Dispatcher I (Full-Time)

Mass Transit magazine; San Rafael (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Mass Transit magazine is seeking a dispatcher who reports to the Operations Control Manager. The role focuses on creating daily dispatch plans, overseeing schedules, and guiding bus operators while coordinating with supervisors to maintain service.

The ideal candidate will interpret the labor agreement, handle unscheduled events, assist field supervisors with radio contact, verify credentials, and uphold safety standards; extended shifts may be required.

Qualifications

• Experience scheduling bus operators.
• Familiarity with labor agreements.
• Ability to manage emergency situations.
• Strong communication and coordination skills.

Responsibilities

• Develops a daily dispatch plan based on equipment and operator availability and adjusts as conditions change.
• Maintains scheduled and unscheduled service at a high rate while controlling overtime costs.
• Understands and applies the labor agreement when scheduling the extra board and assignments.
• Coordinates with bus transportation supervisors and provides radio support as needed.
• Verifies accuracy of time clocks, vehicle/operator supplies, schedules, and licenses/medical cards.
• Follows safety and health rules and safe working practices.
• Maintains professional relationships with District employees, customers, vendors and others.
• Performs additional related duties as assigned.
• Regular and reliable attendance is required.

Skills

Dispatch planning

Radio communications

Team supervision

Labor agreements

Safety awareness

Job description

Position Summary

This position reports directly to the Operations Control Manager, who provides general supervision, guidance, and assistance. A substantial portion of the dispatcher’s work is assessment of unscheduled events and corrective action follow through. Dispatcher’s work is evaluated by performance in maintaining scheduled and unscheduled service, dealing with emergency situations, supervision of bus operators, and interaction with bus transportation supervisors.

Position Summary

This position reports directly to the Operations Control Manager, who provides general supervision, guidance, and assistance. A substantial portion of the dispatcher’s work is assessment of unscheduled events and corrective action follow through. Dispatcher’s work is evaluated by performance in maintaining scheduled and unscheduled service, dealing with emergency situations, supervision of bus operators, and interaction with bus transportation supervisors. The primary responsibility of the Dispatcher is to make work assignments to bus operators in accordance with the labor agreement; within a geographic service area, to safely maintain scheduled and unscheduled service. A secondary responsibility is to act as Radio Controller as required. Position may require working on extended shifts.

Essential Responsibilities

• Develops a daily dispatch plan, based on availability of equipment and operators, and modifies the plan as conditions or events change during the day.
• Responsible for maintaining scheduled and unscheduled service at a rate greater than 99% of all schedules while minimizing additional costs of overtime.
• Possesses the knowledge and interpretation of the labor agreement in scheduling the extra board, making work assignments, and handling a wide variety of operational situations.
• Assists, coordinates, and provides radio contact for bus transportation supervisors in the field, and dispatch them as needed to respond to situations requiring supervisor’s presence.
• Verifies accuracy and functioning of time clocks, check vehicle/operator supplies, reviews daily schedules, and verifies bus operator’s medical card and driver license.
• Knows and follows the safety and health rules and safe working practices applicable to his or her job.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with District employees, customers, vendors and all others contacted during the course of work using principles of excellent customer service.
• Performs additional related duties as assigned.
• Regular and reliable attendance and performance are required.