Driver/Dispatch

Under the supervision of the Transportation Manager is responsible for providing dispatch and scheduling services for transportation services. Responds to requests for public bus transportation, schedules routes accordingly and logs scheduling information. Also serves as a Bus Driver as assigned. In such cases is responsible for providing safe, efficient, customer- friendly transportation.
An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions. These examples do not include all of the duties, which the employee may be expected to perform. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.

1. Receives telephone, e-mail, and fax requests for transportation, both in and outside the county, determines if requested time and route can be accommodated, and suggests alternative times if appropriate. Schedules rides taking into consideration the special needs (e.g., physical requirements, mental disabilities, etc.) of many of the passengers served by the department.
2. Prepares daily logs to include recording time, address, and fare information for each pickup.
3. Responds by phone to provide professional customer service and answers questions from the public regarding transportation services in the County.
4. Operates and effectively communicates (speaks clearly and concisely) using base station or hand held radio and enforces FCC required radio procedures to ensure radio discipline of drivers.
5. Complies with all applicable safety requirements, laws, and regulations concerning refueling procedures when dispatching buses.
6. Coordinates with the Chief Dispatcher and Transportation Manager for resolution of customer complaints.
7. Learns and operates computerized dispatch software program and performs necessary daily back-ups of data.
8. Maintains records and receipts. Balance receipts, prepares deposits and enters all data into computerized system.
9. Drives vehicle to transport passengers to various destinations. Provides customer assistance to a variety of passengers ranging from school age to the elderly. Passengers may have special needs or require additional assistance.
10. Runs routes as written or verbally dispatched.
11. Complies with all applicable safety requirements, laws, and regulations.
12. Performs a Michigan Department of Transportation pre-inspection and required post- inspection of vehicle, records any deficiencies and reports all maintenance needs to proper personnel.
13. Performs daily maintenance of bus (fueling, adding fluids, etc.).
14. Maintains a log of trips and number of passengers. Verifies monies, proper fares, fuel, and mileage.
15. Fuels and cleans vehicle throughout the day or at end of shift or day.
16. Records and report any incidents, injuries, or vehicle damage to proper personnel before end of shift.
17. Notifies bus system management of any safety or maintenance concerns.
18. Communicates positively with bus patrons.
19. Supports Bus Aide with appropriate, positive guidance with children.
20. Attends training and staff meetings as required.
21. Performs other duties as directed.

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job.

• High school diploma and one year of experience as a bus driver in public transportation.
• The county, at its discretion, may consider an alternative combination of formal education and work experience.
• Michigan Commercial Driver's License - Class C with passenger endorsement.
• Pass a Michigan Department of Transportation physical and drug screen prior to employment.
• Obtain a Michigan Department of Transportation Medical Examiner's certification within ten days of employment and CPR training within six months of employment. Certifications must be maintained throughout employment.
• Ability to learn and master radio equipment and transportation software.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of safe driving techniques and providing customer service.
• Considerable knowledge of county roads, reading maps, providing customer service while transporting passengers, working with a variety of people including providing service to passengers with special needs and assistance, performing arithmetic, preparing receipts and daily log reports, and driving safely in all weather conditions.
• Skill in effectively communicating ideas and concepts orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships and use good judgment, initiative and resourcefulness when dealing with county employees, contractors to the county, representatives of other governmental units, professional contacts, elected officials, bus patrons and the public.
• Ability to learn new technology applicable to the position.
• Skill in the use of specialized vehicle transportation equipment such as chair lifts and securing passengers prior to transport.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in the office and field. While in the office, the employee is regularly required to communicate in person and radio, read regular and small print, view and produce written documents and enter data. The employee must be mobile with the ability to stand, sit, stoop and kneel, use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee must lift or push/pull objects of up to 25 lbs. without assistance and assist special needs passengers. Accommodation will be made, as needed, for employees required to lift or move objects that exceed this weight.
While performing the duties of this job the employee works in outdoor weather conditions while driving and is exposed to fumes or airborne particles, noxious odors, vibrations from driving a bus and traffic. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but can be loud.Employment Type: Teamster BUS