Part-Time Evening Dispatcher

City of Grand Forks (ND); Grand Forks (ND); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

The City of Grand Forks is seeking a part-time Dial-A-Ride Dispatcher for the Cities Area Transit, with a focus on curb-to-curb transportation for mobility-impaired riders. The role oversees drivers, dispatches vehicles, and serves as the frontline contact for service delivery.

Shift: Monday through Wednesday, 3:00 pm to 10:15 pm. The position emphasizes strong communication, reliable scheduling, and attention to safety, with opportunities to improve on-time performance and customer satisfaction.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• One to two years of passenger transportation experience or related supervision experience.
• Valid driver's license (or ability to obtain)

Responsibilities

• Transmit assignments and monitor drivers using two-way radio, phone, or computer.
• Provide direction to operators and adjust schedules to maximize on-time performance.
• Handle customer complaints and scheduling issues.
• Maintain two-way communications with operators.
• Monitor ADA compliance and vehicle status; assist passengers.
• Prepare transit reports as required.
• Perform duties as assigned.

Skills

Clear communication

Written communication

Customer service

Attention to detail

Data entry

Multitasking under stress

Independent work

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Dispatch software

Two-way radio systems

Job description

The City of Grand Forks is seeking to fill a part-time position at the Cities Area Transit location for a Dial-A-Ride Transportation Dispatcher. This position provides a great work-life balance with a short work week.

Shift: Monday - Wednesday 3:00 pm - 10:15 pm

DEFINITION

This position is responsible for transporting clients curb-to-curb for the Cities Area Transit mobility impaired riders. Serves as the front-line person who is in charge of overseeing the drivers, and dispatching the system’s vehicles and providing a communication link to agency drivers. Handles customer complaints and scheduling issues that arise.

Essential Functions:

1. Duties may include using two-way radio, telephone and/or computer to transmit assignments and compile daily operating statistics. Provides direction to and maintains two-way communications with all operators, monitoring system performance and making scheduling adjustments where necessary to maximize on-time performance, minimize customer wait times for on-call or will-call services, and minimize service disruptions as a result of vehicle/operator availability, and/or emergency situations.
2. Projects a positive image to the public and provides exceptional customer service skills, which exhibit patience and consideration. Represent the agency to client base and the general public on an ongoing basis. Follow all City of Grand Forks policies and procedures.
3. Strong computer skills, use of and ability to train on Dispatching software and/or present dispatch system.
4. Assign work, vehicles, and on-board equipment to operators and maintain check-out logs. Work with supervisor when additional personnel are needed in the event of absences or increased service volumes, or to minimize service disruptions as a result of vehicle malfunctions, operator problems and/or emergency situations.
5. Monitor drivers performance, ADA regulation compliance, vehicle status, and assist with passenger problems.
6. Prepare transit reports as required.
7. Perform duties and responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge:

Basic communications equipment, procedures and techniques; Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations; Operations, services and activities of a municipal dispatch center; Use and operate the full array of Public Transit equipment independently; Modern and complex principles and practices of radio communications and dispatch; Interpret and explain City policies and procedures; Analyze situations quickly and objectively and determine proper course of action. Strong knowledge of Grand Forks urban area, and the region.

Skills:

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including City officials and the general public; Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities; Maintain mental capacity which allows the capability of making sound decisions and demonstrating intellectual capabilities; Maintain effective audio/visual discrimination and perception to the degree necessary for the successful performance of assigned duties. Duties include utilizing established policies and practices in strategy development and problem solving. Detail oriented, accurate and organized. Data entry computer skills.

Abilities:

Learn modern and complex principles and practices of radio communications and dispatch; Learn the operations, services and activities of a urban transit system and dispatch center; Ability to perform multiple tasks under stressful situations; Ability to work independently and with a variety of individuals. Self-motivated and strong customer skills. Excellent safety and service record. Ability to read, write and speak English clearly. Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a variety of individuals including co-workers, supervisors, and client base.

Experience and Training Guidelines:

Experience:

One or two years passenger transportation experience, training and/or supervision experience

Training:

High School diploma or GED equivalent.

License or Certificates:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid drivers license