Operations Dispatcher/Scheduler

Solid Ground; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused transportation services provider in Seattle is seeking an Operations Dispatcher/Scheduler to ensure effective scheduling of para-transit services. This role involves maintaining communications, monitoring routes, and addressing operator concerns in compliance with transportation regulations. Candidates must excel in operational oversight, demonstrate strong communication skills, and effectively manage urgent situations. Join a team committed to providing high-quality service and ensuring the safety of passengers while contributing to community mobility solutions.

Qualifications

• Strong communication skills and operational support capabilities.
• Experience with scheduling and route management.
• Ability to handle urgent situations effectively.

Responsibilities

• Ensure Operators can complete daily schedules efficiently.
• Monitor Operator routes and provide operational support.
• Coordinate adjustments to routes based on real-time situations.

Skills

Central communications monitoring

MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)

Route scheduling

Operational compliance

Job description

Be an integral part to the overall successful operations of transportation services with Solid Ground and our partners.

Job Summary

Solid Ground Transportation includes programs that provide para-transit service under contract to King County Metro’s Accessible Services Division; Solid Ground Circulator services; Center Park Shuttle services; and Solid Ground Shuttle services. The Operations Dispatcher/Scheduler is essential personnel responsible for ensuring Operators can complete daily schedules in an efficient manner by providing direction, support and compliance with the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) contract and policies and customer service to program participants (riders). The Operations Dispatcher/Scheduler is integral to the overall successful operations of transportation services through their knowledge and compliance with King County Metro policies and procedures, governmental transportation agency regulations, Solid Ground and Solid Ground Transportation policies and procedures, and in coordination with subcontractor(s). This position is a safety sensitive position per governmental transportation agency regulations. The Operations Dispatcher/Scheduler must respond to urgent situations, often with potential liability implications.

Communications: Maintain central communications hub for SGT programs. Throughout the day monitor Operator routes utilizing Metro computer systems software. Utilize MS Office software (Excel, Word, Outlook) to update and maintain schedules and reports. Be available via radio contact throughout shifts to support Operators to address operator concerns and report to supervisors as needed and mitigate Operator complaints before, during and after routes. Receive daily assigned routes from control center and schedule operators and subcontractor Operators utilizing a variety of resources, including but not limited to Operator picks, DOT regulations regarding hours of service, leave schedules, subcontractor preferences, etc. The Operations Dispatcher/Scheduler must determine and assign appropriate vehicle to each scheduled route to ensure the ability to safely transport passengers. Recruit additional Operators from days off and/or adjust schedules as necessary. Record and report daily attendance for Operators. Greet Operators at the end of their shift and address any identified issues.

Organization & Records: Sustain a level of responsibility with strict adhere to regimented time schedules; coordinate daily activities and make appropriate staffing decision to ensure timely coverage of all transportation services. Distribute and maintain storage of keys with fuel cards, radios, and manifests. Work with the Control Center to create additional routes based on extended ridership demand and Operator availability. Conduct daily trip edits to ensure documented hours of service are accurate so that SGT billing to Metro is correct. Trip editing involves reviewing daily manifests, Operator notes, mileage error and billing reports and resolving through investigation any discrepancies noted.

Compliance: Act as first point of contact with Operators to determine fitness for duty to ensure the Operators can safely conduct the responsibilities of their positions. Attend Reasonable Suspicion training and apply daily to all Operators; communicate any concerns immediately to a supervisor or manager. Support includes but is not limited to, coordinate with the control center to comply with governmental transportation agency regulations. Coordinate adjustments to routes “live day” for accidents, illness, injury, break downs, emergencies, etc. Coordinate daily with SGT Maintenance to ensure there is an adequate availability of safe operating vehicles to meet daily demand.

Equipment: Monitor and inventory communications equipment to ensure good working condition and troubleshoot any equipment failures that arise. Provide additional equipment instruction as needed. Update vehicle assignments with “out of service” vehicle lists at start of shift. Distribute SGT and subcontractor paycheck/paystubs and unsigned timesheets to Operators. Receive, document, report, maintain, and coordinate return of lost and found items from routes.

Scheduling: Manage reservations for Center Park Shuttle services – book rides, negotiate pick/drop times, and prepare trip schedules.

Teamwork: As needed, assume responsibilities of Lead Operations Dispatcher/Scheduler. Participate in special projects and committees as assigned. Participate in program, department and agency meetings and relevant trainings as required.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Solid Ground is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of gender, age, race and color, religion, marital status, national origin, disability or veteran status.