Dispatcher - Full-Time

Portage Area Regional Transportation Authority•Kent, OH

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Dispatcher position at PORTAGE AREA REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (PARTA) involves a variety of clerical, administrative, and technical duties to coordinate the daily delivery of transit service. This role is crucial for communicating information, assigning resources, managing schedules, and maintaining records. The Dispatcher is expected to perform work safely, follow all guidelines, and promote a positive image of PARTA through customer-oriented service.

Requirements

Completion of secondary education (High School or GED).
18 years of age.
Two years verifiable driving experience.
Valid State of Ohio Driver’s License with no more than 2 points.
Remain insurable under the employer’s vehicle insurance plan.
Experience that demonstrates possession of or ability of a dispatcher.
Successful completion of previous employment verification and criminal background investigation.
Successful completion of post-offer Department of Transportation (DOT) medical examination including drug screen prior to hire.
Must continue to meet driver fitness standards, as determined by periodic DOT medical examination.
Successful completion of requirements to obtain Class B Commercial Driver’s License with passenger endorsement within six (6) months of hire.

Responsibilities

Coordinate the daily delivery of transit services using a dispatch system and Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL).
Open or close the driver facility as needed and work varied shifts, including days, afternoons, nights, weekends, and holidays.
Monitor telephones and radio in the dispatch center, answer incoming calls, and gather necessary information.
Provide information and respond to customer inquiries with sensitivity.
Record customer information and schedule transportation using computer software.
Verify and accurately record data on the computer scheduling program, including passenger numbers, no-shows, cancellations, mileage, pick-up and drop-off times, fares, and donations.
Evaluate routes, scheduling needs, and driver availability.
Assign buses to routes and drivers to buses.
Make adjustments to schedules, assignments, or routes to ensure efficient and on-time service.
Perform radio dispatch duties, including driver-customer coordination and responding to unusual situations.
Monitor driver efficiency and performance.
Notify drivers of road closures and detours.
Ensure drivers are fit for duty and in proper uniform.
Reconcile routes with fare collection daily.
Complete reports and logs on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.
Communicate with other dispatchers during and between shifts.
Maintain and update the radio log and dispatch sheet.
Ensure the dispatch board is completed and accurate.
Record emergency incidents and accidents, notify authorities, and coordinate response.
Maintain Commercial Driver’s License and the ability to operate any PARTA vehicle.
Maintain knowledge of routes and operator responsibilities.
Fill in for drivers when needed.