Assistant Dispatcher
North County Transit - San Diego Railroad
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
North County Transit - San Diego Railroad is seeking an Assistant Dispatcher to coordinate communications within the Operations Control Center and back‑up dispatch as needed.
The role supports rail, bus, and ADA services, works with public safety and customers, and is Safety‑Sensitive under FRA/DOT guidelines. Training rate starts at $34.35/hour, rising to $35.48 after probation.
Qualifications
- Minimum 3 years in a role with similar duties or rail operations.
- Experience in customer service or communications roles with similar duties.
- Ability to learn GCOR and dispatcher procedures.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate messages for operational and emergency services during disruptions.
- Provide first-level support for operational issues across systems.
- Monitor status and location of transit vehicles via dispatch systems.
- Develop and distribute reports for internal and external stakeholders.
- Communicate delays, detours, and cancellations to customers.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
Under supervision of the Operations Control Center Supervisor, the Assistant Dispatcher serves as the primary point of coordination for communications in the Operations Control Center and provides back‑up dispatching functions as directed. This position coordinates communications with Dispatch from bus, rail, ADA paratransit operations, public safety personnel, customers, and other sources to support safe, efficient, and reliable operations. This is a bargained position represented by the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation workers (SMART) Union.
The Training Rate for this position is $34.35/hour which increases to $35.48/hour upon completion of probation per the Union Agreement.
The primary focus of this position is coordinated communication and response from a system‑wide perspective. This position may be required to direct and control the movement of revenue vehicles. This position is designated as Safety‑Sensitive in accordance with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations and will participate in a random testing pool under those guidelines.
This position reports to the Operations Control Center Supervisors. They have no supervisory authority but will provide expertise and communications with contractor or other NCTD staff as needed. Further, this position is expected to participate in the sharing of expert knowledge and as a vital member of various project teams that may be instituted.
Normal working conditions for this position are in both an office and field setting. Business travel may be required periodically between District sites, governmental agencies, consultants’ facilities, and other locations as required.
- Receives, communicates, and coordinates messages for operational and emergency services during local and regional disasters, civil disorders, and other emergencies involving city and/or county emergency response teams
- May be called upon to perform Train Dispatching duties as needed to maintain coverage or as otherwise directed by the Operations Control Supervisor
- Provide first level support in receiving, documenting, reporting, and troubleshooting of operational issues to include mechanical, communications, positive train control, and other systems utilized by NCTD.
- Monitors computerized information on status, schedule, and assigned location of transit vehicles
- Maintains operations and maintenance response duty rosters and coordinates response for equipment or infrastructure failures
- Coordinates alternate means of transportation for passengers during service disruptions.
- Monitors CCTV’s at stations before/during/after train and bus arrivals to support service connectivity for boarding and/or transferring passengers; relay information to modal dispatchers as appropriate
- Coordinates with local law enforcement when illegal activities are reported on NCTD’s modes or property
- Manages unplanned outages in coordination with modal dispatchers and response teams
- Develops messages for distribution to internal and external stakeholders using NCTD’s internal messaging systems and tools
- Communicates delays, cancellations and detours to customers via Public Address announcements, digital signage and social media outlets
- Ensures internal and external contact lists are updated and accessible for OCC staff
- Prepare and distribute reports
- Perform related duties as assigned.
- High school diploma or GED required. Associate's Degree preferred.
- Minimum of three (3) years of experience in a role with similar duties and/or experience in direct bus or rail operations or in a customer service or communications position with experience with similar requirements of duties specified.
A combination of experience/skills and education to fulfill the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this position may be considered.
- Possess and maintain a California driver’s license, Class C, with less than 6 points in the preceding 36 month period and no DUIs in the prior 7 years.
- Must be able to become GCOR Qualified on NCTD owned railroad properties.
- Must become familiar with all of NCTD’s modal operating environments through ride‑along observations, on‑the‑job training and territory familiarization to complete probationary period.
- Must become a qualified Train Dispatcher per the Union Agreement.
- Must be able to become RWP Qualified on NCTD owned railroad properties.
- Maintain compliance with the District’s policies regarding Conflict of Interest and Ethics.
- Working knowledge of, or ability to learn, railroad operating rules (GCOR), Train Dispatcher (TDM) guidelines, Positive Train Control (PTC) procedures, Computer Aided Dispatching (CAD‑TMDS) system procedures, and Federal regulations (CFR) concerning Train Sheets and Hours of service.
- Ability to learn the procedures and operation of radio and other operational communication systems.
- Ability to understand bus and rail operations, systems, and terminology.
- Ability to forecast impact to customers during service disruptions based on information provided.
- Ability to create and maintain good working relationships through excellent communication and teambuilding skills; including the ability to engage successfully with both internal and external contacts and the public.
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills; ability to gather, organize, analyze, and present data to appropriate sources; ability to interpret and apply local, state, and federal rules and regulations accurately and effectively.
- Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, including the ability to prepare and deliver clear and concise reports.
- Demonstrated use of high-level discretion and judgment in execution of duties is preferred.
- Must be able to handle demanding deadlines and changing priorities in an often‑stressful work environment.
- Demonstrated proficiency in computer software programs including the Microsoft Office Suite.
The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The employee must possess the ability to use the phone and computer for extended periods, manual dexterity to complete clerical functions and work with office equipment, and lift equipment up to 25 pounds on a periodic basis. The employee must be able to hear, see (including the ability to distinguish between colors), and communicate verbally to exchange information. The employee must be able to physically travel between District locations and other destinations, work in evenings when required, work in hazardous conditions, and negotiate a variety of different and irregular terrain as is typical along a railway right of way. The employee may be subject to fumes, odors, dusts, gases, chemicals. The employee must be able to walk, climb, balance, bend, carry, push, reach, sit, and stand.
- Ability to operate a personal computer and Microsoft Office Suite programs.
- Ability to operate standard office equipment, including a fax and scanner machine, copy machine, and telephone.
- Ability to carry and operate a mobile device.
- Ability to operate a 2‑way radio.
A job offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre‑employment drug screen and background check.
NCTD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. NCTD will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if NCTD is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting the Civil Right’s Department Fair Chance Act webpage.
NCTD participates in the CalPERS retirement program with a benefit formula of 1.5% @ 65 for PEPRA new members. Benefits are calculated based on your age at retirement, the number of years of service credit with CalPERS and the average of your monthly compensation over the past 36 months (36 months average highest hourly pay rate).
- Contribute up to amount specified annually by the IRS
- Catch‑up plan for those 50+ of up to amount specified annually by the IRS
- Is portable, can be rolled over into another qualified retirement plan
- Employer match into a 401(a) account (50% up to 8% of employee compensation; Max NCTD contribution of 4%)
NCTD offers a rich variety of HMO and PPO plans to choose from and contributes towards your monthly medical premiums, if the coverage you select costs more than the amount NCTD contributes, then payroll deductions will be withheld on a pre‑tax basis.
NCTD offers two different dental plans for employees and their eligible dependents (HMO and PPO) from a reliable dental insurance provider. Human Resources can provide information regarding annual insurance provider and available plans. Both plans are part of NCTD’s cafeteria plan (pre‑tax payroll deductions for monthly premiums).
NCTD offers vision services for employees and their eligible dependents through a reliable vision insurance provider. Human Resources can provide information regarding annual insurance provider and available plan. The plan is part of NCTD’s cafeteria plan (pre‑tax payroll deductions for monthly premiums).
- $10.00 co‑pay for Annual Exam
- No charge for standard lenses every 12 months
- $125 retail allowance for frames every 2 years; OR $125 toward the contact lens.
NCTD cares for its employees, and thus provides at no cost to the employee group life insurance in the amount of $50,000 (coverage includes Accidental Death and Dismemberment and Accelerated Death benefits). Additional life insurance is available for you and your eligible dependents at your expense. * Tax reporting is required for any amounts over $50,000, per IRS guidelines. Supplemental life insurance coverage premiums are deducted on a post‑tax basis.
NCTD offers voluntary Long‑Term Disability (LTD) insurance. You may elect units of $100 up to 60% of your hourly wage to a maximum of $6,000/month. Deductions are post‑tax, coverage 24/7, limitations or exclusions, and benefits are payable to age 65 or for two years (whichever is longer).
NCTD offers two core FSA plans and two Commuter plans. Health Care and Dependent Care plans are “Use It OR Lose It” calendar year plans (Jan. 1st – Dec. 31st). The Commuter Transit and Parking plans do not have a “use it or lose it” policy. Plans are as follows:
- Health Care Spending Account:
- May contribute up to amount specified annually by the IRS
- Dependent Care Spending Account:
- May contribute up to amount specified annually by the IRS (including limitations if married)
- Commuter Transit Accounts:
- May contribute up to amount specified annually by the IRS
Employees contribute to California State Disability Insurance (SDI). The current contribution rate is 1.1% of earnings and is totally paid by the employee. After the 7-day waiting period, SDI pays a percentage of employee’s salary up to a maximum of $1,540.00 per week, for up to 52 weeks. SDI may be coordinated with Paid Time Off (PTO).
NCTD offers voluntary accident insurance. You may elect coverage for you and your dependents for a flat monthly rate. Deductions are post‑tax.
NTD offers voluntary Critical Illness insurance. You may elect coverage up to $10,000 in increments of $2,500, for you and between $2,500 - $5,000 for your dependents, not to exceed 50% of coverage amount. Deductions are post‑tax.
NCTD recognizes 10 paid holidays per year: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans’ Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day After Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.
All NCTD Regular, Probationary, and Limited‑Term employees shall receive Paid Time Off (PTO). PTO shall be taken at reasonable times approved by the employee’s supervisor.
PTO Shall Be Earned Equally In Each Pay Period During The Year In Accordance With The Following Schedule, Based On The Number Of Years Of NCTD Service Completed
- Tier 1: 0.00-1.99 Years of Service-120 Hours Per Year
- Tier 2: 2.00-4.99 Years of Service-184Hours Per Year
- Tier 3: 5.00-7.99 Years of Service-240Hours Per Year
- Tier 4: 8.00-19.99 Years of Service-272Hours Per Year
- Tier 5: 20.00 Years of Service-280Hours Per Year
All NCTD employees receive an identification “PRONTO Card” which can be used to ride the following NCTD/MTS transit services (BREEZE, FLEX, SPRINTER, COASTER, MTS Bus, Trolley) at no charge. Eligible family members also receive a pass for NCTD public transportation at no charge (paratransit excluded).
NCTD offers paid bereavement leave.
- Emotional Support
- Work/Life Balance
- Family Care
Please contact Human Resources should you have any questions regarding NCTD Benefits.
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