Dispatcher

Ride Calhoun; Battle Creek (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Ride Calhoun in Battle Creek, MI is seeking a Dispatcher to coordinate operator routes and vehicles, assign routes to CDL and Non-CDL Operators, and monitor service per policy. The role requires communicating with drivers and adjusting schedules as needed.

You will ensure DOT/FTA compliance, support accessibility services, and use GPS/AVL CAD systems for tracking. A high school diploma is required; 1–3 years dispatch experience is preferred; a Class B CDL with airbrake and passenger endorsements

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Preferred: 1–3 years of dispatch or scheduling experience in public transportation.
• Valid Class B CDL with airbrake and passenger endorsements.
• DOT card must be obtained within 1 year of hire; must pass DOT drug/alcohol testing.
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and coordinate real-time movement of buses across routes to ensure on-time service.
• Communicate route changes and service alerts to drivers by radio, data terminal, or phone.
• Respond to emergencies by dispatching appropriate personnel.
• Adjust schedules, reroute vehicles, or deploy relief drivers as needed.
• Ensure compliance with DOT/FTA regulations and safety protocols.
• Provide clear information to the public and other agencies when required.
• Support accessibility services and ADA compliance where applicable.
• Track vehicle locations and schedule adherence using GPS/AVL and CAD.

Skills

Strong computer skills

Real-time dispatch coordination

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Outlook

GPS/CAD software

GIS mapping tools

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Dispatcher

Full Time Battle Creek, MI, US

Job Summary:

The Dispatcher position coordinates operator routes and vehicles, including assigning routes and vehicles to CDL and Non-CDL Operators, monitoring service according to established policies and performs as a CDL/Non-CDL Operator as needed. Work is performed under the moderate supervision of an Operations Supervisor, and is a safety-sensitive position subject to DOT FTA Drug and Alcohol testing requirements.

Qualification Requirements:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Functions:

• Monitor and coordinate the real-time movement of Max and Flex & Move vehicles across assigned routes to ensure safe, on-time service.
• Communicate continuously with drivers via radio, mobile data terminal, or phone to relay route changes, delays, detours and service alerts.
• Respond promptly to emergencies and safety events by dispatching appropriate personnel, supervisors or emergency responders.
• Adjust schedules, reroute vehicles, or deploy relief drivers in response to traffic conditions, road closures, weather events, or service disruptions.
• Ensure compliance with TACC policies, DOT/FTA regulations and safety protocols.
• Provide clear, professional communication to the public, other agencies, or law enforcement regarding service status when required.
• Support accessibility services by coordinating Move scheduling and ensuring ADA compliance where applicable.
• Track vehicle locations and schedule adherence using GPS/AVL systems and computer-aided dispatch (CAD) software

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Physical Requirements:

Vision & Hearing

• Normal or corrected vision sufficient for prolonged close work at a computer screen (reading spreadsheets, mapping software, timetables)
• Ability to read fine-print schedules, maps, and data tables accurately
• Hearing sufficient for phone calls, radio traffic (if monitoring operations), and meetings

Physical Demands

• Primarily sedentary — extended periods sitting at a desk/workstation (often 6-8+ hours)
• Repetitive use of hands/wrists for typing and mouse use
• Light lifting may be required (< 20 lbs)

Cognitive/Mental Demands

• Sustained concentration for detailed, data-heavy work
• Ability to manage multiple constraints simultaneously
• Comfort with recurring deadline pressure

Working Conditions:

• Primarily indoor office setting
• 8 – 12-hour shifts

Work Pace & Pressure

• May be called upon during service emergencies to make rapid schedule adjustments — this can mean irregular hours during disruptions
• Collaborative work with Dispatchers, Schedulers, Operations Supervisors and Managers

Tools & Technology

• Heavy use of specialized scheduling software and GIS mapping tools
• Regular use of spreadsheets and databases

Qualifications and Special Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED.

Preferred Qualifications:

• One to Three years’ experience in dispatch or scheduling role in public transportation
• Valid Class B commercial driver’s license with airbrake and passenger endorsements.

Special Requirements:

• Must possess a minimum 1-year DOT card upon hire
• Must be able to pass a DOT FTA drug and/or alcohol test.
• Strong computer skills with proven competency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.