Transit Dispatcher - Part Time

Blacksburg, Town of•Blacksburg, VA

About The Position

The Transit Dispatcher performs a central communications role coordinating, scheduling, and directing bus operators to support timely and effective public transit and paratransit services. The position works under the supervision of the Transit Lead Dispatcher and is classified as essential during designated planned or unplanned events. Shifts may be scheduled in the morning, afternoon, evening, or night on weekdays and/or weekends, and holidays may be required. The set starting rate is $20.80 per hour. The dispatcher communicates with operators, coordinates vehicle assignments and service changes, manages dispatch schedules and records, and helps resolve operational and customer issues. The role may also involve operating fixed-route and paratransit vehicles. This is a safety-sensitive position subject to federal drug and alcohol testing requirements, including pre-employment screening.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Valid Commonwealth of Virginia commercial driver's license, Class B with Air Brakes and P endorsement, with a satisfactory driving record.
Ability to safely and efficiently operate transit vehicles.
Comprehensive knowledge of the safe operation of transit buses.
Thorough knowledge of public transit operations and dispatching principles and practices.
Thorough knowledge of the service area's geography and area traffic laws.
Thorough knowledge of hazards and safety precautions associated with large-scale operations.
General knowledge of computer software applicable to public transit.
Ability to plan and schedule the work of rotating staff.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, public safety staff, and the general public.
Satisfactory completion of required pre-employment drug screening and compliance with applicable drug and alcohol testing guidelines.

Nice To Haves

Experience in public transit service operations as a transit operator, including some supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

Provide ongoing direction via two-way radio to bus operators to ensure timely arrival and departure of route buses.
Assess changing traffic conditions and patterns and implement route detours through communications and notifications to operators and other Transit staff.
Prepare vehicle assignments and coordinate vehicle needs and issues with the Maintenance, ITS, and CCS divisions.
Arrange vehicles in the garage nightly according to the assignment plan to support organized and efficient morning pullout.
Coordinate morning pullout to ensure timely commencement of morning service.
Resolve scheduling issues caused by late operators, operator call-outs, and open shifts.
Approve operator scheduling changes on trip sheets and in the WhenToWork scheduling system, and maintain run sheets.
Provide dispatching and routing services for fixed-route, demand response, and paratransit services as appropriate.
Work with the Lead Dispatcher, supervisory staff, and operators to resolve concerns related to dispatch services.
Prepare a daily dispatch report documenting key events and actions during the shift.
Create, maintain, and monitor computerized daily manifests and schedules for dispatching and routing transit services; modify and update schedules to improve services.
Attend required safety and staff meetings, trainings, and other assigned meetings.
Maintain and update supporting logs.
Monitor computers, mobile data terminals, and two-way radio communications for operational information, and notify the supervisor of situations requiring attention.
Operate fixed-route and paratransit vehicles as necessary.
Work directly with customers to resolve issues when necessary.