PART TIME: Transit Dispatcher

Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County•Athens, GA

About The Position

The Transit Dispatcher controls the daily movement of transit vehicles throughout the transit system, monitors on-street operations, and relays radio and telephone communications for the Transit Department’s Operations Division. The role includes scheduling transit services, preparing and assigning work to Transit Vehicle Operators, relaying messages to management, and supervising operators when a Route Supervisor or Operations Coordinator is absent. The position is part-time, offers flexible scheduling up to 28 hours per week, and requires weekend availability. The department operates Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Work on religious holidays may be required. Regular and predictable attendance is required. This is an emergency position requiring attendance during emergency conditions, and it is safety-sensitive and subject to random drug testing under the Athens-Clarke County Drug and Alcohol Ordinance. The position reports to the Route Supervisor and is classified as non-exempt, part-time, and without benefits. It serves at the discretion of the Department Director. The dispatcher plans and schedules Paratransit service; handles calls, complaints, route and schedule inquiries, and radio communications; coordinates detours, schedule changes, passenger pickups and drop-offs, and responses to accidents or vehicle breakdowns; and maintains operational records and reports. Additional duties include processing fare and pass revenues, preparing reports and statistics, assisting with staffing and payroll functions, and processing Paratransit applications. Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent and three years of transit operations, vehicle dispatching, or related experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. The position requires knowledge of transit routes, schedules, department procedures, and the local geography and road system; proficiency with computer and communications equipment; sound judgment; effective communication; and the ability to organize work and maintain accurate records. Physical duties include operating or using buses, vans, office equipment, and fare-counting equipment, as well as walking, standing, bending, lifting, and other movements. The job requires the ability to exert up to 20 pounds occasionally and up to 10 pounds frequently.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent and three years of transit operations, vehicle dispatching, or related experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Knowledge of Public Transit Department policies, procedures, activities, terminology, assignment sheets, correspondence formats, schedules, reports, and related procedures.
Knowledge of bus routes and schedules, the geography and road system of Athens-Clarke County, radio procedures, and departmental policies and procedures.
Skill in using computer software, radio and communications equipment, computers, calculators, and other office equipment.
Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and other staff members.
Ability to use independent judgment in routine and non-routine situations and handle mathematical calculations.
Ability to use computer applications and techniques needed for daily assignments.
Ability to compile, organize, prepare, and maintain records, reports, and information according to departmental and governmental regulations.
Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize daily assignments and work activities.
Ability to understand and apply department regulations and procedures.
Weekend availability and regular, predictable attendance.
Ability to work cooperatively with others and adapt to considerable stress during emergencies.
Ability to operate or use machinery and equipment including mainline buses, vans, adding machines, and bill and coin counting machines.
Ability to walk, stand, bend, stoop, push, pull, lift, use fingers and hands, see, talk, hear, and perform repetitive motions; exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and up to 10 pounds frequently.
Ability to communicate by telephone and two-way radio.

Responsibilities

Plan and schedule Paratransit service for passengers.
Prepare daily work assignments for Transit Vehicle Operators and direct them in completing those assignments.
Supervise and direct Transit Vehicle Operators when a Route Supervisor or Operations Coordinator is absent.
Answer and screen incoming calls, respond to routine questions and complaints, provide route and schedule information, and refer callers as appropriate.
Receive, monitor, and dispatch department radio communications, including requests for emergency assistance.
Direct Transit Vehicle Operators by FM radio regarding detours, schedule changes, and passenger pickups and drop-offs.
Dispatch personnel to vehicle accident scenes and to vehicles experiencing mechanical difficulties.
Prepare and maintain departmental computer files concerning ridership, National Transit Database reports, complaints, and other information.
Compile, balance, and distribute the Monthly Pass Sales Report; collect pass revenue; and audit pass supplies and sales.
Assist the Route Supervisor with contacting personnel and arranging work schedules.
Pull cash boxes and farebox data from buses, count revenues daily, and make deposits as required.
Conduct surveys by radio as required.
Compile, complete, and monitor payroll functions for the Operations Division.
Compile and distribute the monthly Road Call Report and monthly Paratransit/Demand Response Riders Statistics report.
Assist other office personnel as necessary.
Process Paratransit passenger applications for service.
Perform other related duties as required.