Reservationist/Dispatcher

Link Transit•Wenatchee, WA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Operation Assistant Manager or designee, this position dispatches and coordinates movement of transportation service vehicles to various locations within the Agency’s service area, receives requests for paratransit and Dial a Ride (DART) services schedules trips to maximize customer service and cost-effectiveness. The successful candidate will be required to obtain their Commercial Driver License (Link Transit will provide the paid CDL training.) This is a safety-sensitive position and is subject to DOT drug and alcohol testing including marijuana.

Requirements

Graduation from high school, and one year of general experience involving extensive public contact.
Acceptable driving record (No chargeable accidents. No more than one moving violation in the past 3 years. No violations of driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. No felony convictions while operating a commercial vehicle.)
Ability to safely operate a any revenue vehicle in any weather conditions.
Ability to work and assigned day, evening or night shift, which may include weekends and holidays.
Ability to sit at a desk or computer for extended periods of time.
Ability to see to read fine print.
Ability to hear to receive information in person or on the telephone.
Ability to speak clearly and distinctly to provide information.

Nice To Haves

One year transit or dispatch experience preferred.
Transit and/or dispatch experience.

Responsibilities

Develop daily service schedules by assigning trips to appropriate vehicles in order to maximize Agency services and system performance.
Assist with driver check-in to determine fit for duty, document late and no shows, etc.
Communicate with drivers and guest services (through radio, cell phone, e-mail and instant messaging); receive and provide information concerning changes in manifests, road and weather conditions, detours and closures, vehicle break-downs, maintenance calls, vehicle change-outs and other service needs and maintains logs relating to same.
Answer calls from senior citizens and individuals with disabilities and other special needs requesting special service; plan routes, contact drivers and assign trips to appropriate vehicle; book or cancel trips as requested by guests including DART riders
Schedule trips efficiently after reviewing computer suggestions, map coordinates, direction of travel and time constraints; insert stops, reschedule trips and transfer stops to other vehicles as appropriate; communicate with drivers via radio and instant messaging to adjust schedules.
Be able to adjust to changes in computer software as updates and installations are entered into.
Contact guests to re-schedule trips, obtain additional information or notify of vehicle arrival.
Operate automated demand response reservation, scheduling and dispatch system to maximize Agency efficiency and effectiveness.
Track off routes and missed trips.
Initiate response to accidents and emergencies by contacting responding personnel and 911 as needed.
Document information on appropriate forms.
Relay guest comments, driver concerns and vehicle maintenance needs to other Agency personnel as appropriate.
Monitor vehicles on the GPS maps/make sure they appear.
Prepare a weekly Will-Work list.
Enter clients and new addresses in the system.
Prepare records and reports related to specialized transportation routes, fixed routes, no-shows and other data; maintain databases and run various reports as required; maintain confidentiality of information according to Agency policies.
Prepare daily extra-board work assignments as directed.
Operate a computer, printer, two-way radio, cell phone multi-line telephone console, copier, facsimile, and label maker and other office equipment.
Create forms to meet Operational needs.
Monitor multiple computer screens for scheduling and service activity.
Enter and maintain shifts and schedules of Dispatchers to ensure proper coverage.
Maintain databases and produce reports for various programs.
Maintain billing for cab companies providing services / working with People for People.
Assist in the training of new and back-up dispatchers/reservationists.