Public Transportation Dispatcher - Relief

Position Title: Public Transportation Dispatcher - Relief

Shift: Must be available 7 days per week from 3:30am - 12:30pm

Compensation: $4/hour shift differential

The career opportunity :

The DART Dispatcher - Relief maintains radio contact with transit operators, receives and records trip information, schedules trips to vehicles, resolves on-the-road problems or refers problems to others for resolution. Works closely with other dispatchers in a team environment and provide support in dispatch when needed. The ideal candidate brings customer service experience, a proficiency in MS Office, and an ability to learn Hopelink scheduling software.

The DART Dispatcher – Relief must meet these minimum qualifications :

• Required to perform both opening and closing tasks.
• Required to check in at both Kent Base and Willows Base.
• Must have flexibility as one’s schedule may change or be extended based on business need.
• Must have ability to learn new tasks and perform all dispatch duties.
• Must be a current Dispatcher in good standing (no PIPs in the last 6-months) with excellent attendance and performance daily.
• Hold a valid Driver License.
• Be available to work a flexible work schedule which may include morning and afternoon shifts, nights and weekends.

What you will be doing :

• Provide superior customer service to bus operators and passengers, in-person or via radio, telephone, or electronic communication.
• Maintain radio contact with drivers and field supervisors. Accurately log notable events as they are reported.
• Ensure drivers check in on time for shift. Find coverage for call outs or no call no shows.
• Plan driver and dispatcher coverage for scheduled and unscheduled time off. Utilize scheduling software to maintain the weekly schedule.
• Process and schedule ride requests using scheduling software. Determine the optimal pick up time, trip, and vehicle based on the request. Communicate trip details to the driver.
• Quickly assess service disruptions and provide clear instructions for reroutes. Notify operators of any other problems that could impact schedule and on-time performance.
• Answer driver and passenger requests for additional information or assistance.
• Prepare reports using dispatching software, scheduling software, and Excel.
• Contact appropriate law enforcement, medical services, and supervisors in emergencies.
• Communicate respectfully with people regardless of age, race, gender, religion, color, national origin, marital status, the presence of any physical, sensory, or mental disability, sexual orientation, political ideology, gender identity, military status, genetic information, or any other expression of diversity.
• Maintain a professional and positive working relationship with clients, vendors, volunteers, donors, and fellow staff and adhere to the Hopelink Guidelines and Standards of Conduct.
• Regular attendance and punctuality is essential to our business and to this position.
• Other work as directed by Manager and/or General Manager.

Your qualities :

• Must be available to work a flexible work schedule which may include nights and weekends.
• Computer/technology proficiency: ability to use MS Office 365, MS Outlook, and online systems including timekeeping, and program specific systems, etc.; Proficient in use of Microsoft Office Suite such as Windows and Excel.
• Must be able to maintain an acceptable performance level using the Hopelink provided scheduling software.
• Must be able to think clearly under time pressure and to problem solve effectively.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Scheduling or dispatching experience providing transportation services to the public is preferred, but not required.
• Knowledge of King County addresses and roads is helpful.
• This position is a Service Critical Employee with specific attendance requirements. Because of the critical nature of this role to Hopelink operations, it is important that you are able to:
  • Report to the worksite during your scheduled hours, regardless of weather conditions or other emergencies.
  • Manage your own transportation needs in adverse weather, including possible limitations to public transportation options.
  • Have a specific plan to address any other possible attendance barriers that arise during adverse weather and other emergencies, such as disrupted utilities or public services, road closures, school closures, etc.

**Due to Federal Regulations, this position is considered a Safety Sensitive Position, therefore employees are required to undergo a full criminal background check and pre-employment Federal DOT drug screening, and are subject to random screenings, which include THC among other restricted substances.