Transit Dispatcher

July 2023
FLSA: Non-Exempt

Rate: $24.15

TRANSIT DISPATCHER

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, schedules and monitors transit vehicles ensuring efficient scheduling, service
delivery, and on-time performance, particularly for paratransit vehicles; coordinates the work of bus
operators including assigning equipment and required work; performs clerical and administrative duties;
and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct
supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This journey level classification is responsible for independently performing transit dispatch duties.
Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, receive only occasional
instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures
and policies of the work unit.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different
positions and to make reasonable accommodations where appropriate so qualified employees can perform
the essential functions of the job. 

Schedules and monitors paratransit trips; schedules, monitors, and records daily work status of

operators in the District’s scheduling system; assists with shift acknowledgments and shift confirmation
from operators; produces scheduling reports; monitors vehicle operator hours to minimize overtime and
cover demand. 

Monitors vehicle status for route pull and service availability; serves as gateway for vehicle
maintenance; tracks bus location via GPS system. 

Provides courteous customer service when responding to calls, emails, and in-person inquiries, with
attention to minimizing passenger wait times; analyzes feedback concerning service delivery issues and
recommends changes to improve service. 

Coordinates detour and route changes as required; communicates and effectively manages route
adjustments to maintain on-time performance standards; supports operators in the field and responds to
the needs of operators and passengers while in route. 

Assists with accident and incident investigations; contacts appropriate law enforcement agencies,
medical services, and/or supervisory personnel in emergency situations; documents and reports
operational irregularities. 

Promptly advises management regarding field problems such as accidents, breakdowns, and delays,
and maintains a log of such occurrences. 

Performs data entry, manifest entry and review, and other clerical support functions. 
Ensures electronic devices are fully charged; refills sanitizer bottles; requests supplies.



Serves as bus operator as needed. 
Observes and complies with all District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols. 
Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of: 

Public agency transit operations and services. 
Methods and techniques of transit dispatching and scheduling. 
Methods and techniques of day-to-day transit operations problem solving. 
Geographic locations, transit routes, and streets within the District’s service areas. 
Operational characteristics of specialized transit communication systems and devices. 
Transit related state and federal mandates. 
Emergency response procedures. 
Seasonal weather and road conditions affecting transit service routing. 
Mechanical functioning of various transit vehicles. 
Transit system operations, routing, and scheduling. 
Principles and procedures of record keeping. 
Basic mathematic principles. 
Americans with Disabilities Act and related available supports to assist the elderly and those with

special needs. 
District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols. 
Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public,

vendors, contractors, and District staff. 
Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task

coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed. 
The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules

of composition, and grammar.

Ability to: 

Perform transit dispatch and scheduling duties in an efficient and effective manner. 
Respond decisively and effectively in resolving problems and emergency situations. 
Support drivers and passengers regarding day-to-day operational situations. 
Operate a diverse range of communications equipment and devices. 
Maintain accurate documentation in logs, records, and files. 
Multitask telephone, email, two-way radio, and in-person requests/communication. 
Deescalate and remain calm in stressful situations. 
Communicate with patience, respect, and tact, particularly where language barriers may exist. 
Manage stress and distractions. 
Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments. 
Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural

guidelines. 
Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern

business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks. 
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and

syntax. 
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the

course of work.

Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities
is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education: 
Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.

Experience: 
Three (3) years of related dispatching experience or two (2) years of experience as a bus operator.

Licenses and Certifications: 
Possession of a valid California or Nevada Driver’s License, to be maintained throughout employment. 
Possession of, or successful acquisition within 60 days of employment, a valid “Class A” or “Class B”

Commercial Driver’s License with Air Brake and Passenger Endorsements, to be maintained
throughout employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a
computer; to operate a motor vehicle; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing
and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office
classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger
dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate
standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and
pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift,
carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.

Employees must also possess mobility to work in a predominantly vehicle driving/operation
environment; to operate a motor vehicle and drive on highways, surface streets, and country roads in
light to heavy traffic conditions; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical
work. The incumbent must regularly hear, sit, reach with hands and arms, and use leg/foot to reach or
handle vehicle controls and lifting devices. Physical effort and finger and manual dexterity are regularly
needed to operate assigned equipment. Visual requirements include near and distance vision, color
vision, night vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus; vision is also
needed to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in
person and over the telephone or radio. The incumbent must sit for long periods of time while operating
vehicles and walk on multiple types of surfaces to inspect vehicles and assist passengers. Positions in this
classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb to perform work and inspect work vehicles. Employees
must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 60 pounds, or
heavier weights with the use of proper equipment.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions,
and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees also work in a driving environment
and are frequently exposed to road and traffic conditions, loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures,
inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, chemicals, and fumes, hazardous substances,
and human or animal bodily fluids. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private
representatives and contractors in interpreting and enforcing District policies and procedures.