Dispatcher- Transit, Frederick County, Frederick, MD
Frederick County -
Frederick, MD,
US
Dispatcher- Transit
Date Posted: 2024-04-20
Job description
Salary: $22.02 Hourly
Location : Transit - Frederick, MD
Job Type: Full-time Regular
Job Number: FY24-00426
Department: Transit Services Division
Opening Date: 04/16/2024
Closing Date: 4/30/2024 4:00 PM Eastern
JOB INFORMATION
Frederick County is offering premium pay and sign on bonuses to join the award-winning transit system of Transit Services of Frederick County! We are seeking an energetic and customer service focused individual to become a part of our growing team.
Proudly serving the Frederick community, Transit provides essential transportation services to the County to connect people to employment, medical services, education, and more. Transit offers public transit, paratransit, and commuter assistance services throughout Frederick County, MD.
POSITION OVERVIEW:
Non-exempt; full-time; 40 hours per week; 11:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; varied shift assignments; Monday-Saturday; full-benefits; grant funded
This essential position performs functions in support of daily Transit operations, including dispatching, intake, and scheduling of demand-response, deviated-route, fixed-route and other Transit services. Direction is given to drivers; Supervision is received from the Operations Manager.
Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.
TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE:
Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how highly we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full time benefited Frederick County Government employee.
Other employee paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, etc.
For more information, visit our benefits page on the Frederick County Government job opportunities webpage
Additional Differential - The base rate of pay for this position is $22.02 per hour, however is eligible to earn a $2.50 differential, making the current rate of pay $24.52 per hour. The $2.50 pay differential is dependent on a separate funding source and is subject to change based on that funding source.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
EXAMINATION PROCESS (may include):
1) An evaluation of training and experience
2) Related office skills and map-reading tests
3) One or more interviews
4) A behind-the-wheel driving exam
5) A DOT physical exam and DOT drug test, which includes testing for marijuana
Retirement Plan:
A defined benefit retirement plan is provided for all regular County employees. Employees are automatically enrolled in either the Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting) or the Non-Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting, effective 07/01/2024) depending upon position classification. The majority of support for the plan is provided by the County; however, employees are required to make a mandatory pre-tax contribution towards their benefit. Retirement benefits are payable at normal, early or delayed retirement. Retirement benefits are also payable upon termination and in the event of death or disability.
Health Insurance:
County employees have a choice of two medical insurance plans, an In-Network (HMO) Plan or a High Deductible medical plan with a Health Care Savings Account, to provide coverage for medical and surgical expenses, hospital and emergency care expenses, mental health expenses and prescription drugs. The County and participants share in the cost of the health insurance with the employee having the benefit of pre tax contribution deductions. Medical insurance goes into effect on the first day of active employment.
Dental Insurance:
Employees may select coverage from one of three dental plan options, ranging from a PPO plan to a dental HMO plan. Coverage includes preventive care, fillings, crowns, bridges and dentures, and the cost of dental insurance is shared by both the County and the employee. Dental insurance goes into effect on the first day of the month that follows the eligible employee's completion of 30 days of active employment
NOTE: Employees working 75% or greater of a 35 or 40 hour position are eligible for health & dental insurance.
Flexible Spending Accounts:
The Flex Spending plan allows employees to pay health and day care expenses with pre-tax dollars. Employees may set aside part of their salary in a special account that can be used throughout the year to reimburse themselves for out-of-pocket medical expenses. The maximum contribution is $2,700 per year for Health Care Spending and $5,000 for Dependent Care Spending (work-related day care expenses). Examples of expenses that can be reimbursed for Health Care Spending include, but are not limited to: deductibles, co-payments, dental fees, chiropractors' services, and eyeglasses / contact lenses.
Life Insurance:
Employees are insured for 2 times their annual salary in case of death plus 2 times their annual salary for accidental death. Employees do not contribute to the premiums for this coverage. A Voluntary Life Insurance Program is offered to regular County employees. The plan allows employees to purchase individually owned term life insurance for themselves, spouses and dependents.
Savings Plan - Deferred Compensation:
The County offers a Section 457 Plan. Deferred compensation plans allow participants to save for retirement in either a pre tax or post tax (Roth) investment account. Contributions are invested at the employee's direction into one or more of the variety of investment options offered by the plan. Changes may be made to the contribution levels, investment options, etc. at any time.
Educational Reimbursement Program:
County employees who have successfully passed their probationary period may take up to two job-related courses per semester at any accredited educational institution. The benefit also covers the costs of job-related non-credit courses. If the employee receives a grade of at least a C, or successfully passes a non-credit course, the County reimburses the employee 75% of the costs of tuition, fees and books. If an employee doesn't remain employed with Frederick County Government for two years after a class is taken, the benefit needs to be reimbursed to FCG.
Employee Assistance Program:
This confidential assessment, referral and counseling service is available at no cost to all employees who may need help with a personal or job-related problem.
Leave
Annual Leave - Employees are eligible to use Annual Leave after their 6 month probationary period. Annual Leave accrues as follows: Years of service days per year
0 - 2 years 11 days
2 - 10 years 17 days
10 + years 24 days
Sick Leave - Employees will earn sick leave at a rate of 15 days per calendar year.
Sick Leave may also be used for illness of an employee's child, dependent, spouse, parent or parent-in-law. There is no limit on the amount of sick leave accumulated. Unused Sick Leave may be used for additional credit in the pension plan at the time of retirement.
NOTE: Regular benefited part-time employees earn annual and sick leave on a pro-rated basis based on their actual number of hours worked biweekly up to their assigned number of regularly scheduled work hours.
Other available types of leave include, but are not limited to, Family Medical Leave, Bereavement, Jury, Military.
Holidays:
The County observes 10 holidays every year and 11 are observed on years of General Elections.
For additional information on Frederick County Governments benefit package, please visit the Division of Human Resources website at
All hires before January 1, 2012, will follow the all benefit and leave rules as described in the Personnel Rules amended October 3, 2013.
01
Have you earned a high school diploma or the equivalency?
02
Which best describes your automobile operator's license status?
03
Do you have an L restriction on your CDL license?
04
Have you passed the airbrake knowledge and skills tests?
05
Do you have valid passenger endorsement?
06
Which describes your level of proficiency with MS Office Suite software?
07
Do you have a minimum 2 year of clerical office or Transit work experience?
08
Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed.NOTE: If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be granted the requirement.
09
Do you have a minimum 1 year work experience working with the public?
10
Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed.NOTE: If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be granted the requirement.
11
Do you have experience with automated dispatch and scheduling software?
12
Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed.NOTE: If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be granted the preference.
13
Do you have work experience in Transit operations?
14
Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed.NOTE: If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be granted the preference.
Required Question
Location : Transit - Frederick, MD
Job Type: Full-time Regular
Job Number: FY24-00426
Department: Transit Services Division
Opening Date: 04/16/2024
Closing Date: 4/30/2024 4:00 PM Eastern
JOB INFORMATION
Frederick County is offering premium pay and sign on bonuses to join the award-winning transit system of Transit Services of Frederick County! We are seeking an energetic and customer service focused individual to become a part of our growing team.
Proudly serving the Frederick community, Transit provides essential transportation services to the County to connect people to employment, medical services, education, and more. Transit offers public transit, paratransit, and commuter assistance services throughout Frederick County, MD.
POSITION OVERVIEW:
Non-exempt; full-time; 40 hours per week; 11:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; varied shift assignments; Monday-Saturday; full-benefits; grant funded
This essential position performs functions in support of daily Transit operations, including dispatching, intake, and scheduling of demand-response, deviated-route, fixed-route and other Transit services. Direction is given to drivers; Supervision is received from the Operations Manager.
Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.
TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE:
Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how highly we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full time benefited Frederick County Government employee.
- 11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment
- 15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover
- 11 paid scheduled holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays
- Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options to include generous County HSA contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending
- 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and AD&D benefit
- Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program
- Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
- County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan
- Vesting after 5 years of service (effective 7/1/2024)
- Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc.
For more information, visit our benefits page on the Frederick County Government job opportunities webpage
Additional Differential - The base rate of pay for this position is $22.02 per hour, however is eligible to earn a $2.50 differential, making the current rate of pay $24.52 per hour. The $2.50 pay differential is dependent on a separate funding source and is subject to change based on that funding source.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
- In conjunction with the shift supervisor, oversee and provide direction to more than 10 active drivers, including instructing drivers on transfers, breaks, vehicle switch-outs, and emergency response
- Respond to locations of in-service vehicle breakdowns, incidents, crashes, and other service issues and render assistance as needed
- Receive incoming calls from transit drivers; provide information and assistance as needed
- Coordinate vehicle maintenance and cleaning; assist with collection of funds from on-board vault; perform basic vehicle inspections
- Monitor and document on-time performance, no-shows, weather, traffic delays, and other service issues
- Serve as the direct line of communication for demand-response paratransit drivers; ensure drivers receive immediate assistance for traffic, re-routing, and emergency issues
- Communicate clearly and effectively through various platforms, including telephones, two-way radios, and e-mail, to drivers, passengers, and management
- Receive incoming calls for demand-response service; schedule these passenger trip requests to maximize the number of customers served and to assure optimum vehicle utilization
- Prepare transit drivers' daily and monthly schedules and vehicle assignments; re-assign work and revise schedules as needed for coverage
- Review driver logs; prepare corresponding timesheet information
- Prepare and maintain manual and computerized files and records including operations reports, incident logs, accident reports, and data concerning service interruptions, cancelations, vehicle breakdowns, etc.
- Compile and maintain customer database and records for filing
- Obtain and verify documentation and complete processing of passenger eligibility for Transit-Plus and ADA transport
- Provide Transit services information to visitors, telephone callers and e-mail contacts
- Compile and prepare data for service planning; assist in developing new services
- Assist in the design of new policies and procedures, forms and data files
- Participate in staff trainings and meetings
- Serve as substitute driver as needed; respond on-call in emergency situations
- Perform clerical tasks and other office support duties
- Perform other related duties as required
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- High school graduation or the equivalent
- Minimum 2 years of clerical office or Transit work experience
- Minimum 1 year of work experience working with the public
- Possession of a valid MD Commercial class B driver's license with passenger endorsement and successful completion of the airbrakes knowledge and skills test (or equivalency from another state)
- Current certification in First Aid and CPR, or ability and willingness to become so certified within 6 months following hire
- Intermediate skills in the use of MS Office Suites, with ability to effectively access and utilize Transit applications
- Ability to maintain County Authorized Driver privileges
- Ability to satisfy all Department of Transportation requirements as they apply to periodic physical examinations and licensing standards
- Willingness and ability to learn to operate all Transit fleet vehicles
- Knowledge of roads, communities and geography of Frederick County and the surrounding area
- Knowledge of Federal, State and local traffic and safety laws and regulations pertaining to vehicle operations
- Accurate math and clerical skills, including the ability to compile, verify and analyze data
- Ability to effectively resolve schedule/route changes, service problems and other on-the-spot situations; to organize and prioritize multiple duties; and to complete assigned duties in a fast-paced environment with many distractions and minimal supervision
- Ability to effectively read maps; plan travel routes; provide verbal routing directions; etc.
- Strong and effective spoken and written (English) communication skills, including the ability to effectively use multi-line phone system, as well as two-way radio equipment in compliance with FCC regulations
- Ability and willingness to complete other job-related training as required
- Strong internal and external customer service ability including ability to exhibit patience, tact, and courtesy working collaboratively in a team environment
- Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, Transit customers (especially people with disabilities and senior citizens), and the general public
- Experience with automated dispatch and scheduling software
- Work experience in Transit operations
- While working in this position, the employee is constantly sitting, pushing over 40 pounds, pulling up to 40 pounds, reaching, and driving; frequently walking, moving, or traversing, climbing, ascending, or descending, stooping, kneeling, and crouching, and performing repetitive motions; occasionally lifting up to 20 pounds and pulling over 40 pounds; rarely reaching.
- While working in this position, the employee is constantly indoors, in hot (above 100 degrees) and cold (below 32 degrees) environments; frequently outdoors, walking on unevan ground and in noisy environments.
- Available for shift assignment and substitution as needed and available on-call for emergency situations
- This position is subject to reasonable suspicion, return to duty and random drug and alcohol testing
- This position is considered essential in the event of inclement weather and/or other emergency situation
- Required certifications must be maintained during tenure of employment. Loss of required certification may result in termination
- The grants that fund this position will determine the duration of the position as well as the benefits available to the employee in the position
EXAMINATION PROCESS (may include):
1) An evaluation of training and experience
2) Related office skills and map-reading tests
3) One or more interviews
4) A behind-the-wheel driving exam
5) A DOT physical exam and DOT drug test, which includes testing for marijuana
Retirement Plan:
A defined benefit retirement plan is provided for all regular County employees. Employees are automatically enrolled in either the Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting) or the Non-Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting, effective 07/01/2024) depending upon position classification. The majority of support for the plan is provided by the County; however, employees are required to make a mandatory pre-tax contribution towards their benefit. Retirement benefits are payable at normal, early or delayed retirement. Retirement benefits are also payable upon termination and in the event of death or disability.
Health Insurance:
County employees have a choice of two medical insurance plans, an In-Network (HMO) Plan or a High Deductible medical plan with a Health Care Savings Account, to provide coverage for medical and surgical expenses, hospital and emergency care expenses, mental health expenses and prescription drugs. The County and participants share in the cost of the health insurance with the employee having the benefit of pre tax contribution deductions. Medical insurance goes into effect on the first day of active employment.
Dental Insurance:
Employees may select coverage from one of three dental plan options, ranging from a PPO plan to a dental HMO plan. Coverage includes preventive care, fillings, crowns, bridges and dentures, and the cost of dental insurance is shared by both the County and the employee. Dental insurance goes into effect on the first day of the month that follows the eligible employee's completion of 30 days of active employment
NOTE: Employees working 75% or greater of a 35 or 40 hour position are eligible for health & dental insurance.
Flexible Spending Accounts:
The Flex Spending plan allows employees to pay health and day care expenses with pre-tax dollars. Employees may set aside part of their salary in a special account that can be used throughout the year to reimburse themselves for out-of-pocket medical expenses. The maximum contribution is $2,700 per year for Health Care Spending and $5,000 for Dependent Care Spending (work-related day care expenses). Examples of expenses that can be reimbursed for Health Care Spending include, but are not limited to: deductibles, co-payments, dental fees, chiropractors' services, and eyeglasses / contact lenses.
Life Insurance:
Employees are insured for 2 times their annual salary in case of death plus 2 times their annual salary for accidental death. Employees do not contribute to the premiums for this coverage. A Voluntary Life Insurance Program is offered to regular County employees. The plan allows employees to purchase individually owned term life insurance for themselves, spouses and dependents.
Savings Plan - Deferred Compensation:
The County offers a Section 457 Plan. Deferred compensation plans allow participants to save for retirement in either a pre tax or post tax (Roth) investment account. Contributions are invested at the employee's direction into one or more of the variety of investment options offered by the plan. Changes may be made to the contribution levels, investment options, etc. at any time.
Educational Reimbursement Program:
County employees who have successfully passed their probationary period may take up to two job-related courses per semester at any accredited educational institution. The benefit also covers the costs of job-related non-credit courses. If the employee receives a grade of at least a C, or successfully passes a non-credit course, the County reimburses the employee 75% of the costs of tuition, fees and books. If an employee doesn't remain employed with Frederick County Government for two years after a class is taken, the benefit needs to be reimbursed to FCG.
Employee Assistance Program:
This confidential assessment, referral and counseling service is available at no cost to all employees who may need help with a personal or job-related problem.
Leave
Annual Leave - Employees are eligible to use Annual Leave after their 6 month probationary period. Annual Leave accrues as follows: Years of service days per year
0 - 2 years 11 days
2 - 10 years 17 days
10 + years 24 days
Sick Leave - Employees will earn sick leave at a rate of 15 days per calendar year.
Sick Leave may also be used for illness of an employee's child, dependent, spouse, parent or parent-in-law. There is no limit on the amount of sick leave accumulated. Unused Sick Leave may be used for additional credit in the pension plan at the time of retirement.
NOTE: Regular benefited part-time employees earn annual and sick leave on a pro-rated basis based on their actual number of hours worked biweekly up to their assigned number of regularly scheduled work hours.
Other available types of leave include, but are not limited to, Family Medical Leave, Bereavement, Jury, Military.
Holidays:
The County observes 10 holidays every year and 11 are observed on years of General Elections.
For additional information on Frederick County Governments benefit package, please visit the Division of Human Resources website at
All hires before January 1, 2012, will follow the all benefit and leave rules as described in the Personnel Rules amended October 3, 2013.
01
Have you earned a high school diploma or the equivalency?
- Yes
- No
02
Which best describes your automobile operator's license status?
- I do not have a valid automobile operator's license
- I have a valid Class C automobile operator's license
- I have a CDL A or B automobile operator's license
03
Do you have an L restriction on your CDL license?
- Yes
- No
04
Have you passed the airbrake knowledge and skills tests?
- Yes
- No
05
Do you have valid passenger endorsement?
- Yes
- No
06
Which describes your level of proficiency with MS Office Suite software?
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
07
Do you have a minimum 2 year of clerical office or Transit work experience?
- Yes
- No
08
Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed.NOTE: If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be granted the requirement.
09
Do you have a minimum 1 year work experience working with the public?
- Yes
- No
10
Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed.NOTE: If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be granted the requirement.
11
Do you have experience with automated dispatch and scheduling software?
- Yes
- No
12
Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed.NOTE: If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be granted the preference.
13
Do you have work experience in Transit operations?
- Yes
- No
14
Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed.NOTE: If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be granted the preference.
Required Question