Assistant Dispatcher

North County Transit District•Oceanside, CA

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Operations Control Center Supervisors, the Assistant Dispatcher is the primary point of coordination for communications in the Operations Control Center and provides backup dispatching functions as directed. The position coordinates communications with Dispatch, bus, rail, ADA paratransit operations, public safety personnel, customers, and other sources to support safe, efficient, and reliable operations. It may require directing and controlling the movement of revenue vehicles. This is a safety-sensitive position subject to Federal Railroad Administration and Department of Transportation regulations, including participation in a random testing pool. It is represented by the SMART Union. The training rate is $34.35 per hour, increasing to $35.48 per hour upon completion of probation under the Union Agreement. The position reports to the Operations Control Center Supervisors and has no supervisory authority. It may provide expertise and communications with contractors or other NCTD staff and is expected to share expert knowledge and participate in project teams. Work takes place in office and field settings, with periodic business travel between District sites and other locations. Evening work may be required, and the employee may work in hazardous conditions and along railway rights of way. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED and at least three years of experience in similar duties, direct bus or rail operations, or customer service or communications work with similar responsibilities. An associate degree is preferred. The employee must maintain a qualifying California Class C driver's license and become qualified as a Train Dispatcher and obtain GCOR and RWP qualifications on NCTD-owned railroad properties. A job offer is contingent on successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen and background check.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
At least three years of experience in similar duties, direct bus or rail operations, or customer service or communications work with similar duties; a combination of experience, skills, and education may be considered.
Possess and maintain a California Class C driver's license with fewer than six points in the preceding 36 months and no DUIs in the prior seven years.
Must be able to become GCOR Qualified on NCTD-owned railroad properties.
Must become familiar with NCTD modal operating environments through ride-along observations, on-the-job training, and territory familiarization during the probationary period.
Must become a qualified Train Dispatcher per the Union Agreement.
Must be able to become RWP Qualified on NCTD-owned railroad properties.
Maintain compliance with District Conflict of Interest and Ethics policies.
Working knowledge of, or ability to learn, railroad operating rules (GCOR), Train Dispatcher guidelines (TDM), Positive Train Control procedures, Computer Aided Dispatching (CAD-TMDS) procedures, and applicable federal regulations concerning Train Sheets and Hours of Service.
Ability to learn radio and other operational communication systems and procedures.
Ability to understand bus and rail operations, systems, and terminology.
Ability to forecast customer impacts during service disruptions based on provided information.
Excellent communication and teambuilding skills, including the ability to build effective working relationships and engage with internal and external contacts and the public.
Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, including gathering, organizing, analyzing, and presenting data and accurately interpreting and applying local, state, and federal rules and regulations.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, including preparing and delivering clear, concise reports.
Ability to handle demanding deadlines and changing priorities in a stressful work environment.
Demonstrated proficiency with computer software, including Microsoft Office Suite.
Ability to use a phone and computer for extended periods, perform clerical tasks and use office equipment, and periodically lift equipment up to 25 pounds.
Ability to hear, see (including distinguish colors), and communicate verbally to exchange information; travel between locations; work evenings when required and in hazardous conditions; and negotiate irregular terrain along railway rights of way.
Ability to walk, climb, balance, bend, carry, push, reach, sit, and stand.
Ability to operate a personal computer and Microsoft Office Suite, standard office equipment, a mobile device, and a two-way radio.

Nice To Haves

Associate's Degree preferred.
Demonstrated use of high-level discretion and judgment in execution of duties is preferred.

Responsibilities

Receive, communicate, and coordinate messages for operational and emergency services during disasters, civil disorders, and other emergencies involving city or county response teams.
Perform Train Dispatching duties as needed to maintain coverage or as directed by the Operations Control Supervisor.
Provide first-level support by receiving, documenting, reporting, and troubleshooting operational issues involving mechanical, communications, positive train control, and other NCTD systems.
Monitor computerized information about transit vehicle status, schedules, and assigned locations.
Maintain operations and maintenance response duty rosters and coordinate responses to equipment or infrastructure failures.
Coordinate alternate transportation for passengers during service disruptions.
Monitor station CCTV before, during, and after train and bus arrivals to support passenger connections, and relay information to modal dispatchers as appropriate.
Coordinate with local law enforcement regarding reported illegal activity on NCTD modes or property.
Manage unplanned outages in coordination with modal dispatchers and response teams.
Develop messages for internal and external stakeholders using NCTD messaging systems and tools.
Communicate delays, cancellations, and detours to customers through public-address announcements, digital signage, and social media.
Ensure internal and external contact lists are updated and accessible to Operations Control Center staff.
Prepare and distribute reports.
Perform related duties as assigned.