Dispatcher Transit

Overview

Work Location: 2411 Tallevast Road, Sarasota, Florida 34243

Work Hours: Monday - Friday 5:00 am - 1:30 pm with rotating Saturdays

Expected Starting Hourly Range: $23.67 - $29.59

This classification performs responsible work in coordinating daily scheduling and operation of buses and routes. Work involves maintaining contact with transit and para-transit drivers through a radio dispatch system and changing routes upon demand.

This is a safety-sensitive position. Employment and continued employment with Manatee County Government is contingent upon passing pre-employment and employment screenings identified in Section XX of the Personnel Policy, Rules, and Procedures Manual. An applicant/employee who fails to pass a drug/alcohol screening shall be disqualified from employment in any class for a period of three (3) years. Indoor/outdoor situation; high noise environment while performing certain responsibilities.

Lifting equipment up to 25 lbs. alone; up to 50 lbs. with assistance.

• Answers incoming calls and provides information on public transportation and paratransit services, offering routing assistance to seniors, ADA eligible individuals, persons with disabilities, and the general public.
• Conducts follow-up with Bus Operators and takes necessary actions to ensure passengers are picked up on time and reach their destinations as scheduled; ensures operator compliance with established rules and procedures.
• Creates, updates, and monitors computerized daily manifests and schedules for phone-based and routed transit services.
• Performs a range of clerical duties, including answering multi-line phones, sorting, and distributing schedules, keys, etc., completing data entry and typing tasks, and maintaining accurate records, logs, for transportation and paratransit operations; prepares daily schedules and general office tasks as needed.
• Applies working knowledge of Federal Communications Commission regulations and the geography of the County, including all applicable bus routes; quickly learns and applies new operational rules and procedures.
• Utilizes the radio-dispatch system to coordinate updates between drivers and the operations center, including route or schedule changes, accidents, service interruptions, and delays.
• Communicates clearly, tactfully, and effectively both orally and in writing using a well-modulated voice and proper diction.
• Maintains concentration while working at a computer workstation for extended periods, operating communication equipment accurately, efficiently, and in a timely manner, inputs data into computer systems.
• Understands and follows oral and written instructions.
• Responds quickly, calmly, and appropriately in emergency or high-pressure situations.
• Maintains required logs, records, and reports.
• Adjusts paratransit schedules and accurately dispatches all necessary information.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with co-workers, transit operators, supervisors, and clients.
• Performs other related work (including weather or other extreme emergency duties) as required.

• High school graduate/equivalent.
• Must successfully pass a DOT physical and pass a Level 2 background check.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in the operation of radio dispatch equipment.
• Class B Commercial Driver's License with passenger endorsement and air brakes endorsement, or Class B CDL permit with passenger and air brake endorsements required by effective date of employment.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
• Prior transit/para-transit experience highly desired.

• Skill in the operation of radio dispatch equipment and personal computers.