Prowers Area Transit Part Time Scheduler/Dispatcher

Job Title: Prowers Area Transit Part Time Scheduler/Dispatcher

Salary range: $16-18 per hour

Department: Prowers Area Transit

Hours: Part-Time, Non-Exempt

Job Description:

PROWERS AREA TRANSIT

Part-Time Scheduler/Dispatcher (Friday–Sunday)
On-Demand Transit System

Department: Prowers Area Transit

Reports To: Operations Manager

Coordinates With: Transit Drivers, Operations Manager, and Administrative Staff

Work Schedule

Approximately 30 hours per week, consisting of three (3) 10-hour shifts on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. 

Compensation

$16.00–$18.00 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience.

Position Summary

The Scheduler/Dispatcher is responsible for coordinating the daily operation of Prowers Area Transit by scheduling passenger trips and dispatching drivers. This position serves as the primary point of contact for the public and is responsible for providing professional customer service while ensuring the efficient, safe, and effective delivery of transit services. The Scheduler/Dispatcher must exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, communicate effectively under pressure, and support the overall mission of Prowers Area Transit.

The employee represents Prowers County in daily interactions with the public and is expected to maintain the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and safety.

Mission Statement

The mission of Prowers Area Transit is to provide safe, reliable, accessible, and affordable public transportation that connects individuals to employment, education, healthcare, community services, and other essential destinations while enhancing the quality of life throughout Prowers County.

Essential Functions

The duties listed below are representative of the work performed by this position and are not intended to be all-inclusive.

Dispatch Operations

  • Schedule passenger trips using the agency's dispatch software.

  • Coordinate daily driver assignments and vehicle utilization.

  • Communicate trip assignments, schedule changes, cancellations, and service updates to drivers.

  • Monitor daily transit operations and adjust schedules as necessary.

  • Respond to same-day ride requests when capacity allows.

  • Maintain communication with drivers throughout the workday.

  • Monitor vehicle locations and respond to operational issues.

Customer Service

  • Answer incoming telephone calls professionally and courteously.

  • Schedule transportation requests accurately.

  • Explain eligibility, fares, policies, and service guidelines to passengers.

  • Assist passengers with trip planning and scheduling.

  • Resolve customer concerns or refer issues to management when appropriate.

  • Maintain a positive and respectful relationship with passengers, caregivers, partner agencies, and the public.

Administrative Duties

  • Maintain accurate passenger records and trip documentation.

  • Process daily manifests and operational reports.

  • Assist with fare collection documentation, ride coupons, and cash receipt reporting.

  • Maintain filing systems and required agency records.

  • Assist with monthly reports and data collection as assigned.

  • Maintain confidentiality of all passenger and agency information.

Office Operations

  • Maintain an organized and professional dispatch office.

  • Ensure dispatch equipment remains operational.

  • Communicate maintenance or technology issues promptly.

  • Assist with general office responsibilities as assigned.

Additional Duties

The employee may also be required to:

  • Assist with driver orientation and training.

  • Coordinate communication during emergencies or service disruptions.

  • Assist with community outreach or special transportation events.

  • Cross-train in other transit functions.

  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Operations Manager.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

High school diploma or GED preferred.

Equivalent experience may be considered.

Experience

Preferred qualifications include:

  • Dispatch or scheduling experience.

  • Customer service experience.

  • Public transportation experience.

  • Experience working with At-Risk- Adults.

  • Experience using computerized scheduling or dispatch software.

Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Skills

Preferred: Bilingual (Spanish) Speaker

Required Qualifications

Applicants must possess:

  • Strong computer skills.

  • Excellent telephone etiquette.

  • Professional verbal and written communication skills.

  • The ability to type accurately and efficiently.

  • The ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.

  • The ability to pass a criminal background investigation.

  • The ability to successfully complete any required pre-employment screenings.

Required Training

Training will be provided in:

  • Dispatch software and scheduling procedures

  • Passenger Assistance Safety and Sensitivity (PASS)

  • Customer Service

  • Emergency Procedures

  • Agency Policies and Procedures

  • Confidentiality Requirements

  • Drug and Alcohol Awareness

  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements

Employees must successfully complete all required training within designated timeframes.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Successful candidates must demonstrate the ability to:

  • Communicate professionally by telephone, radio, email, and in person.

  • Remain calm during stressful situations.

  • Prioritize multiple tasks simultaneously.

  • Exercise sound judgment and decision-making.

  • Maintain confidentiality.

  • Work independently with minimal supervision.

  • Follow written and verbal instructions.

  • Learn dispatch software and office technology.

  • Maintain accurate records and documentation.

  • Provide exceptional customer service.

  • Work cooperatively as part of a team.

Physical Requirements

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

The employee must be able to:

  • Sit for extended periods.

  • Operate computers, telephones, tablets, and office equipment.

  • Communicate clearly with passengers, drivers, and staff.

  • Read computer screens and printed materials.

  • Occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull up to 25 pounds.

  • Perform repetitive keyboarding and telephone work throughout the day.

Working Conditions

Work is performed primarily in an office environment.

The position requires:

  • Frequent telephone communication.

  • Frequent computer use.

  • Continuous interaction with the public.

  • Coordination with drivers throughout the service day.

  • The ability to remain organized while managing multiple priorities.

Work schedules may vary based upon operational needs.

Working Relationships

The Scheduler/Dispatcher works closely with:

  • Operations Manager

  • Transit Drivers

  • Administrative Staff

  • County Employees

  • Community Partners

  • Medical Providers

  • Passengers and the General Public

Professional communication and teamwork are expected at all times.

Standards of Conduct

Employees are expected to:

  • Demonstrate honesty, integrity, and professionalism.

  • Provide courteous and respectful customer service.

  • Maintain confidentiality of passenger and agency information.

  • Follow all county and agency policies.

  • Promote teamwork and cooperation.

  • Maintain a professional appearance.

  • Represent Prowers Area Transit positively within the community.

Employment Conditions

Employment is contingent upon successfully completing all required background checks, pre-employment screenings, and any additional requirements established by Prowers Area Transit.

Nothing contained in this job description shall be construed as creating an employment contract.

Prowers Area Transit reserves the right to modify, assign, or remove job duties as operational needs require.

Employment with Prowers Area Transit is at-will and may be terminated by either the employee or the employer at any time, with or without cause or notice, as permitted by law.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Prowers Area Transit is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Employee Acknowledgment

I acknowledge that I have received, read, and understand this job description. I understand that it describes the general duties and responsibilities of my position but is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties that may be assigned.

I understand that I am responsible for complying with all Prowers Area Transit policies, procedures, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.