Transit Dispatcher

Some people are at their best when everything is happening at once...

They can see the big picture while managing the details. They stay calm when plans change. They earn trust because they're fair, dependable, and make sound decisions under pressure.

If that sounds like you, TCAT may be the place for your next career move!

We're looking for a Dispatcher to help coordinate daily transit operations throughout Tompkins County. This role sits at the center of service delivery, connecting Operators, maintenance staff, supervisors, and emergency resources to keep service running safely, reliably, and efficiently.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with experience in fast-paced, safety-sensitive operations such as transportation, logistics, public transit, emergency services, utilities, manufacturing, aviation, or other environments where communication, coordination, and judgment are critical.

Every day presents new challenges.

An Operator calls in sick before a pullout. A vehicle needs attention from maintenance. A special event causes route delays.

As a Dispatcher, you'll help make the decisions that keep service moving and support the Operators who serve our community. You'll balance priorities, solve problems in real time, and provide a steady presence throughout the service day.

Success in this position comes from strong communication, sound judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to maintain situational awareness across multiple moving parts.

What You'll Do:

Coordinate Daily Operations

• Build and manage Operator schedules in accordance with the labor agreement
• Assign Operators and vehicles to ensure service coverage
• Manage open work assignments and daily schedule adjustments
• Monitor Operator check-ins and vehicle departures
• Coordinate schedule coverage for absences and operational disruptions
• Process time-off requests and attendance documentation
• Maintain accurate information in scheduling and operations software
• Produce reports and daily operational records
• Support coordination of required drug and alcohol testing

Serve as the Communication Hub

• Monitor and manage two-way radio communications
• Maintain communication with Operators, mechanics, supervisors, mobility-on-demand (MOD) personnel, and emergency responders
• Coordinate responses to service disruptions and operational issues
• Support operations during weather events and emergency situations
• Relay information clearly, accurately, and efficiently

Support Operators and Service Quality

• Assist Operators with day-to-day problems and operational questions
• Provide guidance and support to help employees succeed
• Help ensure policies and procedures are consistently applied
• Monitor attendance and maintain related records
• Assist with payroll-related scheduling and timekeeping processes
• Administer MOD service requests
• Help create a professional, organized Operations environment

Additional Responsibilities

• Drive a transit vehicle during emergencies when necessary
• Provide backup support for street supervision activities
• Assist with special events and other operational needs

Experience working in fast-paced, high-stakes, safety-sensitive, or unionized environment is especially valuable!

We're looking for someone who:

• Maintains composure and makes good decisions under pressure
• Communicates effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds
• Builds credibility through fairness, consistency, and follow-through
• Enjoys solving operational problems and coordinating moving pieces
• Can balance immediate issues without losing sight of the bigger picture
• Is organized, dependable, and adaptable
• Understands the importance of safety, service reliability, and teamwork
• Can work productively in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• CDL with passenger and air brake endorsements required, or ability to obtain within three months of hire
• Previous dispatching experience preferred
• Strong computer skills, including email, spreadsheets, and operational software
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, and regulations
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment
• Ability to work variable schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Must pass a pre-employment drug test and be subject to random drug and alcohol testing

Why Join TCAT?

TCAT provides essential public transportation throughout Tompkins County. Our employees make a direct impact on the daily lives of thousands of riders by helping them reach work, school, healthcare, and community destinations safely and reliably.

As a Dispatcher, you'll play a key role in supporting Operators, coordinating service, and helping ensure our community stays connected.

Benefits

• Health Insurance (Excellus BCBS, significant employer contribution)
• Vision & Dental Insurance (Employer Paid)
• Life/AD&D Insurance (Employer Paid)
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability (Employer Paid)
• Voluntary Employee, Spouse, and Child Life Insurance
• 401(k) with direct 10% employer contribution after two years
• Paid Time Off:
  • 15 vacation days
  • 6 paid holidays
  • 5 floating holidays
  • 7 sick days
  • 3 personal days
• Employee Assistance Program
• Childcare Assistance Program
• Medical FSA & HSA Options

Apply Today!

1. Apply In Person: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM at 737 Willow Ave. Ithaca, NY 14850.

2. Apply Online or visit tcatbus.com/careers to learn more.

3. Apply by Mail or Fax – Click link for printable application and mail to 737 Willow Avenue, Ithaca, NY 14850 or fax to 607-277-9551.

Please be sure to complete all fields unless otherwise indicated and print clearly so that all information is legible and/or free of typos. Incomplete applications will not be considered.