Job Details

Maintaining efficiency and economy in operations management requires flexibility in job assignments. While each employee shall have a primary responsibility for the job in which that employee has been hired or later promoted to, each employee may be expected to perform other jobs from time to time.

SUMMARY:

Dispatchers provide public safety services to the patrons and employees of the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System. Dispatchers are trained to respond to emergency and non-emergency calls. The position also receives training to dispatch those calls to Code Compliance Inspectors (CCIs) and Transit Security Officers (TSOs) in the field. Dispatchers are classified as Public Officers under California Penal Code Section 836.5. The position is non-sworn and unarmed. Considerable judgment is required in meeting emergency situations and in coordination with other personnel, contractors, and local agencies. Dispatchers may be required to prepare incident and other reports, as well as testify in court when subpoenaed. Dispatchers work varied shifts based on seniority on a 4 day/10 hours per day work week.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES:

Essential Functions

• Answers emergency and non-emergency calls from patrons and SDMTS employees.
• Assists and provides information to patrons and the public.
• Dispatches CCIs and TSOs to calls for service on busses, trains, transit centers, bus stops and any other SDMTS properties.
• Retrieves video from Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs) and CCTV system. Provide video copies to SDMTS Risk Management, Legal Department, and local law enforcement agencies as requested.

Duties May Include, But Are Not Limited To, The Following:

• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of or ability to learn MTS policies and regulations; ability to read, understand and apply MTS policies and regulations; ability to write reports using clear, concise and grammatically correct English; ability to speak clearly, distinctly and effectively in person-to-person or small group situations using tact and diplomacy; ability to coordinate and initiate actions; ability to establish and maintain priorities in order to complete assignments by deadlines; skill in verifying the accuracy and completeness of forms and reports; knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel; ability to learn and use other software that MTS might have or acquire; ability to use 2-way radios to communicate with supervisors and the Operation Control Center and police radios to communicate during routine records checks or in emergency response situations.

Physical Requirements

The successful candidate must be able to fulfill the physical demands of the job such as walking, stooping, sitting, bending, reaching for overhead files and occasional lifting (must be able to lift up to 35 pounds). Must be able to operate a motor vehicle and perform tasks involving manual dexterity, such as use of a computer and 10-key. Work hours are a 10-hour shift, 4 days per week, and may include nights and/or weekends as part of the regular schedule.

Experience/Education/Certificates/License(s)

Possess a high school diploma or a high school equivalency certificate. Familiarity with the California Criminal Justice system is desirable. Candidates must complete the POST Certified Public Safety Dispatchers' Basic Course prior to hire or within the first year of employment. Must possess and maintain a valid California driver's license.

GENERAL:

Must satisfactorily pass all applicable examinations including, but not limited to, a pre-employment physical, drug screen and background check.

SALARY: $23.85 with incremental increases

DISCLAIMER: The above described job elements are intended to indicate the general nature and levels of work being performed by employees assigned to the job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities and skills required of employees so classified. Management retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.