Lead Dispatcher

Transdev; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 44,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Two weeks vacation

Sick days

Holidays

401(k) and benefits

Job summary

Transdev in Portland, OR seeks a Lead Dispatcher to guide on-shift Dispatchers on our TriMet LIFT contract. This 100% onsite role focuses on safe, reliable operations, leadership, and training, acting as the first escalation point for complex issues and coordinating with multiple teams to maintain service continuity.

You will train new hires, ensure accurate logs, and support ADA-compliant decision making, while monitoring performance with dispatch systems and dashboards.

Qualifications

• Ability to provide operational guidance, training, and support to Dispatchers.
• Experience in paratransit or transit operations preferred.
• Strong communication, multitasking, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency with dispatch and operations software and radio systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide on-shift leadership, real-time coaching, and guidance to Dispatchers.
• Serve as primary on-shift trainer for new Dispatch hires with hands-on training.
• Act as escalation point for complex operational issues and ADA-sensitive decisions.
• Monitor real-time performance using Trapeze, VISION, Lytx, MDT and related tools.
• Dispatch, reroute, and recover service during delays and disruptions.
• Coordinate with internal teams to resolve service gaps and emergencies.
• Maintain incident logs, timestamps, and required documentation.

Skills

Strong communication

Multitasking

Crisis management

Problem-solving

Decision making

Work-life flexibility

Training and coaching

Team leadership

ADA compliance awareness

Education

High school diploma or GED

College coursework preferred

Tools

Trapeze

VISION

Lytx

MDT

Mapping tools

Radio systems

Provider dashboards

Office applications

Job description

Transdev in Portland, OR is hiring a Lead Dispatcher to work on our TriMet LIFT contract. This 100% onsite position supports safe, reliable, ADA-compliant dispatch operations, provides on-shift leadership and guidance to Dispatchers, and serves as the first point of escalation for complex operational and service-related issues. The Lead Dispatcher also plays a key role in training new Dispatchers while performing core dispatch duties to maintain service continuity.

Transdev is proud to offer:

• Non-Union, Full-Time Position

• Competitive compensation package with a starting rate of $38.36/hr and an annual increase every January

Benefits include:

• Vacation: minimum of two weeks

• Sick days: 5 days

• Holidays: 12 days, 8 standard and 4 floating

• 401(k), medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, voluntary long-term disability.

Benefits may vary depending on location policy. The above represents the standard Corporate Policy.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide on-shift leadership, real-time coaching, operational guidance, and decision support to Dispatchers.

• Serve as the primary on-shift trainer for new Dispatch hires, delivering hands-on system training, shadowing, and real-time operational coaching.

• Evaluate trainee readiness, identify performance gaps, and provide feedback to the Dispatch Supervisor regarding training needs.

• Serve as the first point of escalation for complex operational issues, safety concerns, service disruptions, and ADA-sensitive decisions.

• Monitor real-time vehicle and service performance using Trapeze, VISION, Lytx, MDT, mapping tools, radio systems, and provider dashboards.

• Dispatch, reroute, reassign, and recover service during delays, missed trips, vehicle issues, capacity constraints, and operational disruptions.

• Manage will-calls, no-shows, same-day changes, uncovered trips, and stranded-passenger risks.

• Coordinate with Reservations, Customer Service, Scheduling, Road Supervision, Maintenance, and supplemental providers to resolve service gaps.

• Initiate emergency response procedures and coordinate with Safety, Road Supervision, TriMet OCC, leadership, and emergency services as needed.

• Maintain professional radio communications, support de-escalation, and ensure timely escalation of significant incidents and service risks.

• Ensure accurate incident logs, timestamps, trip records, system notes, and required documentation.

• Support ADA-compliant decision-making, including shared-ride requirements, no-strand protections, and passenger service obligations.

• Maintain effective shift handoffs, communicate unresolved issues, and identify recurring operational concerns.

• Serve as the senior on-shift operational resource when onsite management is unavailable, escalating significant matters as required.

• Perform core Dispatcher duties as needed to maintain safe, reliable, and continuous service.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required; college coursework preferred.

• Minimum two years of experience in paratransit dispatch, transit operations, or emergency communications.

• Demonstrated ability to provide operational guidance, training, and support to other employees.

• Strong communication, multitasking, crisis management, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

• Proficiency, or ability to become proficient with Trapeze, VISION, Lytx, radio systems, and standard office applications.

• Ability to manage competing priorities and make sound decisions in a fast-paced operational environment.

• Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays in a 24/7 operation.

Core Competencies:

• Sound judgment, multitasking, composure, and situational awareness under pressure.

• Knowledge of ADA paratransit service requirements and operational procedures.

• Clear communication, de-escalation, and accurate documentation.

• Ability to interpret maps, routes, policies, and system data.

• Bilingual skills preferred.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• Drug testing and background check required.

• Must be eligible to work in the U.S.

Physical Requirements:

• 100% onsite, indoor dispatch center environment.

• Extended sitting, typing, screen viewing, and headset/radio communications.

• High-volume work with frequent interruptions and competing priorities.

• Flexible schedules and shifts as operationally required.

• Subject to DOT drug testing and physical if applicable. DOT Regulation 49 CFR Part 40 does not authorize Schedule I drugs, including cannabis, for any reason.

Drug-free workplace:

Transdev maintains a drug-free workplace. Applicants must:

• Be eligible to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship now or in the future (if based in the U.S.).

• Successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen.

About Transdev: Cities, counties, airports, companies, and universities across the U.S. contract with Transdev to operate their transportation systems, maintain their vehicle and fleets, and deliver on mobility solutions. Transdev U.S. employs a team of 32,000 across 400 locations while maintaining more than 17,000 vehicles.

Part of a global company, Transdev is a leader in mobility with operations in 19 countries, proudly operated by 110,000 team members from around the world. As an operator and global integrator of mobility, we are driven by our purpose. Transdev - the mobility company - empowers the freedom to move every day thanks to safe, reliable, and innovative solutions that serve the common good. Find out more at www.TransdevNA.com or watch an overview video at https://youtu.be/ilO5cv0G4mQ

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Transdev is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic data, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or other legally protected status.

The physical demands described here 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 upon request.

California applicants: Please Click Here for CA Employee Privacy Policy.

Job Category: Dispatchers

Job Type: Full Time

Req ID: 9337

Pay Group: X60

Cost Center: 423

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

The physical demands described here 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 upon request.

Transdev is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic data, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or other legally protected status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law.

Drug-free workplace

If based in the United States, applicants must be eligible to work in U.S. without restrictions for any employer at any time; be able to pass a drug screen and background check.

California applicants: Please Click Here for CA Employee Privacy Policy.

About Transdev

Cities, counties, airports, companies, and universities across the U.S. contract with Transdev to operate their transportation systems, maintain their vehicle and fleets, and deliver on mobility solutions. Transdev U.S. employs a team of 32,000 across 400 locations while maintaining more than 17,000 vehicles.

Part of a global company, Transdev is a leader in mobility with operations in 19 countries, proudly operated by 110,000 team members from around the world. As an operator and global integrator of mobility, we are driven by our purpose. Transdev - the mobility company - empowers the freedom to move every day thank to safe, reliable, and innovative solutions that serve the common good. Find out more at http://www.TransdevNA.com or watch an overview video.

Find out more at http://www.TransdevNA.com or watch an overview video.