TRANSPORTATION DISPATCHER - DEPT. OF PUBLIC WORKS

TRANSPORTATION DISPATCHER - 5310

GRADE - 106

PAY RANGE - $22.86 - $32.60hr - plus a comprehensive benefits package

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

Performs dispatching duties in support of Public Works service operations; performs directly related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The principal function of an employee in this class is to ensure the accurate dispatching of information relevant to Highway projects. The work is performed under the supervision and direction of the Chief of Street Operations and other Superintendents but considerable leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgement and initiative. The nature of the work performed requires that an employee in this class establish and maintain effective working relationships with other City employees, outside contractors and the public. The principal duties of this class are performed within an on-site dispatching center.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL WORK:

• Dispatches work orders to crews, notifies Supervisors, Superintendents and others of incoming calls, complaints and related information pertaining to a Highway Department function;
• Receives complaints, questions, comments and inquiries into the status of a project from the public, takes detailed notes of the specific situation, provides relevant information as possible, researches status of projects and Departmental policy and contacts the individual with this information;
• Logs all incoming radio calls;
• Maintains thorough and accurate records of all activities during evening shift, including listing maintenance work of a more routine nature for inclusion into upcoming work orders;
• Monitors weather and alerts proper personnel of any incoming emergency situation, including tornados, snow conditions, electrical storms, floods and related;
• Maintains security throughout Highway Department garage and related area, ensuring only allocated personnel are on the premises and calling the Police Department with any situation which seems out of the ordinary;
• Assists with service requests when there is something broken on the work trucks;
• Provides guidance and demonstrations to new employees in similar positions;
• Keeps supervisors informed of work progress, issues, and potential solutions;
• Attends meetings and training to stay current on relevant practices and developments;
• Responds to citizen inquiries courteously and promptly;
• Coordinates regularly with others to enhance interdepartmental efficiency; and
• Performs additional duties as required by the classification.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Substantial knowledge of current practices and procedures involved in customer service delivery;
• Substantial knowledge of modern office procedures, practices and equipment;
• Substantial knowledge of the function of services within the Highway Department;
• Ability to deal with a wide range of persons, including situations in which individuals may be upset over some issue involved with City activities and policies;
• Ability to communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical language;
• Ability to understand and follow oral and/or written policies, procedures and instructions;
• Ability to prepare and present accurate and reliable reports containing findings and recommendations;
• Ability to operate a personal computer using standard or customized software applications appropriate to assigned tasks;
• Ability to use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and/or oral instructions;
• Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines;
• Ability and willingness to quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information and/or technology;
• Integrity, ingenuity and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

• Graduation from High School or possession of a GED; and
• Zero to two years of experience in a general construction related trade; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the work.

REQUIRED SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• On call status.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL ABILITIES:

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to communicate effectively;
• Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to monitor field situations;
• Sufficient manual dexterity with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate a personal computer and related communications devices;
• Sufficient strength and endurance, with or without reasonable accommodation to lift, carry and move objects, through a full range of motion, up to 10 pounds occasionally, 5 pounds frequently and 2 pounds consistently;
• Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to have access to the dispatching area.