a computer keyboard with repetitive keystrokes. The employee must be mobile in an office setting with the ability to stand, sit, stoop and kneel, use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee must lift or push/pull objects of up to 15 lbs. without assistance. Accommodation will be made, as needed, for employees required to lift or move objects that exceed this weight. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in an office setting. The noise level in the work environment varies from quiet to moderate.