Hill Country Transit District
Job Description
Job Title: Rural Dispatcher / Special Transit Service (STS) Scheduler
Department: Rural Operations
Reports To: Director of Rural Operations
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Salary: $13.30/Hour
Revision Date: January 1, 2016
Effective Date: April 23, 2014

SUMMARY
This position is a multi-function position and performs the duties of both a dispatcher and scheduler for Rural Operations. Responsible for the daily assignment of transit vehicles and bus drivers. Also responsible for scheduling transportation services as requested from clients. Consistently interacts with drivers in the day-to-day operation of special transit service. Participates in a variety of administrative and clerical tasks related to the position. Responsible for complying with all Hill Country Transit District (HCTD) policies and procedures and all funding source regulations and requirements.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
Dispatcher Duties
1. Verifies all transit runs are assigned and covered in accordance with established procedures.
2. Controls vehicle assignments or manifests to ensure fleet is being used in the best interest of the public and the organization to meet service demands.
3. Monitors and responds to a variety of calls from customers and employees using telephone, cellular phone or two-way radio.
4. Consistently verifies and monitor driver locations and driver assignments at all times.
5. Responds to emergency situations as requested including hazardous and severe weather conditions as required. Dispatches vehicles and emergency crews to scene of accident or breakdown.
6. Coordinates field activities, i.e., bus changes, passenger transfers, manifest adjustments, special transit service return trips, etc., with an emphasis on minimum passenger delays and maximum goodwill with drivers.
7. Coordinates vehicle use and assignments with other rural dispatchers/schedulers, Lead Drivers, and maintenance staff to ensure vehicles are available for scheduled maintenance service.

Scheduler Duties
1. Receives calls from clients requesting transportation service and makes determination to schedule or deny request based on eligibility requirements and information provided by the caller.
2. Schedules transportation requests in a timely and efficient manner.
3. Ensures all trips are scheduled within established service parameters. Contacts clients as needed to adjust pick-up and/or return times to ensure service demands can be met.
4. Must be familiar with driver availability, vehicle availability, vehicle seated and wheelchair passenger capacity, and have the ability to schedule transportation services in the most efficient manner based upon such knowledge.
General Duties
1. Maintains general office and client files.
2. Prepares and maintains a variety of reports, correspondence, memos, etc., as needed or requested.
3. Provides information to the public regarding transportation services and transit policy, to include schedule and fare information.
4. Receives customer complaints or complaints from the public and provides information to supervisor for resolution.
5. Reports transit difficulties and other issues to Chief Dispatcher or other departments to maintain or restore service and schedules.
6. As the first person reporting to work or the last person leaving for the day, responsible for verifying that the facility, work office location, and equipment are secured.
7. Other duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy office environment. The noise level in the work environment is typically quiet. Dispatcher work hours vary according to specific assignment, but hours during which dispatchers are on duty typically range from as early as 3:30 AM until as late as 11:00 PM, Monday-Saturday. Each Dispatcher is expected to be available if needed for these hours. To the extent possible, advance notice may be given for work hours beyond an individual's specific work schedule. Dispatchers will occasionally be required to be available for training or staff meetings outside the individual's regular work schedule.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
This position is classified as safety-sensitive and is required to undergo and successfully pass pre-employment drug and/or alcohol testing and criminal background check prior to appointment to position.
This job description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with this job.

The Hop is an Equal Opportunity Employer.