Dispatcher

 Dispatcher (Full-Time)

Lowcountry Regional Transportation Authority/Palmetto Breeze

25 Benton Field Rd, Bluffton, SC 29910 has an immediate opening for a Dispatcher.  

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance
• 13 paid holidays 

SUMMARY:

Under the general supervision of the Director of Operations, the Dispatcher is responsible for the dispatching of vehicle operators and equipment to provide transportation services and customer service support for agencies and clients. This position works closely with the Palmetto Breeze to ensure passenger’s transportation needs.  Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to, coordinating with the public for same day transportation services; entering same day transportation changes (no shows, cancellations, add-ons and etc.) into log; communicating with vehicle operators regarding directional concerns, emergencies, call-outs, and vehicle problems; identifying incidents and violations in the Dispatcher Log. The Dispatcher serves as an important public-relations representative. As such his or her priorities are to ensure that safe, reliable, on time and professional transit services are provided to the customer. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Receives and reviews schedules of actual or anticipated transportation service requests. Coordinates with Lead Dispatcher and issues instructions to vehicle operators and maintenance personnel regarding vehicle requirements. 
• Coordinates movement of vehicle operators and equipment throughout the required service areas daily. Contacts vehicle operators to advise them and/or agency of situation.
• Listens to radio traffic reports to alert vehicle operators of severe weather conditions and traffic problems that may affect schedules and service delivery. 

• Ensures that all vehicle operators are reporting in as scheduled and takes appropriate actions relating to vehicle accidents or emergency situations. Records service disruptions and operator times.

• Logs vehicle operators trip manifests; logs calls placed to or received from vehicle operators regarding call-outs and emergency notifications. Answers the radio and logs route information (driver’s times and passengers count). Everything that relates to operations must be logged. 
• Provides customer service support for agencies and customers for same day delays. Enters same-day transportation change codes relating to no shows, cancellations etc. to log. 
• Answers the telephone, takes messages, and provides route information. 
• Communicates with operators regarding directional concerns and/or client location. Identifies incidents and violations that are occurring in the log. 
• Communicates with Director of Operations when customers and/or agency situations occur beyond their authority. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Continued:

• Provides good customer service, possess positive attitude and excellent team working skills.
• Assists the Director of Operations in the formulation of the system’s policies and procedures. Ensures that these are understood and followed by the drivers to guarantee high-quality and professional transit service. 
• Documents all no-shows, delays in service, driver no-shows, and contacts the driver to verify the routes are covered and have left the base. 
• Assists the drivers and makes sure they have necessary paperwork available.
• Keypunches information from trip sheets to computer within 48 hours of receipt; making all corrections before payroll is printed.  
• Counts farebox revenue when needed.
• During emergency situations provides dispatch duties to facilitate the safe evacuation of passengers and/or residents.  Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Operations or Designee.

SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Follow the work practices and standard operating procedures for this position.  Use and/or wear the appropriate equipment, protective devices or clothing that Palmetto Breeze requires.  Report health and safety concerns related to performing the duties of your job to supervisors and report any ongoing/unresolved health and safety concerns to the Executive Director.  

QUALIFICATIONS:

Must be 18 years of age or older. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The individuals must have excellent computer skills and be familiar with operating in a Windows environment using Microsoft Word, Access, Excel and passenger counting software. Must be willing and able to use and implement new technology.  Previous vehicle operations experience is a plus. Must be able to establish priorities, be a self starter, flexible, work under pressure takes initiative, provide sound judgment, as well as work with little or no Supervision. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT DRUG & ALCOHOL:

Must successfully pass pre-employment drug test, as well as random, reasonable suspicion, and post-accident drug and alcohol tests. 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Must possess a high school diploma or general equivalent diploma (GED). An Associates degree in computer technology is preferred. One to three years working in a fast paced environment such as customer service, transportation dispatching or scheduling; experience in customer service and performing automated scheduling is a plus; one to two years of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information one-on-one and in small group situations to vehicle operators, customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

Ability to calculate basic math. Ability to perform these operations using units of American money and numerical numbers; the ability to judge distance and apply geographical concepts using mathematical skills.

REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several variables in a sometimes hectic environment.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS:

A valid SC Class B Commercial Drivers License with Passenger Endorsement is preferred. Must obtain certificates in Defensive Driving, Customer Service, Fire Extinguisher, CPR, Blood Pathogens, First Aid, Safety Training, and Passenger Sensitivity within one year of employment with Palmetto Breeze. Must keep all certificates listed in the first sentence of this paragraph current. A certificate in computer technology and customer service is a plus. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit for long periods of time; using hands and fingers to type on numerous keys and is required to talk on the telephone and radio; must have the ability to hear, listen and comprehend. The employee is sometimes required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance and color vision, and the ability to adjust and focus. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately loud. 

MANDATORY AGENCY REQUIREMENTS:

Must have at the time of employment and maintain throughout the period of employment, an operational telephone in the employee’s private residence, or an operational mobile phone.

All employees are required to work during a disaster event when requested.  Failure to report to work will be cause for immediate termination.

Please refer to operator’s handbook and personnel policies for additional guidance regarding Palmetto Breeze policies.

Schedule:

• 8-hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Pay is $17.00 - $19.00 per hour. Full-time employees are eligible for great state health plan benefits/retirement. Applicants must be able to pass a background check and drug screen. Apply online at: https://www.palmettobreezetransit.com/apply-online or call us at (843)706-8442.  

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO) EMPLOYER

The LRTA is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.  We encourage all qualified candidates to apply and will consider all applicants without regard to any status protected by applicable law.

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