Transportation Dispatcher

The City of Grand Forks is seeking to fill a position at the downtown Metro Transit Center for a Transportation Dispatcher. This position provides a great work-life balance with no nights or weekends.

This position serves as the front-line customer-facing representative who handles the downtown MTC office ticket sales, dispatches the system’s vehicles, and provides a communication link to agency drivers. This position also handles customer complaints and scheduling issues that arise.

Shift: Monday - Friday 6:00 am - 2:30 pm

• 1. Duties may include using two-way radio, telephone and/or computer to transmit assignments and compile daily operating statistics. Provides direction to and maintains two-way communications with all operators, monitoring system performance and making scheduling adjustments where necessary to maximize on-time performance, minimize customer wait times for on-call or will-call services, and minimize service disruptions as a result of vehicle/operator availability, and/or emergency situations.
• 2. Projects a positive image to the public and provides exceptional customer service skills, which exhibit patience and consideration. Represent the agency to client base and the general public on an ongoing basis. Follow all City of Grand Forks policies and procedures.
• 3. Strong computer skills, use of and ability to train on Dispatching software and/or present dispatch system.
• 4. Assign work, vehicles, and on-board equipment to operators and maintain check-out logs. Work with supervisor when additional personnel are needed in the event of absences or increased service volumes, or to minimize service disruptions as a result of vehicle malfunctions, operator problems and/or emergency situations.
• 5. Monitor drivers performance, ADA regulation compliance, vehicle status, and assist with passenger problems.
• 6. Prepare transit reports as required.
• 7. Perform duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Basic communications equipment, procedures and techniques;
Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations;
Operations, services and activities of a municipal dispatch center;
Use and operate the full array of Public Transit equipment independently;
Modern and complex principles and practices of radio communications and dispatch;
Interpret and explain City policies and procedures;
Analyze situations quickly and objectively and determine proper course of action. Strong knowledge of Grand Forks urban area, and the region.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing;
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including City officials and the general public;
Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities;
Maintain mental capacity which allows the capability of making sound decisions and demonstrating intellectual capabilities;
Maintain effective audio/visual discrimination and perception to the degree necessary for the successful performance of assigned duties. Duties include utilizing established policies and practices in strategy development and problem solving. Detail oriented, accurate and organized. Data entry computer skills.

Learn modern and complex principles and practices of radio communications and dispatch;
Learn the operations, services and activities of a urban transit system and dispatch center;
Ability to perform multiple tasks under stressful situations;
Ability to work independently and with a variety of individuals. Self-motivated and strong customer skills. Excellent safety and service record. Ability to read, write and speak English clearly. Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a variety of individuals including co-workers, supervisors, and client base.

One or two years passenger transportation experience, training and/or supervision experience

High School diploma or GED equivalent.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver’s license