Transit Dispatcher | Student Worker

Liberty University•Lynchburg, VA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Transit Dispatcher performs public transportation scheduling, routing, and dispatching duties for transit services serving seniors, individuals with disabilities certified under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the general public. The role operates communication equipment and computerized dispatch and scheduling systems; creates, maintains, and monitors driver schedules and manifests; responds to service requests and public inquiries; and provides information to passengers. The position requires independent work, sound judgment, and discretion. During the summer, when transit department work may slow or stop, the employee may be given the opportunity to work in other Facilities Management Division departments, including Maintenance, Custodial, Design & Renovations, and Grounds, and may perform general tasks. The employee reports to the Director of Transit or Senior Vice President of Facilities Management and performs other duties as assigned. This is an essential-personnel role. The employee must be available during school closings, delays, shutdowns, emergencies, severe-weather cleanup, and scheduled or unscheduled hours when emergency needs arise. Assigned duties may include snow removal such as shoveling and salting, and supporting campus events. Appropriate personal protective equipment is required while carrying out job duties and operating related equipment. The position is part-time and onsite. It operates in indoor and outdoor settings affected by weather, with good lighting and moderate noise. Local travel to on- and off-campus locations is required using a personal or university vehicle. A valid Virginia Commercial Driver’s License with Passenger and Air Brake endorsements, an acceptable driving record, and liability insurance are required. Starting pay is $12.77 per hour.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least 1 year of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience in the Transit organization.
Experience driving buses on fixed routes.
Valid Virginia Commercial Driver’s License with Passenger and Air Brake endorsements.
Acceptable DMV record and liability insurance.
Ability to understand and follow instructions and directions and work under limited supervision.
Ability to work calmly under stressful situations.
Ability to communicate effectively in spoken and written English and professionally represent the university to business and community customers and associates.
Ability to work well with the public and coworkers and maintain a courteous, positive, clean, and professional demeanor.
Strong organization, planning, and communication skills; must be self-motivated, diligent, trustworthy, detail-oriented, and able to manage work independently.
Ability to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment to routine and complex problems.
Ability to lift 50 or more pounds and perform the duties in a typical Virginia climate.
Ability to travel locally to on- and off-campus locations; use of a personal or LU vehicle is required for work-related travel.
Availability for scheduled and unscheduled hours when emergency needs arise, including during school closings, delays, shutdowns, and severe-weather incidents.
Ability to perform the job in indoor and outdoor settings and carry out its physical activities, including sitting for extended periods, hearing and speaking, standing, walking, climbing stairs, assisting passengers with disabilities on and off buses, handling materials, reaching overhead, kneeling, and stooping.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.
Excellent computer skills.

Responsibilities

Report at the required time and perform duties assigned by the Director of Transit or Senior Vice President of Facilities Management.
Dispatch and route fixed-route and other transit vehicles for public transportation services.
Create, maintain, monitor, modify, and update computerized daily schedules for transit dispatching and routing.
Keep current listings of buses and drivers, route sheets, and daily rosters of drivers and assigned buses.
Maintain cordial working relationships with drivers and supervisors and demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of routes.
Ensure drivers follow procedures for checking out and returning bus keys and clipboards.
Operate the dispatch-office two-way radio in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures.
Maintain accurate post-trip form records and verify forms are properly completed before releasing drivers.
Monitor Ride Systems to ensure it is updated and units are operating on schedule.
Perform clerical duties, including answering a multi-line phone, receiving and sorting mail, data entry, typing, maintaining service records and files, and preparing monthly reports.
Respond courteously to public inquiries and service requests and provide quality customer service and information to passengers and the public.
Be available for school closings, delays, shutdowns, emergencies, severe-weather cleanup, and scheduled or unscheduled hours as emergency needs arise.
Perform assigned snow removal, including shoveling and salting, and other general tasks as assigned.
Wear appropriate personal protective equipment while performing duties and operating related equipment.
Remain abreast of existing and emerging technologies, processes, products, services, and industry performance benchmarks.
Work effectively as a team member and support Liberty University’s mission.
Travel to local on- and off-campus locations as required.