Bus Dispatcher

Job description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF WORK: Coordinates and monitors daily operations of VIA Metro bus services. Supervises the work activity of a large group of bus operators and field supervisors to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable service. Responsible for managing bus operations by receiving and transmitting information, giving instructions, responding to emergencies or making service adjustments to maintain on-time performance. Coordinates assignments of Supervisors and provides information to Transit Police, Dispatch, Managers, customer service, maintenance, and other agencies. Serves as a liaison with San Antonio and suburban city fire and police departments, EMS, and other public and private entities. Responsibilities are difficult in nature, requiring extensive supervisory skills and ability.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Monitors computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system by use of system voice/data radio control, schedule adherence, headway, route deviation, pull-ins and pull-outs, alarms, rosters, route detours, and other status information. Directs operators, supervisors and informs maintenance personnel during emergencies, equipment breakdowns and service delays using a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system multi-channel radio and telephone communications console. Prioritizes reported problems in order of importance and severity, formulates, coordinates, and directs the appropriate course of action. Responds to CAD system alarms, text messages and communications. Records pertinent information on incident reports detailing all reported crime activity, accidents, road hazards, mechanical malfunctions, and other operational problems and potential service disruptions. Keeps records of all trouble calls and relays relative information to appropriate divisions. Responsible for making necessary service adjustments, such as inserting extra buses, spacing, etc., for any situation that interferes with the movement of buses or schedule adherence. Records missed trips and documents late pullouts. Keeps records of scheduling and passenger overload problems and relays information to appropriate departments. Keeps record of reported Code of Conduct violations. Ensures all work is accomplished in compliance with the “Memorandum of Working Conditions for Hourly-Paid Employees”, and the “Operators Manual of Rules and Procedures” and all related amendments and bulletins. Provides coaching and/or direction to Operators. Cites Bus Operators for rule and standard operating procedure violations. Follows and enforces the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules and regulations pertaining to radio communication systems. Receives accident/incident reports and dispatches/instructs on duty Bus Supervisors to the accident/incident scene. Coordinates or directs vehicle maintenance personnel to assist with vehicle malfunctions. Notifies appropriate personnel in case of operator emergencies, major incidents and service disruptions. Prepares the appropriate Dispatch Notification Process (DNP) and Hyper Alert Notifications, Red Flag Notifications, and any other emergency or mass distribution notifications using various resources and systems available. Prepares a Daily Service Reports of their time on duty and After-Action Reports, incident reports of any special event, significant detour, or adjustment in services. Prepares emergency management reports and notifications. Responsible for special projects which may require research and the submission of written reports, memos, or proposals. Prepares daily reports. Performs various administrative assignments and projects. Develops and organizes additional CAD training materials for dispatchers and Bus Operators as required. Performs customer and public relations duties, including retrieving lost articles and helping to locate missing persons. Maintains, supports, and promotes a safe environment while complying with all VIA safety rules, policies, and procedures. Adheres to safety rules, regulations, policies and procedures to ensure the well-being of VIA employees, customers, and business partners. Performs other related work as assigned. This job description excludes marginal functions that are incidental to performing this job. Other duties may exist.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: High school education or equivalent plus two (2) years of college or training equal to two (2) years of college, and three (3) years applicable transit experience with at least one year as a bus supervisor, with an exemplary record, or an acceptable combination of education, training and supervisory experience. Associates degree is desirable.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to operate computer systems proficiently. Must have a valid Class A or B Texas Commercial Driver's License with a P endorsement. Must have a good driving record. Must be able to understand, interpret, and apply law, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Analyze situations, identify problems, and recommend solutions. Must have a good working knowledge of all VIA services and be able to provide information to the general public. Must have knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations governing public transit systems. Must be capable of performing all required inspections, investigations, and duties of a Bus Supervisor. Must communicate effectively orally and in writing. Proofread work and correct errors. Must be able to type with speed and accuracy. Interact professionally with various levels of VIA employees and outside representatives. Speak effectively to individuals and/or small groups. Must have mathematical skills to perform basic calculations. Must have knowledge of the “Working Conditions for Hourly-Paid Employees” and the “Operators Manual of Rules and Procedures”. Must be able to work independently with little or no supervision. Must maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information, materials, and personnel data. Must be able to travel off-property in company vehicles. Must be able to operate all passenger vehicles utilized by VIA. Must be able to attend and pass Transit Safety Institute (TSI) Transit Emergency Communications course work and Transit Supervisor Certification training Positions in this classification are considered safety sensitive under the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) drug and alcohol regulations. Must be able to maintain good work attendance. Safety Accountability Statement: Employees must consider safety in all tasks performed, as well as demonstrate safe judgment and decisions that not only maintain their own safety; but that of fellow employees and customers. Demonstrate a professional commitment to assure compliance with all organizational policies, practices and programs; related to safety, health, and system security. Employees have a responsibility to identify and report hazards, as well as potentially unsafe conditions, to your immediate supervisor or Safety Department. Employees are responsible, and required, to stop a job/task to prevent an unsafe incident or act from occurring. This acknowledges the threat of potential injury, property damage and the opportunity for better judgment to be used. Must support VIA’s EEO and Diversity Program.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Physical ability required to be mobile, bend, stoop, stand, reach, and occasionally lift objects 5-25 pounds, such as files, supplies, and books. Must be able to sit for long periods of time. Must have sufficient mobility to perform duties in the field, such as investigations, directing buses, etc.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Inside and outside work with irregular hours. Work hours involve early morning, late night, weekends, and/or split shifts. Must be able to work various hours and work locations. Work in a controlled environment alongside and with other entities. Some exposure to inclement weather conditions, chemical, physical and mechanical hazards. Days off are subject to cancellation. VIA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, providing equal opportunity to all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, or disability.