Transit Scheduler/Dispatcher

Job Overview
The Transit Scheduler / Dispatcher coordinates the daily operation of our demand-response (door-to-door) public transit services. This role acts as the central communication hub connecting passengers, drivers, and social service agencies. Schedulers maximize vehicle efficiency, map optimal routes, and ensure all trip entries comply with federal, state, and non-profit guidelines. This position directly supports the organization's mission to provide safe, accessible, and reliable transit to rural and underserved populations.

Additional Duties

Any other function that may be necessary in meeting the requirements of Access Tusc Transit, partner agencies, and/or funders.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities---

Scheduling & Route Optimization

• Trip Booking: Process incoming trip requests from the public, social service agencies, and Medicaid brokers via phone, email, and internal portals.
• Route Planning: Use specialized transit scheduling software (e.g., Trip Master/CTS) to assign passenger trips to the most logical vehicles and drivers.
• Efficiency Management: Group passenger trips geographically to reduce total vehicle miles and minimize passenger wait times.
• Dynamic Adjustments: Modify daily manifests in real-time to handle last-minute cancellations, no-shows, add-ons, or vehicle breakdowns.

Dispatch & Communications

• Driver Liaison: Relay trip assignments, routing modifications, and client notes to drivers via two-way radio, digital messaging, or mobile data terminals (MDTs).
• Real-Time Monitoring: Track vehicle locations using GPS systems to monitor route adherence and ensure on-time performance.
• Emergency Management: Serve as the immediate point of contact during road hazards, severe weather conditions, or medical emergencies.

Non-Profit Compliance & Reporting

• Eligibility Verification: Confirm rider eligibility for specialized programs including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Medicaid, Older Americans Act, and private grants.
• Data Tracking: Enter, update, and audit accurate passenger trip data, including vehicle revenue miles, fuel usage, and passenger categories.
• FTA Grant Support: Assist leadership with tracking performance metrics necessary for state DOT and FTA Section 5311 grant reimbursement reporting.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: High School Diploma or GED equivalent required.
• Experience: Minimum of one (1) year of experience in transit scheduling, logistics, dispatching, or a customer service call center preferred.
• Tech Savvy: Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and a demonstrated ability to learn Trip Master /CTS automated scheduling software systems.
• Geography Skills: Strong geographical knowledge of local rural roads, medical facilities, and neighboring service sectors.
• Federal Mandates: Must successfully pass a pre-employment criminal background check and comply with Federal Transit Administration (FTA) drug and alcohol testing mandates.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Empathy and Patience: A compassionate service approach tailored to older adults, individuals with disabilities, and low-income community members.
• Multi-Tasking: Ability to remain calm and organized while managing multiple phone lines, radio channels, and system alerts simultaneously.
• Clear Communication: Excellent verbal skills to give instructions to drivers and navigate service changes with clients politely.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• This position is strictly office-based, requiring long periods of sitting or standing at a desk.
• Continual use of a phone headset and computer monitor is required.

Schedule & Hours

• Shift: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM Monday through Friday
• Hours: 40 hours per week (includes a 30-minute lunch break)

Benefits

• Medical Insurance, 401K and PTO Benefits
• Voluntary Dental and Vision Benefits

The physical demands described here are the 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.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Ability to Commute:

• New Philadelphia, OH 44663 (Required)

Work Location: In person