Dispatcher-Full Time

Looking for a dynamic role where you can keep things running smoothly, no matter the challenge? SouthWest Transit is seeking a skilled Dispatcher to ensure the efficient operation of our express and prime routes. If you thrive in fast-paced environments and enjoy making real-time decisions that impact service delivery, this is the perfect opportunity for you! Join our team and play a key role in keeping our community connected.
 
 SouthWest Transit is an award-winning public transit agency serving the core areas of Chaska, Chanhassen, and Eden Prairie. We currently offer express bus service to and from Downtown Minneapolis, the University of Minnesota, and Normandale Community College as well as daily on-demand micro-transit service in our core service area as well as adjacent cities in Carver, Scott, and Hennepin counties. In addition to our regular services, we also offer seasonal services including the Minnesota State Fair, Twins Express, Vikings Express, Gophers Express, select concerts, and more.
 
 Mission: 
 We provide a premium experience for the southwest Twin Cities through safe, reliable, and cost-effective transit that builds community and connects our customers from where they are to where they want to go.
 
 Vision:
 SouthWest Transit is the leading provider of innovative transit solutions that improve livability and enhance economic opportunity in the communities we serve.
 
 The Dispatcher at SouthWest Transit ensures proper express and prime route operation in all conditions. This is done through advanced and real-time planning and decision-making, maintaining continuous communications with drivers, street supervisors, the operation manager, and maintenance staff to ensure proper procedures are followed. Directs appropriate communication and assistance to solve traffic, weather, mechanical, passenger, and emergency issues.
 
 This job advertisement will remain open until the position is filled. 
 
Shifts are 8 hours long each day (30-minute unpaid break). The schedule for this role is 7am-3:30pm Monday through Friday.

• Monitor all scheduled transit trips to ensure proper operation and on-time performance using SWT’s AVL systems and tools.
  1. Communicate via 2-way radio, telephone, or e-mail with operations and planning managers, street supervisors, IT staff, customer service staff, and maintenance staff to ensure proper route operation and to direct proper responses to remedy on-street bus maintenance or fare collection problems.
  2. Receive emergency calls from drivers and determine whether police or other emergency services are called and then forward calls as appropriate.
  3. Coordinate responses to accidents to ensure appropriate actions are taken for the safety and security of customers and drivers. 
  4. Oversee scheduled vehicles, routes, and drivers while in service, solving operational problems throughout the shift.
  5. Implement bad weather and emergency policies and procedures when necessary.
  6. Document all activities during the shift, ensuring the dispatch control logs accurately and completely reflect the agency's route operations. 
  7. Assist the contractor with reasonable suspicion evaluation as drivers report for duty.
  8. Assist senior management in the monitoring and administration of the agency’s Driver Services contractor.
  9. Review proposed transit schedule changes prior to implementation to ensure efficient and accurate operations that meet the goals outlined in the agency’s Strategic Plan.
• Perform administrative, computer, and clerical functions related to the operation of routes as directed.
  1. Provide assistance in the maintenance of the ridership data.
  2. Assist the Operations staff with route monitoring, evaluation and development.
  3. Assist in the proper recording of vehicle breakdowns, accidents, and service-related incidents and communicate summary to senior management.
  4. Review ridership data to ensure accuracy and provide assistance with monthly ridership reporting.
  5. Prepare standard reports as required.
  6. Assist with planning to incorporate scheduling software into the transit operations.
• Support the Marketing and Customer Service departments in analyzing service issues.
  1. Keep Agency departments apprised of service issues affecting routing, scheduling, and customer notification systems.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Skills & Experience Required:
 

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• 3+ years of experience or training related to the job
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• The ability to operate personal computers
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite or other database tools
• Embraces SWT values of Purpose, Integrity, Continuous Learning, Innovation, Belonging and Accountable.

Preferred Skills & Experience:
 

• Meet or exceed requirements for a Bus Operator and be able to perform any duties required of an Operator. Knowledge of Coach, Low Floor, and Cutaway.

Most work is indoors in a normal office environment. Occasional lifting of ten pounds or less is required. Requires at least 50% of time spent paying high attention to detail or deadlines. During inclement weather or unusual events, a higher attention to detail is required. Dependability and reliability are key expectations, and the incumbent will be required to rotate hours periodically or alternate coverage between AM and PM peak periods, or work split shifts as required by the Dispatch Manager.
 
 
 This employer participates in E-Verify, which means we will use the federal E-Verify system to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires. Please be aware that you will be required to complete a Form I-9 and provide documentation to verify your identity and employment eligibility upon accepting a job offer