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City of Lewiston, ID

Transit Dispatcher

City of Lewiston, ID, Lewiston, ID, United States


Salary: See Position Description

Location : Community Development - 215 D St. Lewiston, ID

Job Type: Full Time

Job Number: 00268

Department: Community Development

Division: Transit

Opening Date: 11/05/2024

This position is open until filled with a first review of applications on November 15, 2024. Anticipated hiring salary is $42,045.59/year, however, the successful candidate will be placed in the salary range based on qualifications and experience. The full salary range for this position is $35,597.23 - $51,772.70.

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Transit Operations Supervisor/Transit Manager, the Transit Dispatcher schedules and coordinates vehicles and passenger trips; monitors the daily activities of the on-road operations; dispatches vehicles; and participates in a variety of administrative and clerical tasks related to assigned area of work with the primary objective of providing safe, reliable, and efficient public transportation. The applicant must have a neat appearance, be courteous and have a sincere desire to work with the general public, especially the elderly and disabled population.

Receives telephone reservations from customers and inputs reservations in the computer dispatch system in the most efficient and timely way in order to maximize use of vehicles and drivers.

Schedules trips and coordinates the daily assignments of drivers and vehicles. Prepares and prints operators' daily manifests.Continuously monitors driver's progress in transit scheduling software throughout the day, making changes (i.e. cancellations, additions, route changes) as needed to effectively maintain timely transit service.

Operates and monitors two-way radio and maintains regular contact /communications with vehicle operators; sends and receives messages; authorizes route changes to drivers in cases of inclement weather, unsafe operating conditions, road construction or other unique situations affecting delivery of services.

Responds to emergency situations as requested, including during hazardous and severe weather conditions. Coordinates with police and emergency dispatchers and Service Center as required.

Transports replacement vehicles or drivers when needed due to accidents, breakdowns or other unforeseen emergencies.

Performs a variety of general support duties related to dispatching activities, including creating and updating reports in both transit scheduling software and Excel, typing, filing, cash handling, reception and other clerical tasks. Assures operators daily inspection/condition reports are completed by operators and available for review.

Reviews Daily Vehicle Inspection reports for safety related issues. Tracks mileage and schedules vehicles for preventative maintenance inspections.

Maintains acceptable and effective working relationships with clientele, assisting with problems and concerns regarding requested service.

Possesses a functional knowledge of the geography of the service area.

Follows City safety and operational rules and procedures. Attends training and/or informational meetings.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

A high school diploma, GED or equivalent is required. Experience with safe operation of passenger cars, trucks or other motorized vehicles in a variety of weather conditions is required. Experience working with elderly and disabled population is preferred. Two (2) years in transit or similar agency as a driver or dispatcher and experience using transit dispatching software preferred. Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, be able to demonstrate an intermediate knowledge of Excel and be at least 21 years of age. A valid Commercial Driver's License, Class C, with P-Passenger endorsement and a valid Medical Examination Card is preferred but not required. A valid Driver's License (Class D or out of state equivalent) with an acceptable driving record is required.

Knowledge & Abilities

While performing the duties of this class, employees are regularly required to use oral and written communication skills; read and interpret data, information and documents; analyze and solve problems; interact with the general public, public agencies, employees, and others who may be encountered during the course of work. A person in this position should be able to multitask and handle emergency situations with confidence, maintaining a calm demeanor on the phone and the radio.

Must be comfortable with using a dual monitor, personal computer and demonstrate proficient computer skills, being able to multitask between several computer programs at once including transit scheduling software, MS Office suite, with an emphasis on Excel and City-specific software tools. Works well under stress and meets strict timelines. Writes reports in a coherent, legible manner. Must master transit dispatching software and develop ability to troubleshoot issues with software, tablets, etc. Perform in accordance with current policies and operational procedures of the transit division.

Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers and the public. Has a strong commitment to safety and customer service, and is able to explain policies and procedures simply to customers. Demonstrates sensitivity to a diverse group of patrons including the elderly and disabled. Knowledge of all appropriate federal/state/local regulations is required and must have excellent driving skills. Able to maintain a strong attendance record, report on time and in proper office attire and be flexible in regards to work schedule.

Be subjected to DOT random drug & alcohol testing and be able to pass a drug screen and background check upon offer of employment.

Working Conditions

The Transit Dispatcher performs duties in a larger, shared office with another dispatcher where all transit personnel enter and exit throughout the day. While performing the duties of a Transit Dispatcher, employees are regularly required to sit; talk or hear, in person and by telephone, use hands repetitively to handle, feel or operate equipment, computers and other standard office equipment; and to reach with hands and/or arms and to occasionally exert up to 25 pounds of force and/or negligible amount of force frequently to move objects; involves sitting and standing for prolonged periods of time. The Transit Dispatcher will be required to drive city vehicles on occasion, including during inclement weather.

City of Lewiston offers a competitive and comprehensive benefit package to all full time employees. Benefits include:
  • Health Plan - A high quality, affordable health plan that includes medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage administered by Regence BlueShield of Idaho and Delta Dental of Idaho. The City pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% of the premium for dependents.
  • Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI) - PERSI, one of the best pension plans nationwide, ensures our employees have first-class, reliable retirement. Employees can also contribute additional funds to PERSI Choice 401(k), Nationwide 457, ICMA 457, or ICMA Roth IRA through payroll.
  • Holiday Leave - Employees enjoy 13 paid holidays throughout the year including a floating holiday to use on a day of their choosing.
  • Vacation/Sick Leave - Employees accrue vacation and sick leave at competitive rates.
  • Basic Life Insurance - Upon hire, employees are enrolled in basic life and accidental death and dismemberment policy at no cost to them.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Available to all employees, the EAP, provides a variety of free services, including anything from visits with a mental health provider to finding quality pet care.
  • Wellness Incentive Program - Employees are eligible to particpate in an annual Wellness Program with quarterly incentives including an additional day off.
  • Optional Benefits - Other optional benefits avaiable to employees include Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), Life Insurance, and Short & Long Term Disability.
For more information about benefits offered to our employees, please visit or contact Human Resources at HR@cityoflewiston.org.

Please note, Non-Seasonal Part Time positions working 20-29 hours per week are eligible for PERSI Retirement and pro-rated Sick Leave and Vacation Accrual. Seasonal and Non-Seasonal Part Time jobs working less than 20 hours per week are not benefit eligible.

01

Do you have a valid Commercial Driver's License (Class C or above)?
  • Yes
  • No


02

Do you have a current and valid DOT Medical Certification?
  • Yes
  • No


03

What level of experience do you have with Microsoft Excel/Google Sheets or other data entry software?

Required Question