Dispatcher, Transportation

Description

PORTAGE AREA REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (PA RTA)

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Dispatcher
Category: Safety-Sensitive

Department: Operations
Revision Date: 09/17/19

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Pay: Hourly/N7
Reports to: Lead Dispatcher

Performs a variety of clerical, administrative and technical work in coordinating the daily delivery of transit service; communicates routine and emergency information; assigns buses to routes and drivers to buses; fills shifts and makes adjustments to schedules and routes as needed; keeps official records and assists in the administration of standard operating policies and procedures.

Performs work safely; follows safety work rules, guidelines and procedures and exercises maximum care and good judgment to prevent injury and accidents from occurring.

Promotes a positive image of PA RTA by providing safe, customer‑oriented service.

Coordinates daily delivery of transit services, using multiple modes, including a dispatch system and Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL). Opens or closes driver facility as needed and works varied shifts, including days, afternoons, nights, weekends and holidays. Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance.

Monitors telephones and radio in the dispatch center, answers all incoming calls and ascertains the nature of the call, gathers all necessary information to transmit or relay. Provides information and responds to questions. Evaluates and handles customer inquiries with sensitivity and makes suggestions as to the best course of action.

Records customer information and schedules transportation using computer software. Verifies and accurately records data on the computer scheduling program, including passenger numbers, no‑shows, cancellations, mileage, pick‑up and drop‑off times, fares and donations, and other data as directed.

Evaluates routes, scheduling needs and driver availability. Assigns buses to routes and drivers to buses. Takes a proactive approach to ensure routes run efficiently and on time by making adjustments to the schedule, assignments or routes as needed.

Performs radio dispatch duties, including driver‑customer coordination, responding to and resolving unusual or problematic situations, and monitoring driver efficiency and performance. Notifies drivers of road closures, detours, and gives direction to ensure efficient and on‑time service delivery.

Ensures drivers are fit for duty and in proper uniform. Verbally notifies driver of proper procedures and documents verbal accounts. Reconciles routes with fare collection daily.

Completes reports and logs on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis or as required. Communicates with other dispatchers during shift and between shifts. Maintains and updates radio log and dispatch sheet during shift and completes it prior to leaving shift regarding the status of ongoing or unconcluded business, such as calls for service, location of personnel and vehicles, or open routes.

Ensures the dispatch board is completed and accurate. Takes a proactive approach to completing tasks to ensure timely and efficient service delivery.

Takes all steps necessary to ensure emergency incidents and accidents are properly recorded, by notifying police, staff and coordinating response with departments, by completing reports and providing information to authorities in accordance with standard operating policies and procedures.

Maintains a Commercial Driver’s License and ability to operate any PA RTA vehicle. Maintains knowledge of routes, operator responsibilities and fills in for drivers when needed.

PA RTA has established the goal of 100 percent drug and alcohol free workplace. Applicants will be required to undergo pre‑employment drug testing and may be subject to further urine and alcohol testing throughout their period of employment.

PA RTA does not discriminate in the provision of services or employment because of handicap/disability, race, color, creed, national origin, sex or age.

• Completion of secondary education (High School or GED).
• 18 years of age and two years verifiable driving experience.
• Valid State of Ohio Driver’s License with no more than 2 points.
• Remain insurable under the employer’s vehicle insurance plan.
• Experience that demonstrates possession of or ability as a dispatcher.

• Valid State of Ohio Driver’s License with no more than two points required at time of hire.
• Successful completion of previous employment verification and criminal background investigation.
• Successful completion of post‑offer Department of Transportation (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). examination including drug screen prior to hire; continued meeting of driver fitness standards as determined by periodic DOT medical examination.
• Successful completion of requirements to obtain Class B Commercial Driver’s License with passenger endorsement within six (6) months of hire.