OCC Bus Traffic Controller

NCTD; Oceanside (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

NCTD is seeking a dispatcher for its Operations Control Center in Oceanside, CA. The role focuses on managing the communications center, coordinating with rail, public safety, customers, and internal teams to ensure safe and reliable service across BREEZE, ADA paratransit, and emergency operations.

The position requires strong leadership, exceptional communication, and the ability to work under pressure with rotating shifts.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; higher degree preferred.
• Minimum five years' experience in operation of bus operating and safety rules.
• Two years' experience with Computer Aided Dispatch systems or radio control devices.
• Knowledge of General Code of Operating Rules and applicable regulations.
• Experience with movement authority and protect authority procedures.

Responsibilities

• Manage the operations of a communications center.
• Notify personnel during special requests and emergencies.
• Coordinate system operations during emergency conditions.
• Prepare performance evaluations for subordinates.
• Respond to calls from a customer service center.
• Monitor and control special and emergency bus movements.
• Maintain route and schedule adherence, mitigate delays.
• Provide direct supervision in the field at the scene of incidents.

Skills

Communication

Teambuilding

Analytical thinking

Report writing

Radio/telephone protocols

Discretion

Deadline management

Microsoft Office

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

2‑way radio

Job description

DEFINITION

This position will dispatch buses for NCTD services, emergency transit bus operations, and protect individuals who work on or near the route. This position coordinates communications with Dispatch from rail, public safety personnel, customers, and other sources to support safe, efficient, and reliable operations. ?This is a bargained position represented by the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU).

Distinguishing Characteristics

This position is distinguished by its responsibility for direct control of BREEZE, ADA paratransit operations, and emergency bus operations. Additionally, this position is responsible for coordination of communications between modal operations controls and external public safety entities. Due to the safety critical duties performed, this position operates in an environment with rapidly changing priorities and high-pressure performance expectations.

Supervision Received and Exercised

This position reports to the Operations Control Center Supervisor. 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.

Working Conditions

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. The Dispatch function operates 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The scheduled hours of individuals serving in this position vary and will include days or nights any day of the week, including holidays.

Essential Functions

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Manages the operations of a communications center.

• Provides notification to specific personnel during special requests and emergency procedures.

• Coordinates system operations and personnel during emergency conditions.

• Prepares performance evaluations for subordinates.

• Responds to calls from a customer service center.

• Monitors and controls special and emergency bus movements.

• Maintains route and schedule adherence, mitigating delays by following failure management techniques.

• Provides direct supervision in the field at the scene of accidents or incidents.

• Reviews and investigates complaints.

• Communicates with the general public and passengers to resolve complaints concerning transit service and bus operators.

• Maintains attendance records of bus operators and recommends disciplinary actions.

• Orders and reviews bus videos, relating to incidents/accidents. Duplicates videos for superintendents.

• Coordinates bus bridges, emergency and routing response and delay mitigation strategies between Coaster, Sprinter and the rider.

• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience/Education

• High school diploma or equivalent GED. Associate's or Bachelors' Degree preferred

• Minimum of five years' prior work experience in operation of the bus operating and safety rules including:

• A minimum of two (2) years' experience with Computer Aided Dispatch systems or radio control devices

• General Code of Operating Rules and all applicable regulations

• Prior work experience with movement authority and protect authority, including procedures for bus operations.

A combination of experience/skills and education to fulfill the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this position may be considered.

Certificates/Licenses

• Possession of and the ability to maintain a California driver’s license, Class C, with less than 6 points in the prior 36‑month period and no DUIs in the prior 7 years.

• Must be able to obtain and maintain access to Marine Corp Base Camp Pendleton.

General Requirements

• 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.

• Able to utilize appropriate radio and telephone communications protocols and present details in a short, concise manner.

• 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.

Physical Requirements

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.

Ability to use the phone and computer for extended periods, manual dexterity to complete clerical functions, work with office equipment, and periodic lifting of equipment up to 25 pounds is required. Ability to hear, see and to communicate verbally to exchange information. Ability 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. May be subject to fumes, odors, dusts, gases, chemicals. Ability to walk, climb, balance, bend, carry, push, reach, sit, and stand.

Machines / Tools / Equipment

• 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 on-call device.

• Ability to operate a 2‑way radio.

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.