Dispatcher (Fixed-Route)

JOB FUNCTION

Daily communication and interaction with vehicle operators and customers to provide safe and timely instructions and responses to requests for operational information throughout the day.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Provide assistance to operation supervisor and vehicle operators with day-to-day operations, such as overseeing scheduling and assignment of vehicles; performs other related work as required.

Essential duties and responsibilities:

1. Ensure that all Authority scheduled services are covered by Authority bus operators and that operators leave the facility on time


2. Monitor the on-time performance of Authority's fixed-route services utilizing Authority technologies and provide required reports of Authority management


3. Monitor base radio and respond to bus operator issues in accordance with Authority policy and procedures including but not limited to emergencies, breakdowns, traffic congestion, detours, and adverse weather conditions


4. Monitor vacation scheduling and overtime boards


5. In emergency situations, operate a bus route until the appropriate personnel can be contacted


6. Assist management with service changes as needed


7. Must be able to follow safety procedures including wearing personal protective equipment


8. Following company protocol and procedures during shift without direct supervision


9. Be able to act appropriately when faced with an emergency by the utilization of common sense coupled with following Authority protocol and procedures


10. The ability to recognize and report hazards and apply safe work methods


11. The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisor and co-workers


12. Be able to follow directions and communicate with Supervisory personnel


13. Monitor and document the on-road performance of all Authority bus operators including safety practices and adherence to Authority fare and service policies 14. Monitor bus operators pull outs at Authority stop locations on a regular basis


14. Perform other duties as required, of a similar nature or level.

Note: The essential duties listed above are not intended to limit the duties and responsibilities of the position listed in this job description.

Responsibilities

• Must be able to report to work seven days a week or during hours of operations


• Participation when necessary in Authority training sessions at times outside of regular work shift


• Must be able to wear a company-prescribed uniform during work hours


• Must be able to maintain regular attendance in accordance with Authority standards


• Communication with Supervisory personnel regarding changes in medication


• Communication with Supervisory personnel regarding any license revocation or off-duty traffic violations


• Communication with Supervisory personnel regarding accidents and moving violations immediately


• Comply with and participate in training requirements as established by the Authority


• Continuing knowledge of local and state traffic rules and regulations


• Continuing knowledge of operational aspects of a variety of vehicles


• Prepare and document operator work assignments for the next workday as per Authority requirements


• Record operator work hours, absenteeism, tardiness, and payroll utilizing Authority software


• Record, investigate and document a range of Authority customer complaints

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Requires and maintain a Pennsylvania CDL license with air brakes and passenger endorsement.


• Requires a CDL medical examination/certification every two years or as specified by physician.


• Must be at least 21 years of age.


• The ability to read and understand mapping.


• Must have acceptable driving record.


• The ability to communicate with members of the public concerning Authority information. Must also be able to communicate with Authority co-workers as to route information and /or emergency situations.


• Must have job related experience.


• The ability to follow a schedule


• The ability to complete reports


• Must be able to effectively communicate and follow oral/written instructions that are provided in English.

Licensing requirements:

Valid PA Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with passenger endorsement

FUNCTIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Must be able to operate the vehicle with the use of a seatbelt.


• Must be able to bend over, stoop or squat down to floor for at least 60 seconds.


• Must be able to walk for 10 minutes without rest.


• Use of arms, legs and body torso to climb steps into bus while maintaining three points of contact, assist passengers when necessary and maintain body equilibrium to prevent falling when working on slippery surfaces during winter months and all weather conditions.


• Must have the ability to sit without discomfort for prolonged periods of time on a variety of driver's seats in different models of buses. Must have the ability to push, pull, grip, bend, crouch, and/or kneel, talk, hear, and smell. Must be able to reach above shoulder level. Requires the ability of hand-eye coordination to operate various pieces or equipment.


• Requires continuous use of hands, arms, feet and legs to push/pull or activate essential controls (pedals, levers, and knobs) in recurring operational motions.


• Must be able to turn head up to 90 degrees and torso up to 45 degrees in either direction on a regular and frequent basis to see traffic and observe passengers by use of mirrors, etc.


• Must be able to turn vehicle steering wheel without obstruction while seated in the drivers seat


• Must be able to pick up at least 50 lbs.


• Must be able to assist ambulatory and non-ambulatory passengers on and off the vehicle.


• Must be able to push or pull a passenger seated in a non-motorized wheelchair (ADA defined) weighting up to 600 lbs. (including passenger) for a level distance of up to 40 feet and up and down 10% incline for up to 6 feet


• Must be able to use coordinated movements to secure mobility devices as instructed. Must be able to pull a tie down strap with a force of 50 lbs. while bending over, stooping or squatting down.


• Must be able to assist in transferring a passenger, who uses a wheelchair, to a regular passenger seat.


• Must have the physical/mental ability to quickly assist passengers and maintain composure in times of emergency or passenger incidents.

Requires the use of a computer. Some travel to seminars and government offices may require overnight stays.

• This is a safety sensitive function for the Authority subject to DOT drug testing requirements.