Transit Dispatcher | Student Worker

The Transit Dispatcher is responsible for performing public transportation scheduling, routing, and dispatching duties; operates a variety of communication equipment, including two-way radio, telephone, computer mobile dispatch terminal and scheduling systems; creates, maintains, and monitors computerized driver manifests/ schedules; and responds to requests for service and provides a variety of information to passengers and the general public. During the summer season Transit Bus Operators will be given the opportunity to work for other departments within the Facilities Management Division, such as Maintenance, Custodial, Design & Renovations, and the Grounds Department. This is to provide work during this time of the year where work in the transit department is slow or comes to a halt. The Transit Dispatcher will be responsible for performing and completing general tasks. Working independently and exercising good judgement and discretion is essential to this job.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Reports to work at the required time and performs duties as assigned by the Director of Transit Dept. or Sr. VP of Facilities Management.
• Must be familiar with the standard concepts, practices, and procedures of the Transit Department.
• Provides public transportation dispatching and routing services to seniors, disabled individuals certified under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the general public, dispatch fixed route and vehicles as appropriate.
• Create, maintain, and monitor computerized daily schedules for dispatching and routing transit services; modify and update schedules to improve services.
• Maintains an up-to-date listing of buses and drivers Assure access to an-up-to-date route sheet for each scheduled route.
• Maintain an accurate daily roster of drivers and assigned buses.
• Maintain a cordial working relationship with drivers and Supervisors.
• Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of all routes.
• Ensure that proper procedure is followed by all drivers for bus key and clipboard check out and check in.
• Operate two-way radio in dispatch office in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures
• Maintain accurate records of post trip forms turned in by drivers, ensuring that all forms are properly filled out before releasing driver.
• Maintain a check on Ride Systems that it is properly updated and that all units are operating on schedule.
• Perform a wide variety of clerical duties including answering a multi-line phone, receiving, and sorting mail, and data entry and typing duties; maintain accurate records, logs and files on transit and paratransit services; create monthly reports.
• Provides quality customer service and respond to public inquiries and requests for service in a courteous manner.
• Relies on experience and judgement to plan and accomplish goals.
• Other duties as assigned.
• As essential personnel: you are expected to be available in the event of school closings, delays, shutdowns, and any emergencies including clean up required because of severe weather incidents. Performs snow removal activities as assigned. Such as shoveling, salting, etc. Facilities Management Division employees are essential to the overall success of Liberty University and its day-to-day functions, especially during ongoing campus events such as Winter Fest, Orientation, Convocation, Commencement, CFAW, and summer camps amongst other planned and unplanned events throughout the year. Must be available to work scheduled and unscheduled hours as emergency needs arise.
• Responsible for wearing the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment () while performing the job duties and responsibilities of a Transit Dispatcher and while operating related equipment including but not limited to; protective eye wear, ear protection, hard hat, gloves, slip resistant/steel-toed shoes, respirators/masks, reflective safety vests, and sunscreen.
• Remains abreast of existing and emerging technologies, processes, products, services, and leading industry performance benchmarks.
• Works effectively as a team member, embracing and fostering LU’s mission.

Additional information may be found here

QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS

Education and Experience

This position requires a high school diploma or GED. Minimum 1+years of related experience required, or an equivalent combination of education and experience in the Transit organization. Must be able to understand and follow instructions, and work under limited supervision. Must be able to work well with the public and co-workers and present a positive attitude. Exceptional self-management. Desire to work with a team to accomplish goals. Urgency to grow and improve. Knowledge in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint) and excellent computer skills are a plus. Clean and professional appearance. Must be courteous, detailed oriented. Self-motivated, diligent, trustworthy, possess strong organizational and planning skills and well-developed communication skills. Must be able to lift to 50+ pounds and perform duties of Transit Dispatcher in typical Virginia Climate. Certifications obtained while employed by Liberty University at the expense of the employer will be reimbursed back to the University upon voluntary termination (resignation) for the first 12 months after acquiring it.

ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB

Communication and Comprehension

• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing to convey clear, well-articulated information.
• Experience in driving buses on fixed routes
• Must be able to understand and follow directions and work under stressful situations in a calm manner.
• Must be able to work well with the public and co-workers and present a positive attitude, and a clean and professional appearance.
• Must be courteous, detailed oriented, self-motivated, diligent, trustworthy, possess strong organizational skills and well-developed communication skills.
• Must be able to lift up to 50+pounds and perform duties of a Transit Dispatcher in typical Virginia climate.
• Desire to work with a team to accomplish goals. Urgency to grow and improve.
• Ability to understand, speak, and write English in order to convey messages and correspond in an articulate and professional manner.
• Possess public communication skills that allow professional representation of Liberty University to a variety of business and community customers and associates.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Excellent computer skills.

Problem Solving

• Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment in order to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature.

Physical and Sensory Abilities

• Regularly required to travel to local, on and off campus locations.
• Frequently required to sit for extended periods to perform deskwork or type on a keyboard.  (If not administrative duties, such as labor, define general physical abilities.
• Regularly required to hear and speak in order to effectively communicate orally.
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, and climb stairs to move about the building(s). On and off the bus to assist passengers with disabilities.
• Handle materials, reach overhead, kneel or stoop in order to conduct business.
• Regularly lift 50+ pounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work Environment

The working environment in which one will perform the essential functions of this position is an indoor/ outdoor space setting and defined by the weather. It is well lighted, and the noise level is moderate.   

Driving Requirements

Use of one’s personal vehicle (or LU vehicles) is required for travel in the performance of the essential functions of this position.  Proof of a valid Virginia Commercial Driver’s License with a Passenger and Air Brake endorsement. An acceptable DMV record, and liability insurance is required.

Time Type

Part time

Location

Onsite

Pay Rate

Starting at $12.77

Student employees are paid at least the current Virginia minimum wage per hour. Pay may vary by position and department based on job responsibilities, required skills, available funding, and market conditions.

The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe it is our moral and legal obligation to meet the responsibility of ensuring that all management practices regarding employees are conducted in a nondiscriminatory manner. In compliance with Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and other applicable federal and state statutes, all recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting for all job classifications will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including state of employment protected classes. It is, therefore, our policy and intention to evaluate all employees and prospective employees strictly according to the requirements of the job. All personnel related activities such as compensation, benefits, transfers, job classification, assignments, working conditions, educational assistance, terminations, layoffs, and return from layoffs, and all other terms, conditions and privileges of employment will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including all applicable state of employment protected classes. The University is a Christian religious-affiliated organization; and as such, is not subject to religious discrimination requirements. The University’s hiring practices and EEO discrimination practices are in full compliance with both federal and state law. Federal law creates an exception to the “religion” component of the employment discrimination laws for religious organizations (including educational institutions), and permits them to give employment practice preference to members of their own religious beliefs.